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But the duo together sailed an outstanding race, the effervescent 37 year old Italian-American Clapcich, who is aiming for the 2028 Vendée Globe – and the hugely experienced Brit, who at the age of 31 is now one of the most complete all round ocean racer of his generation.
They followed their pre-race strategy strictly, aiming to back themselves and make their own decisions, to best exploit the strengths of their powerful VPLP design, rather than being influenced by other teams around them.
And all down the course from Le Havre to Martinique Clapcich and Harris they scarcely put a foot wrong. In winners Jérémie Beyou and three times race winner Morgan Lagravière they were only beaten by a duo for whom this race on Charal was the absolute peak goal for the 2025 season and who have clearly developed a speed edge.
Although a two times round the world racer this was Clapcich’s first double handed race, the starting point for her own programme as she builds up to the 2028 Vendée Globe.
In the big conditions of the first 24 hours, getting out of the Channel and on to the Bay of Biscay they sailed a very strong opening phase, establishing themselves in the leading peloton. An astute reading of the high pressure ridge protecting the Canaries allowed them to slip into the lead. And it was only as the trade winds built that Beyou and Lagravière escaped. They chased second placed Macif Santé Prevoyance doggedly, setting up to pass Sam Goodchild and Loïs Berrehar yesterday.
Even with a lead of some 20 miles there were still some nervous moments as they sailed into Fort-de-France this morning to secure second.
Harris enthused on the dock this morning, “I think we went into this race hoping to be in the top bunch but second is really great, near the very top of the bunch. We started the racing saying we wanted to do our own thing, and manage our own strategy. Coming out of the English Channel that was really ‘full on’, we were happy how we managed that, and we made a good move at the Canaries which put us in the lead. And after that we really did start trusting ourselves, we kept on doing what we though was right and it kept on working out. But hats off to Charal they have discovered a super new set up, it was amazing how fast they were I was really impressed. But to come in in front of a lot of good boats is really cool. I am proud of how we sailed.”
Becoming the first female to finish on the IMOCA podium on this race since 2005 when Ellen Macarthur won with Frenchman Roland Jourdain, Clapcich reflected on the powerful partnership they have formed, one characterised by their infectious humour and big smiles,
“It has been so really special, the team had a really quick turnaround after The Ocean Race Europe, they put so much work into making sure the boat was really ready. We really had no issues and so this is for the entire team. I felt like the Figaro circuit racing a lot of the time, hand steering, taking little sleeps here and there, but that is the cool part of it, everyone is pushing the same. Having to fight back at times is a pretty cool way to race.”
And of the smiles and supportive humour she admits, “I think you have to enjoy it for what it is, it is sport, and we love to tell stories for people at home who are supporting us, it is an important part of why I am sailing and why I am sharing. And there were some tough moments out there but you just need to move on into the next thing. You can lose some positions or make mistakes but you need to be always going forwards.”
Of this, his third Transat Café L’Or Harris reported, “The last 24 hours were some of the most intense sailing I have done on this boat, along with the start. It was super wavy, we were losing control of the boat last night and I think we just said ‘we need to give it everything. We trust the boat. We know how hard we can push it and we just did that and managed to get past Macif, we just trusted our feelings.”
Asked about Charal’s speedy set up, Harris explained, “For sure Charal have the Quad set up, the triple headsail set up, but it is those rudders that are making them fast. With Morgan steering the whole time (laughs), I am sure they have been flying the whole time. Their speeds are incredible, I think they have worked really hard this year and unlocked a whole new mode. They totally deserve to be where they are, they were at the top of the course the whole time and that speed across the Atlantic was incredible.”
And he reflects on Frankie’s potential as she embarks on her journey to the Vendée Globe, “It has been such a pleasure to sail with Frankie, we are here with a great result but we did it with so much fun, I think she brings a lot but as well as everything, she makes sure we are really enjoying it as we go round. We are pushing the boat as hard as we can, all the time, but making sure we do it with a smile on our faces and enjoying it. She has such great potential and I see a great future for the project. I am really happy to have been involved here, getting it started.”