Cole Brauer, a 29-year-old American woman, has achieved a monumental feat by becoming the first American woman to complete a nonstop sailing race worldwide. Navigating her 40-foot sailboat, “First Light,” across approximately 30,000 miles, Brauer’s journey is a testament to her unwavering determination and mental strength. Her remarkable accomplishment has shattered gender stereotypes and set a new standard for solo ocean racing.
Brauer’s solo voyage began in Coruna, Spain, where she knew she was embarking on a challenging journey that would take her through three oceans and numerous obstacles. Despite facing 30-foot waves, equipment malfunctions, and injuries, Brauer persevered, demonstrating her exceptional skills on the water and mental fortitude. Her ability to handle every aspect of sailing, from steering the vessel to making repairs and maintaining calmness, highlights her remarkable capabilities as a sailor.
Throughout her journey, Brauer utilized satellite communications to stay in contact with her racing team and fans on social media. Still, ] she was the one who had to put in the work. “It’s not like you can quit,” she said. “You’re in the middle of the ocean. There is no quitting. No one’s going to come and save you. So it’s like, ‘Suck it up. Fix the problem.’ In the end, it’s just you. You have to keep moving forward.”
Although this was a solo mission, Brauer was never alone. With almost 500,000 followers on Instagram, she shared memorable moments at sea. On Christmas Eve, Brauer opened gifts with her followers, which made her feel as if she was not alone. Over the four months at sea, Brauer shared funny, scary, and personal details of the journey: everything from medical emergencies to how she did her laundry, showing both the good and bad days. Her rise in popularity has not only shocked her but has also pushed her to post more on social media and increase awareness of the sport of sailing. By sharing her experiences and upbeat personality, she has inspired a whole new generation of sailors.
Cole Brauer completed the race on March 7 after 130 days at sea. The following day was notably International Women’s Day, and fans celebrated her historic achievement as the first American woman to race solo around the world. One mother shared her appreciation for how much Brauer has done for the sport and young girls. “I show my eight-year-old daughter your videos,” Cathy Surgeoner said. “I never had this kind of inspiration as a young girl. You make me so excited for her future.”
To learn and see more about her journey, check out @colebraueroceanracing
