Elodie-Jane Mettraux joins as UpWind by MerConcept co-skipper: Strengthening the leadership team
by UpWind by MerConcept 29 Apr 09:32 PDT
UpWind by MerConcept is proud to welcome Elodie-Jane Mettraux as co-skipper alongside Anne-Claire Le Berre for the 2025 season of UpWind © David Lupion / UpWind by MerConcept
UpWind by MerConcept is proud to welcome Elodie-Jane Mettraux as co-skipper alongside Anne-Claire Le Berre for the 2025 season of UpWind.
Created in 2024 by MerConcept with the support of Founding Sponsor 11th Hour Racing, UpWind is an ambitious initiative that promotes diversity, inclusion, and sustainable excellence in offshore sailing. This new leadership pairing reinforces the project's commitment to empowering professional female sailors and building a high-performance team at the forefront of multihull racing.
A powerful duo
The appointment of Elodie-Jane Mettraux as co-skipper marks a strategic evolution in the project's second season, bringing together two of the most experienced and versatile female sailors in offshore racing today. With a career that spans The Ocean Race, GC32, and high-performance multihull sailing, Elodie-Jane brings a wealth of offshore experience, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of team dynamics.
"I'm thrilled to be joining UpWind by MerConcept and to work alongside Anne-Claire as co-skipper," said Mettraux. "This project represents the kind of purpose-driven sailing I believe in—where performance, inclusion, and innovation come together. I'm proud to be part of a team that's paving the way for more women to thrive at the highest level of offshore racing."
Anne-Claire Le Berre added: "I couldn't ask for a better co-skipper. Elodie-Jane's experience and calm determination are huge assets to the team, and I know we'll complement each other well. We share a strong desire to perform, but also to create space for more women in this sport, both on and off the water."
On course for a bold 2025 season
As co-skippers, Anne-Claire and Elodie-Jane will lead UpWind by MerConcept into a packed and ambitious 2025 racing calendar:
- Ocean Fifty Series: Le Tour de Belle Ile (May), The Armen Race (May), Saint-Malo (June), Concarneau (June), Les 24h Ultims Lorient (September)
- Rolex Fastnet Race (July): One of the world's most renowned offshore races, combining endurance and strategy.
- Transat Café l'Or (October): A transatlantic challenge that will test the crew's offshore expertise and unity.
- Community Engagement: Continuing to grow UpWind's mission of inspiring and mentoring the next generation of female sailors.
"We're incredibly proud of the strong leadership duo now at the helm of UpWind by MerConcept," said Cécile Andrieu, Co-Director at MerConcept. "Elodie-Jane brings unmatched energy, experience, and a spirit of collaboration. Together with Anne-Claire, they represent the future of inclusive, elite offshore racing."
A vision backed by purpose
This next chapter for UpWind is made possible thanks to the continued support of 11th Hour Racing, whose dedication to sustainability, diversity, and innovation is deeply aligned with the values of the project.
"Elodie-Jane's addition to the team reflects the growing depth and ambition of UpWind by MerConcept," said Jeremy Pochman, CEO and co-founder of 11th Hour Racing. "With Anne-Claire and Elodie-Jane co-leading this team, we see a powerful combination of experience and potential that can push the sport forward, and show what is possible when opportunity meets talent."