Francesca Clapcich – The “Mula de Trieste”
Born in 1988 in Trieste, Italy, but a resident of Utah, Francesca Clapcich is now one of Italy’s most multifaceted sailors, as well as one of the most experienced in the international arena as well. Two Olympics behind her, in Laser in London 2012 with 19th place, in Rio paired with Giulia Conti in 49er she finished fifth instead.
After her experience in the Olympic classes, with a European and world gold medal in 49er and several other Italian titles, Francesca turned her attention to something else and discovered the pleasures of the high seas. Start sailing on different classes, try the Figaro 3 as a contact with the big oceanic offshore, finally comes the opportunity for the first round-the-world voyage with Turn the tide on Plastic in the 2017-2018 edition. An edition that positively marks the career of Francesca, who continues to sail in Figaro 3 by participating in a Solitaire du Figaro in 2021, the first Italian woman to try her hand at this very tough all-French test.
For the last of The Ocean Race. her name has long been at the center of the hypothetical birth of an Italian crew that never materialized, but Francesca Clapcich’s international profile meant that the Trieste native found a place in Charlie Enright’s crew, 11Th Hour Racing, with whom she has competed in all but two stages.
For ocean sailing of the present and future, Francesca Clapcich is a solid reality on the way to Vendée Globe 2028.
Mauro Giuffrè
