Team Francesca Clapcich announces co-skipper for 2026
Alberto Bona joins as Co-Skipper and Sailing Performance ManagerTeam Francesca Clapcich
Alberto Bona has been appointment as Co-Skipper and Sailing Performance Manager, bringing deep offshore solo experience and a shared performance-driven mindset to Team Francesca Clapcich. The Italian offshore specialist will work closely with Francesca and Technical Director Pifou Dargnies (FRA) on sailing performance, race preparation, and technical optimization.
Bona is one of Italy’s most accomplished offshore sailors of his generation, with experience across the Class40, Figaro, and Mini 6.50 Classes. A Class40 World Champion and a proven transatlantic racer, Bona is known for combining sharp race instincts with a methodical, data-driven approach to performance.
“What attracted me to Francesca’s team is the balance between ambition and purpose,” said Bona. “There’s a long-term sporting goal with a strong focus on doing things the right way every day - for people and for the planet. Francesca leads the team with determination, intelligence, and a real openness to learning. I’m excited to contribute my experience and work alongside the whole team to push the level of performance step by step,” he commented.
“Alberto brings a rare combination of offshore instinct, technical understanding, and calm leadership,” said Clapcich. “We’ve raced against each other, we’ve shared ideas over the years, and I trust the way he thinks. He knows what it takes to push performance without losing sight of reliability, and that balance is exactly what I need as a co-skipper.”
Winter refit underway
The team’s IMOCA, 11th Hour Racing, is currently in winter refit at the team’s base in Lorient, France, the international home of offshore yacht racing, following a full season of racing and data analysis. Work underway includes a comprehensive structural inspection, systems upgrades, optimization of onboard ergonomics, and refinements aimed at improving reliability and performance across a wide range of conditions and crew configurations, reducing weight overall, and extracting more consistent performance - key priorities as the program intensifies heading into 2026.