Park City-area sailor Francesca Clapcich is possibly best known for her daring journeys across the world’s seas.  Through about two-thirds of 2026, Clapcich has sailed alone from France to Ireland and back and from France to the Arctic Circle and back.  Clapcich’s next voyage is coming up on Sept. 1 with The Ocean Race Atlantic from New York City to Lorient, France.  Before Clapcich sets off in this race, however, she’s embarking on a three-week journey for charity called the Changemakers Tour. She and members of her team for the Ocean Race will sail their boat from Boston to New York, stopping in those cities and Newport, Rhode Island, to meet with charitable organizations.  Clapcich and her team will offer sailing days, boat tours and opportunities for career growth to organizations who run sailing, ocean health and sporting programs.  Francesca Clapcich and her team will offer sailing days, boat tours and career growth opportunities to nonprofit groups. Credit: Photo courtesy of Julien Champolion/Team Francesca Clapcich “I’m really excited about it,” Clapcich said. “There are a lot of organizations that are doing pretty awesome work on the East Coast. … (The boat’s) sponsor is based on the East Coast.” Clapcich promotes a “Believe, Belong and Achieve” mantra. She believes anyone can reach great heights if they are taught to believe in themselves and that they belong. The sailor will also be launching the first Believe, Belong and Achieve internship program for three people from New York City’s Rocking the Boat nonprofit on Aug. 16.  The sailor said she’s also interested in hearing from the organizations that will be part of the tour to learn how they’re best growing the sport and protecting oceans.  “We believe some of the most effective solutions for ocean health are already taking shape in communities around the world,” said 11th Hour Racing President Michelle Carnevale. “Our role is to invest in the people and organizations driving that progress, helping connect, amplify and accelerate their work. … The Changemakers Tour brings together local leaders who are proving what’s possible and uses the platform of sport to share their ideas with new audiences.” 11th Hour Racing is an environmental group based out of Newport that sponsors Clapcich’s team.  Clapcich said the tour could help her recharge and give her further motivation ahead of the Ocean Race. Her team anticipates the race will likely take seven to nine days to complete. “The Ocean Race Atlantic is going to be my first and only crewed race of the season,” Clapcich said. “I’m really proud of the team that we put together. … I’m pretty happy to have three other sailors on board to share the load. We have a boat that can perform really well if the conditions are good.” Clapcich said the weather will present new challenges each time completing a transatlantic race, which she’s done five times before.  After spending time in Europe earlier this year, Clapcich has been enjoying the Wasatch Back as she leads up to the tour and the race. She completed a three-day solo backpacking trip in the Uinta Mountains over the weekend, which was a good physical and mental challenge, she said. The sailor appreciates time outdoors whether sailing, hiking or skiing. Clapcich feels there’s a strong bond between the work she’ll be doing on the East Coast during the tour and things that are important to many in the Wasatch Back. 11th Hour Racing does work with Protect our Winters, a Boulder, Colorado, nonprofit focused on legal reform and civic engagement surrounding environmental issues.  “Being a professional sailor, and able to come back home and enjoy our mountains and outdoors, I feel really privileged,” Clapcich said. “Unfortunately, we are not super involved here in town. … Even if it’s not strictly connected to sailing, I think it’s just about protecting the beautiful world that we have around.” For further information about Clapcich’s team, tour or results in the Ocean Race, see her website, francescaclapcich.com. The post Area sailor embarks on journey for charity appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less