With preparations for The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026 entering their final stages, attention is turning from winter development programmes to the boats that will define one of offshore sailing’s most anticipated events of the year.
Over the coming week, Nowaitlist Magazine will spotlight four of the newest IMOCA campaigns set to line up for the transatlantic challenge. First in the series is Team Francesca Clapcich – Powered by 11th Hour Racing, whose March unveiling marked the beginning of an ambitious new chapter both on and beyond the racecourse.
Presented following an extensive four-month winter refit in Lorient, France, the team’s IMOCA 60 emerged with a striking new identity that immediately distinguished itself from the fleet. While the vibrant geometric livery drew plenty of attention, the launch represented far more than a visual transformation—it officially introduced the next phase of Francesca Clapcich’s long-term campaign towards the 2028 Vendée Globe.
The IMOCA, originally launched in 2022 and now racing under the name 11th Hour Racing, has already established itself as one of the class’s proven offshore platforms. Throughout the winter, engineers and the sailing team focused on structural refinements, systems optimisation and performance upgrades designed to prepare the yacht for the demanding calendar ahead, beginning with The Ocean Race Atlantic.
Visually, the yacht showcases the work of Italian creative studio Van Orton Design, whose unmistakable stained-glass-inspired artwork brings a fresh identity to the campaign. The design reflects the team’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and ocean stewardship—values that continue to sit at the heart of 11th Hour Racing’s wider mission.
For Clapcich, however, the project carries even greater significance.
The Italian-American sailor is pursuing an opportunity to become the first Italian woman—and the first American woman—to compete in the Vendée Globe, widely regarded as sailing’s ultimate solo challenge. Success would also place her among an exclusive group of sailors to have competed across sailing’s most prestigious events, including the Olympic Games, the America’s Cup, The Ocean Race and, ultimately, the Vendée Globe.
As anticipation builds towards The Ocean Race Atlantic, Team Francesca Clapcich – Powered by 11th Hour Racing arrives with a campaign that blends proven offshore performance with purpose-driven storytelling. The March launch served as both a technical milestone and a statement of intent, signalling that one of offshore racing’s most compelling new projects is ready to begin its next chapter.
With the Atlantic crossing drawing ever closer, this is only the beginning.
Stay with Nowaitlist Pieces as we continue our Road to The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026 series, highlighting the four new IMOCA launches set to shape this year’s race across the Atlantic.
