{"id":413,"date":"2025-02-14T10:01:58","date_gmt":"2025-02-14T09:01:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/upwindbymerconcept.com\/?p=413"},"modified":"2025-02-14T10:01:58","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T09:01:58","slug":"anne-claire-le-berre-takes-the-helm-a-new-chapter-for-upwind-by-merconcept","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/upwindbymerconcept.com\/en\/anne-claire-le-berre-takes-the-helm-a-new-chapter-for-upwind-by-merconcept\/","title":{"rendered":"Anne-Claire Le Berre Takes the Helm: A New Chapter for UpWind by MerConcept"},"content":{"rendered":"

UpWind by MerConcept is proud to announce Anne-Claire Le Berre as the new skipper for the 2025 season of Upwind, an <\/span>initiative designed to promote diversity, inclusion, and sustainable excellence in offshore sailing c<\/span>reated in 2024 by MerConcept with the support of Founding Sponsor 11th Hour Racing. This marks an exciting new chapter in the project\u2019s 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\u2019s success over the past year and will continue to sail as part of the crew.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Natural Evolution<\/strong><\/p>\n

The transition from Francesca to Anne-Claire reflects the dynamic growth and continuity of the UpWind project. Francesca, <\/span>with her experience at two Olympics, the Puig Women\u2019s America\u2019s Cup, the Solitaire du Figaro, and The Ocean Race,<\/span><\/i> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI 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\u2019s been an incredible experience with tons of opportunities to learn which I will keep with me forever. I\u2019m 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!\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Anne-Claire Le Berre, an accomplished sailor with an impressive record in elite-level competition, is well-positioned to continue UpWind\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m honored to step up in a new role with UpWind by MerConcept and to carry forward its inspiring mission,\u201d said Anne-Claire. \u201cThis project represents a unique opportunity to empower female sailors and to push the boundaries of what we can achieve together in offshore racing. I\u2019m excited to get started with this exceptional team.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Looking Ahead to 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

As skipper, Anne-Claire will lead UpWind by MerConcept into an ambitious 2025 season that includes:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n