This article is part of the introductory editorial series at the ONA Short Film Festival. On September 5th, 6th and 7th, the Venetian Island of San Servolo will showcase stories of outdoor sports, nature and environmental awareness. Athleta will still be Media Partner of this wonderful event devoted to the seventh art.

Every route is synonymous with evolution. And maturation. Francesca Clapcich’s story is the contemporary definition of this eternal nautical metaphor. It is the sporting and human itinerary of a revolutionary sailing pioneer. Taboo after taboo, Francesca’s path was inspired first by the Trieste bora, then by the desire to excel, and finally by the need to shape a virtuous legacy. Waves and wind can become communicative amplifiers, teaches the first Italian Ocean Race winner and current UpWind skipper. They can be multidimensional platforms, where results and social-environmental awareness are equally valuable. They can convey essential messages for the future of an entire sports movement, and beyond.

The short docu ‘Between Waves’ will share these topics and more, taking us into the significant human regatta of the Triest-born athlete and activist-a dual status, sublimated by the role of ambassador for the environmental organization 11th Hour Racing. We had the pleasure of chatting with Francesca a few weeks before the ONA Short Film Festival, where the lagoon waves and the picturesque San Servolo Island will welcome her priceless testimony.

Trieste is a sailing homeland and a unique city. How much is it part of your DNA and how did you get into sailing?

“Trieste is a small city, but it is very interesting as a starting point. It is a kind of cosmopolitan port, where so many cultures and languages have always met…. It is not a metropolis, but a place where everyone can find their place. It has shaped my desire to discover countries and people. I see Trieste as a gift, it makes me feel close to the sea, the mountains, Slovenia and Austria. It is unique. Its relationship with sailing is known to all, as exemplified by the historic Barcolana. I was privileged, because time opened my eyes and made me realize that sailing was and, unfortunately, continues to be an elitist sport. Only a few can have access to this universe. Women, for example, have enormous difficulties. My family has always supported me and I am grateful to them, but for so many other young girls the story is different. When I fell in love with the sport, there was zero female representation. The few professional women had secondary roles. It was even difficult to have a dream and believe that dream was achievable. I did not follow in the footsteps of other female sailors; I was forced to be a pioneer. Now I am a veteran and I want to change the sport, opening it up to diversity.”

Your sporting status and your synergies with virtuous entities, such as 11th Hour Racing, allow you to share key messages that go far beyond performances and results. What path did you take to arrive at your current sporting, social and environmental consciousness?

“My passion for sailing has long been inspired by pure competition. The Olympics are the Everest of performance, and I had the chance to face them twice, in two different specialties (Laser and 49er). Then I broadened my horizons and discovered different sailing competitions. I always wanted to put myself out there. Over time I fell in love with ocean sailing and participated in many kinds of races, even iconic events like the America’s Cup or the Ocean Race. These opportunities gave me so much…. During the Ocean Race, for example, I learned the meaning of humility and teamwork. We were the favorites, but we struggled a lot to win. We started the competition very badly and had to come together to turn things around. At the same time, I have gained a lot of leadership skills, which are now essential for my role as skipper with UpWind and for the upcoming women’s America’s Cup campaign. Overall, sailing has given me a platform, a voice that can impact so many people and future generations. I don’t just want to talk about performances and results, but also highlight political, social and environmental issues. The synergy I have built with 11th Hour Racing allows me to do all this, and to promote a different sailing culture based on ethical values and meritocracy.”

At the ONA Short Film Festival you will attend the screening of ‘Between Waves,’ the short docu focused on your story, what feelings and emotions will run through you?

“There are so many emotions. This production connects a youthful grief, the death of my father, and the role of sailing as a way of escape from a tough moment in my life. At the same time, it focuses on my career and also on its recent evolutions outside of competition. This short docu is part of my desire to convey messages bigger than sports. Being an ambassador for 11th Hour Racing, which made it possible to create this film, is really important to me. Our relationship is open, transparent and creative. We don’t impose things on each other, we collaborate in order to best communicate the ideals we believe in and fight for. Documentaries are an important tool to reach and inspire as many people as possible. Then, in the United States I live in Park City, the home of the Sundance Film Festival, so I recognize the beauty and relevance of events like the ONA Short Film Festival. I am curious to see how ONA audiences will react and to attend the other screenings. Lastly, Venice is Venice, and I am looking forward to diving into a magical location like San Servolo Island.”