2024 year in review for UpWind by MerConcept
by MerConcept 14 Dec 12:13 GMT
2024 year in review for UpWind by MerConcept © David Lupion / UpWind by MerConcept
Since its launch in early 2024, UpWind by MerConcept has continued its mission to transform offshore sailing into a more inclusive and inspiring space.
With the support of 11th Hour Racing, this initiative has brought together, mentored, and empowered women and young sailing enthusiasts while raising awareness about sustainability challenges.
Human impact at scale
From Saint-Malo to Morocco, through Concarneau-Brittany and New York, the project has reached and inspired over 150 young women and girls from diverse backgrounds. These participants have been offered unique opportunities to discover sailing, learn alongside professionals, and envision a future in the sport.
Through practical training, mentorship, and shared experiences with top-level sailors, UpWind has encouraged these women and girls to believe in themselves and their potential.
"UpWind by MerConcept represents a bold step forward in our mission to drive diversity in high-performance sailing," said Jeremy Pochman, co-founder and CEO of 11th Hour Racing. "The UpWind Team and MerConcept have shown that offshore sailing, with its unique challenges, has the power to inspire change, foster inclusivity, and transform lives. We are not just advancing opportunities for women in sailing—we are designing the standard for diversity and sustainability in the sport."
A platform for revealing female talent
In 2024, seven promising female sailors, selected from 120 candidates representing 30 countries, joined the UpWind program. These women, from varied backgrounds, participated in intensive training, sailed on high-performance boats such as the Ocean Fifty, and benefited from mentorship provided by experienced technical experts and sailors.
This initiative not only helped them hone their technical skills but also offered them valuable visibility in a sport where female representation remains low. Lisa, one of the selected sailors, shared: "This program gave me the confidence and tools to dream bigger. I'm not just a sailor anymore; I'm a competitor."
Local actions, global transformation
UpWind's commitment extended beyond training sailors—it also focused on building bridges between sailing and local communities. From Brittany to North America to Morocco, the team worked with associations, schools, and organizations to promote the values of inclusion and sustainability.
For example:
- In Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, UpWind facilitated meaningful dialogue with LGBTQIA+ associations and young adults undergoing social reintegration.
- In Port Camargue, a beach cleanup session and visits with young women passionate about sailing underscored the importance of environmental action while inspiring the next generation.
- In Morocco, local female sailors experienced their first sail on a trimaran, discovering the career possibilities offered by offshore sailing.
A global movement for diversity in sport
By bringing together diverse audiences through international conferences, roundtables, and podcast discussions, UpWind contributed to a necessary dialogue on diversity and inclusion in offshore sailing.
From New York to Paris, these exchanges highlighted both the challenges and solutions for fostering sustainable growth in the sport. These moments of collective reflection solidify UpWind's position as a key driver of change in the sailing industry.
Toward an even more inclusive future
With over 150 young women inspired, seven female sailors competing in the Ocean Fifty circuit, and dozens of local associations engaged, 2024 is just the beginning. The ambition for 2025 is even greater: to inspire more young people, support new vocations, and continue demonstrating that diversity is a strength for performance.
"Offshore sailing is a demanding sport, but it's also a powerful lever to inspire, include, and transform lives. This year, UpWind has shown that sailing can be a force for diversity and sustainability. We're eager to continue along this path in 2025." — Cécile Andrieu, Director of Racing, MerConcept