UpWind - A selection program for women sailors

UpWind aims to recruit, train and support a team of six female sailors on the Ocean Fifty circuit, with a view to accompanying one of them to the starting line of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe 2026. To support this project, MerConcept has become the owner of OceanFifty, formerly skippered by Armel Tripon. The trimaran is currently undergoing a complete refit prior to its scheduled launch late March. Francesca Clapcich has been appointed to helm this up-and-coming team. The only Italian sailor to have won The Ocean Race aboard the Imoca 11th Hour Racing in 2022-23, she has a solid background in ocean racing and crewed sailing.
This new program from MerConcept aims to contribute to the evolution of ocean racing, in particular, by making sailing more inclusive, eventually allowing the composition of mixed crews. The application process is open now, and female sailors from around the world are invited to apply by filling in the form on the UpWind by MerConcept website before March 20, 2024.