Cole Brauer

On March 7, 2024, Cole realized her dreams and sailed into history by becoming the first American woman to race solo non-stop around the world. The youngest and only female contender in the Global Solo Challenge, she clinched an impressive second place after 130 days at sea. 

Her 27,000-mile journey included conquering the three great capes including the infamous Cape Horn. She also sailed through Point Nemo in the South Pacific the part of the ocean that is farthest from any land. At that point in her journey, she was closer to the astronauts on the space station, than anyone on earth.  

At only 5'2 and just shy of 100 pounds Cole has shown that with grit, determination, and perseverance anything is possible. 

An offshore and inshore sailboat captain and professional sailor, Cole has long dreamt of achieving this goal. Raised on a nature preserve on the eastern tip of Long Island, New York, Cole grew up observing and participating in nature's games and beauty. She often dug in the marsh and watched the clouds, trying to predict when the next storm would arrive.  

After years of living outside, it only seemed natural to move to Hawai'i to pursue a Bachelor of Science from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.  

After only a few weeks, she realized that the ocean was calling, and she wanted to be in the waves and wind with whatever power she had. Two years of hardcore inshore and offshore training with the University sailing team and some local offshore sailing squads hooked her. Ten years later, the nature that drew her into the sport of sailing keeps her in it.  

Her dream has always been to work outside with her hands, and this is something she achieves every day.  

Fast Facts: 

• First American woman to race solo non-stop around the world 
• 2nd place in the Global Solo Challenge in which she was the youngest competitor and the only female competitor 
• First female in history to win the Bermuda One-Two yacht race 
• Lives out of a Ford Transit van when not sailing offshore and can talk about van life all-day 
• Has a 100-ton Captain's License