Anne-Claire Le Berre takes the helm: a new chapter for UpWind by MerConcept
by MerConcept 14 Feb 05:51 GMT
Anne-Claire takes the helm of UpWind by MerConcept © David Lupion / UpWind by MerConcept
UpWind by MerConcept is proud to announce Anne-Claire Le Berre as the new skipper for the 2025 season of Upwind, an initiative designed to promote diversity, inclusion, and sustainable excellence in offshore sailing created in 2024 by MerConcept with the support of Founding Sponsor 11th Hour Racing.
This marks an exciting new chapter in the project's mission to empower professional female sailors at the highest level of offshore racing. Anne-Claire steps into the role following the inspiring leadership of Francesca Clapcich, who has been an integral part of UpWind's success over the past year and will continue to sail as part of the crew.
A natural evolution
The transition from Francesca to Anne-Claire reflects the dynamic growth and continuity of the UpWind project. Francesca, with her experience at two Olympics, the Puig Women's America's Cup, the Solitaire du Figaro, and The Ocean Race, played a pivotal role in shaping the initiative with MerConcept and 11th Hour Racing, and leaves a legacy of resilience and determination. UpWind celebrates her achievements and is delighted to keep working with her as ambassador of the project.
"I want to thank 11th Hour Racing and MerConcept for the trust they put in me to lead the Upwind team in the very first season of Ocean Fifty racing, said Clapcich. It's been an incredible experience with tons of opportunities to learn which I will keep with me forever. I'm looking forward to continue racing onboard with the team this season and to supporting Anne-Claire in this transition period. Anne-Claire is the ideal choice for skipper due to her years of experience in offshore and high performance sailing, along with her engineering knowledge, and the fact she is an amazing team player. She is the perfect fit for the role and one of the most qualified in the industry!"
Anne-Claire Le Berre, an accomplished sailor with an impressive record in elite-level competition, is well-positioned to continue UpWind's mission to empower women in the offshore sailing community. With years of experience in match racing, offshore sailing, and as an advocate for diversity in the sport, with a background of technical director and being trained as a naval architect and engineer, Anne-Claire embodies the core values of UpWind by MerConcept: inclusion, performance, and innovation.
"I'm honored to step up in a new role with UpWind by MerConcept and to carry forward its inspiring mission," said Anne-Claire. "This project represents a unique opportunity to empower female sailors and to push the boundaries of what we can achieve together in offshore racing. I'm excited to get started with this exceptional team."
Looking ahead to 2025
As skipper, Anne-Claire will lead UpWind by MerConcept into an ambitious 2025 season that includes:
- The Ocean Fifty Series, taking place between May and November 2025.
- The Rolex Fastnet Race: July 2025, Competing in one of the world's most prestigious offshore races, showcasing talent and teamwork.
- Transat Café de l'Or: October 2025, Taking on another iconic transatlantic challenge, building on the team's offshore expertise and competitive spirit.
- Community Engagement: Building on UpWind's mission to inspire and empower the next generation of female sailors.
"Our focus remains on creating pathways for women in offshore racing and showcasing the immense talent and potential within our sport," said Cécile Andrieu, Director of Racing at MerConcept. "We are thrilled to welcome Anne-Claire and to continue working with 11th Hour Racing to expand the impact of UpWind by MerConcept."
A partnership with meaning
This transition and the broader UpWind project would not be possible without the unwavering support of 11th Hour Racing. Their commitment to sustainability, diversity, and innovation aligns perfectly with UpWind's goals, and their partnership continues to drive the project's success:
"Empowering women in offshore racing is a key part of our vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future in the sport," said Jeremy Pochman, CEO and co-founder of 11th Hour Racing. "We are deeply grateful to Francesca for her exceptional leadership during the inaugural year of UpWind by MerConcept. This program has not only opened doors for women to compete at the highest level in multihull sailing but has also created a space for them to gain invaluable experience, advance their skills, and step into roles that might have previously seemed out of reach. While success is not solely defined by performance, these women are racing for something far greater. As Francesca passes the baton to Anne-Claire, this transition marks the natural evolution of the program—one that continues to break barriers and inspire a new generation of athletes to find their sense of belonging within this remarkable team."