News article
Clapcich teams up with 11th Hour Racing for educational initiatives
Renowned sailor Francesca Clapcich and 11th Hour Racing, the environmental organisation dedicated to ocean health, have collaborated on the launch of a new global campaign designed to tackle discrimination and climate change.
‘Believe, Belong, Achieve’ will feature a series of practical and academic initiatives that will leverage education, advocacy and collective action across grassroots and elite sport.
Clapcich is a double Olympian and the only Italian to win The Ocean Race. She lives with her wife and daughter in the US, and has personal experience of not being truly accepted or given equal opportunities in her sport.
While promoting inclusion and belonging in the sport of sailing, Clapcich is also advocating for climate justice.
The first phase of the campaign is already underway with the commissioning of a research study that will explore how ‘belief’ and ‘belonging’ optimise achievement in sailing and can enable more effective climate action.
“My ambition is that our ‘Believe, Belong, Achieve’ campaign will help raise awareness of social and climate injustices, break down barriers, and change the status quo, while working with others on solutions to help accelerate a transition to a more fair and just society, for everyone,” Clapcich said.
“Fostering belief and belonging in sport enables everyone to fulfil their potential and when we apply these principles to the challenges our planet is facing, we can uncover better solutions to tackle climate change by centring decision-making through the voices of those most affected.”
Clapcich has been sponsored by Rhode Island-based 11th Hour Racing since January 2024.
Image: Amory Ross/11th Hour Racing