Francesca Clapcich

Francesca Clapcich

Author: Justin Chisholm April 8, 2025 Duration: 1:10:53

Justin Chisholm's guest is Italian / American sailor Francesca Clapcich. 

Frankie – as she is best known – has had an amazing career in sailing since having been introduced to the sport by her parents when she was a young child growing up in Trieste, Italy.  

She has won world and European titles, twice represented Italy at the Olympic Games, is the first Italian to sailor win The Ocean Race, and competed at last year's Women's America's Cup. If all that isn’t enough – she’s also a CrossFit Coach, a triathlete, and ski instructor, too. 

Despite having achieved so much, Frankie is far from ready to rest on her laurels and last month announced her campaign to compete in the 2028 edition of the world’s toughest yacht race – the singlehanded, nonstop, around the world Vendée Globe. 

Frankie spoke to us from her home in Park City, Utah where she lives with her professional sailor wife Sally Barkow and their young daughter Harriet.


[Image © Eloi Stichelbaut - polaRYSE / 11th Hour Racing]




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The Yacht Racing Life Podcast by British sailing journalist Justin Chisholm dives deep into the competitive world of high performance sailing. Aimed at racing sailors and passionate fans, this podcast explores what it really takes to compete at the highest level on the water. Each episode features exclusive, in depth interviews with many of the sport's biggest names - from Olympic medallists and ocean racers to cutting edge designers, tacticians and team leaders. Listeners can expect thoughtful conversations about race strategies, boat speed, technology, team dynamics and the latest developments from major regattas and global yacht racing circuits. With Justin's insider knowledge and access, the podcast offers rare behind the scenes insights, honest stories from the frontline of the sport, and lessons that ambitious sailors can apply to their own racing. Tune in and listen episodes to stay informed, inspired and connected to the fast moving world of professional yacht racing.
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