Scientific Adventure at Sea: Duo in Transat Café L'OR Race Carry Out Crucial Ocean Research

Transat Café L’OR, an esteemed 4,350-nautical-mile sailing race, has transformed into a pivotal scientific expedition. No, it hasn’t lost its competitive edge; racers Francesca Clapcich and Will Harris, sailing their 60-foot foiling IMOCA raceboat, 11th Hour Racing, took the opportunity to meld sportsmanship with the noble pursuit of knowledge about our vast, mysterious oceans. Sailors turned seafaring scientists, Clapcich and Harris launched a precious cargo—a Météo France weather buoy—into the Atlantic’s cool embrace. This buoy will record atmospheric pressure, sea surface temperature, and ocean current data, transmitting it to expecting scientists around the globe. This critical data will improve weather models, forecasts, and contribute to a richer understanding of our global climate situation. For sailors, the ocean isn’t a mere playground—it’s a living, breath-taking realm demanding protection. ‘Being able to support ocean science and education during a race reminds us that sport can be a force for good - connecting what we love with what we need to protect,’ reflects Clapcich, channeling the wisdom of the open sea. Their voyage doesn’t just lesson the burden of climate scientists. Their craft carries a small Argonautica beacon, becoming a remote classroom for over 200 schools throughout France. These eager students follow the team’s progress, learning how technology and oceanography intertwine to study our beloved planet. Yet, Clapcich and Harris’s endeavours don’t halt at data collection—these sailors demonstrate how professional sports can serve a higher purpose. They are pioneering a new era in sailing, linking marine sport with education, advocacy, and innovation. They remind us through their daring and devotion that deep intimacy with the sea and respect for its vast power can steer humanity towards a more sustainable future. Every action, whether a race, a buoy deployment, or a lesson, contributes to our understanding and caring for the world we share. So, as they slice through the waves on their heroic Transat journey, they carry not just our admiration, but our hopes for a healthier, more enlightened understanding of our ocean planet.