UpWind by MerConcept

UpWind by MerConcept

Building the Next Generation of Offshore Sailors

Offshore sailing has always demanded exceptional skill, resilience and commitment. Yet for many talented sailors, the pathway into professional ocean racing has remained difficult to access.

UpWind by MerConcept was created to change that.

Founded by world-renowned offshore sailor François Gabart and developed by MerConcept with founding Sponsor 11th Hour Racing, the programme exists to identify, develop and accelerate the next generation of offshore racing talent by providing the opportunities, coaching and experience required to compete at the highest level. Supported by founding partner 11th Hour Racing, UpWind by MerConcept is helping build a more inclusive future for offshore sailing while raising the standard of athlete development across the sport.

UpWind by MerConcept was established with a clear objective: to create genuine pathways into professional offshore racing.

The programme focuses on talented female sailors and underrepresented profiles, giving them access to an environment normally reserved for established professionals.

Rather than simply selecting a racing crew, UpWind by MerConcept is designed as a long-term development programme, combining technical learning, coaching, mentorship and real offshore competition to help athletes progress towards careers in elite ocean racing.

Website: UpWind

Instagram: @upwindbymerconcept

Founding Sponsor: 11thhourracing

The Team

UpWind by MerConcept brings together sailors from a wide range of racing backgrounds, including Olympic sailing, offshore racing, match racing and America's Cup programmes.

The original squad was selected from around 120 applications representing more than 30 nationalities, demonstrating the global demand for opportunities within professional offshore sailing.

Among the programme's notable sailors are:

Anne-Claire Le Berre (France) - Current skipper of the Ocean Fifty campaign
Élodie-Jane Mettraux (Switzerland) - Offshore and multihull specialist
Tiphaine Ragueneau (France)
Arianne van de Loosdrecht (Netherlands)
Sara Stone (USA)
Lisa Farthofer (Austria)
Michaela Robinson (South Africa)

Italian-American offshore sailor Francesca Clapcich led the programme during its inaugural season before transitioning into an ambassador and mentor role, continuing to support the development of future talent.

Henri-Lloyd is proud to be the Official Apparel Partner of UpWind by MerConcept.

For more than 60 years, Henri-Lloyd has equipped sailors operating in some of the world's most demanding environments. Through this partnership, the UpWind by MerConcept team will wear technical clothing engineered for offshore performance, helping athletes focus on what matters most when racing at sea.