Cole Brauer made history as the first woman from the United States to achieve the remarkable feat of racing single-handedly around the world nonstop and unassisted.
“We are thrilled to honor Cole Brauer with the America and the Sea Award,” said Peter Armstrong, President and CEO of Mystic Seaport Museum. “Her groundbreaking accomplishment underscores the resilience and ingenuity inherent in maritime exploration.”
Cole finished 2nd in the 2023–2024 Global Solo Challenge on March 7, 2024, sailing a Class40 boat named FIRST LIGHT, also setting a new around-the-world speed record for the class. She began the race on October 29, 2023, in Vigo, Galicia, Spain, and was the only female and the youngest among the sixteen competitors.
Cole Brauer’s unparalleled journey exemplifies courage, determination, and a deep connection to the maritime spirit. Her achievement not only sets a new standard in solo sailing but has also inspired countless individuals worldwide. From 13,000 Instagram followers to 500,000 in 133 days, clearly Cole has struck a chord for this generation and created a new paradigm for the world of professional offshore racing. Part of the allure and the compulsion for hundreds of thousands of people to check in with her each day was Cole’s unvarnished presentation of herself.
Mystic Seaport Museum presented the 2024 America and the Sea Award to Cole Brauer at a black tie gala at Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut, on September 26, 2024.
