Promoting a more inclusive and sustainable offshore sailing community.
MerConcept, a leading provider of sailing and offshore solutions, has partnered with Anne-Claire Le Berre to lead this new chapter.
A New Era for UpWind
UpWind is an initiative that aims to promote diversity, inclusion, and sustainable excellence in offshore sailing. The project has been launched by MerConcept, a company that specializes in sailing and offshore solutions.
The New Skipper of Upwind: Anne-Claire Clapcich
Anne-Claire Clapcich has taken over as the skipper of Upwind, replacing the highly respected Francesca. This change comes after Francesca played a crucial role in shaping the initiative with MerConcept and 11th Hour Racing. The new skipper brings a wealth of experience in offshore and high-performance sailing, making her the ideal candidate for the position.
Experience and Background
Anne-Claire Clapcich’s extensive experience in offshore and high-performance sailing has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the demanding world of sailing. Her background in competitive sailing has honed her ability to think strategically and make quick decisions, essential qualities for a skipper.
The Importance of Leadership
As a skipper, Anne-Claire Clapcich will be responsible for leading a team of sailors and making critical decisions that can impact the outcome of a competition. Her strong leadership skills and ability to work well under pressure will be invaluable assets in this role.
As a member of the French national sailing team, Le Berre has consistently demonstrated her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.
A Profile of Anne-Claire Le Berre
Anne-Claire Le Berre is a highly accomplished sailor with a storied career in elite-level competition. Born and raised in France, Le Berre began her sailing journey at a young age and quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for the sport.
The Vendée Globe: November 2025, A solo, non-stop, around-the-world sailing race. The Route du Rhône: A 1,000-mile sailing race that takes place in the Mediterranean. The Transat Jacques Vabre: A 2,500-mile sailing race that takes place in the Atlantic Ocean. The Route du Rhône and the Transat Jacques Vabre will be sailed in partnership with the French Navy.
The 2025 Season: A Year of Endurance and Adventure
Anne-Claire Le Dizet, the skipper of UpWind by MerConcept, is set to embark on an ambitious 2025 season that promises to be one of the most exciting and challenging sailing seasons in recent history. With a packed schedule of prestigious offshore races, Anne-Claire and her team will be pushing the limits of human endurance and testing the boundaries of their boat, UpWind.
The Ocean Fifty Series
The Ocean Fifty Series is a highly anticipated event that will take place between May and November 2025. This series of races will see Anne-Claire and her team competing against some of the world’s top sailors in a battle for supremacy.
Her leadership skills were instrumental in the formation of the UpWind program.
The Birth of UpWind
UpWind was born out of the need for more women to participate in multihull sailing. The program’s founders recognized the lack of opportunities for women to compete at the highest level in the sport. They saw a gap in the market and decided to take action. The partnership between 11th Hour Racing and MerConcept was formed to address this issue.
The Founders’ Vision
The founders of UpWind had a clear vision for the program. They wanted to create a platform that would empower women in multihull sailing. They believed that by providing opportunities for women to compete at the highest level, they could inspire a new generation of female sailors. The founders also recognized the importance of leadership skills in sailing, and they aimed to develop these skills in the women who participated in the program.
The Program’s Structure
UpWind is a partnership between 11th Hour Racing and MerConcept. The program is designed to provide women with the skills and knowledge they need to compete at the highest level in multihull sailing. The program includes a range of activities, such as sailing training, coaching, and mentoring. The program is also designed to provide women with opportunities to compete in regattas and other sailing events.
The Benefits of UpWind
UpWind offers a range of benefits to the women who participate in the program. These benefits include:
The Impact of UpWind
UpWind has already made a significant impact on the sailing community.