america and the sea award
The America and the Sea Award, established by Mystic Seaport Museum in 2006, honors and celebrates those who embrace the scholarship, exploration, adventure, aesthetics, competition, and freedom that the sea inspires.
The America and the Sea Award Gala is the single largest fundraising event for Mystic Seaport Museum. Proceeds provide vital funding for the exhibitions, educational programs, and activities at the Museum that tell the story of our nation’s maritime heritage. Programs like school visits, educator workshops, and community sailing benefit from the resources raised throughout the evening. Delivery of public history at this level can only be achieved with strong charitable support.
2024 AMERICA AND THE SEA AWARD HONOREE: COLE BRAUER
Please join us as we celebrate the first woman from the United States to race single-handedly around the world nonstop and unassisted. Cole Brauer 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. Cole connected to the internet via Starlink satellites and established an influential social media presence, introducing a new audience to the sport. 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. During the race she injured a rib, suffered dehydration, and gave herself IV fluids.
Cole didn’t set out to become a celebrity. She set out to prove a point. Her career as a professional sailor had seen the gamut from skepticism to outright dismissal. On smaller circuits, she found she was regularly paid less than her male counterparts, even when they were younger and less experienced. After trying out for an Ocean Race campaign in 2022, she was told that at 5 feet, 2 inches tall and 100 pounds, she was simply too small for the Southern Ocean. “I’d always wanted to sail around the world before I turned 30,” Cole says. “I didn’t specifically want to do it on my own, but if no one was going to take a chance on me, I was going to have to go alone and prove them wrong.”
Cole will be honored during this special ceremony at Mystic Seaport Museum on September 26, 2024, where she will share insights from her extraordinary voyage and discuss the challenges and triumphs of solo circumnavigation. To purchase tickets, visit https://msmgala24.givesmart.com.
PREVIOUS AMERICA AND THE SEA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Admiral James Stavridis, USN (Ret)
Mystic Seaport Museum presented its 2023 America and the Sea Award to Admiral James Stavridis, USN (Ret), a decorated sailor, author, consultant, and businessman contributing
William “Bill” Pinkney: 2022
Mystic Seaport Museum recognized Capt. Bill Pinkney by awarding him the America and the Sea Award at a black-tie gala on Wednesday, October 26, 2022,
Terry Hutchinson: 2021
Terry Hutchinson, one of the most admired and respected sailors in the yacht racing circuit and most recently the skipper, executive director, and tactician for the New York Yacht Club American Magic campaign for the 36th America’s Cup, is the 2021 recipient of the America and the Sea Award.
Tom Whidden: 2020
Tom Whidden, one of the most applauded sailors of all time, member of both the America’s Cup Hall of Fame and the National Sailing Hall
Wendy Schmidt: 2019
Businesswoman and philanthropist Wendy Schmidt, who has built an incredible portfolio of work devoted to our oceans made possible through the many organizations she has founded, led, and inspired, is the 2019 recipient of the America and the Sea Award.
Dawn Riley and Oakcliff Sailing: 2018
Mystic Seaport will present its 2018 America and the Sea Award to Dawn Riley and Oakcliff Sailing.
David Rockefeller Jr. and Sailors for the Sea: 2017
David Rockefeller Jr. and Sailors for the Sea: 2017
Rod and Bob Johnstone – J/Boats: 2016
Mystic Seaport honored Bob and Rod Johnstone – J/Boats with the 2016 America and the Sea Award presented at a gala in the newly opened Thompson Exhibition Building at the Museum October 22, 2016.
Nathaniel Philbrick: 2015
Mystic Seaport honored historian and author Nathaniel Philbrick with the 2015 America and the Sea Award on October 14, at a gala held in New York City.
Charles A. Robertson: 2014
Robertson is founder, chairman and CEO of American Cruise Lines, Inc., Pearl Sea Cruises, Chesapeake Shipbuilding, and affiliated companies.
Gary Jobson: 2013
Jobson’s talent, enthusiasm, and dedication to the art of sailing have inspired expert and novice sailors around the world.
Jon Wilson and WoodenBoat: 2012
The 2012 America and the Sea Award was given to Jon Wilson and WoodenBoat for their commitment to the celebration and preservation of the skills, treasures, and traditions of the sea and shore.
John F. Lehman: 2011
Former Secretary of the Navy, historian, and author John F. Lehman was the recipient of the America and the Sea Award for 2011 by Mystic Seaport.
Sylvia A. Earle: 2010
Sylvia A. Earle, who has been at the forefront of deep ocean exploration for four decades, received the 2010 America and the Sea Award from Mystic Seaport.
William I. Koch: 2009
William I. Koch, founder of the Oxbow Group, philanthropist, avid collector and world-renowned sailor, was named the recipient of the 2011 America and the Sea Award by Mystic Seaport.
Thomas B. Crowley Jr.: 2008
Thomas B. Crowley Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation, was honored with Mystic Seaport’s third annual America and the Sea Award at a gala dinner held at the Rainbow Room in New York City.
David McCullough: 2007
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author and Historian David McCullough was honored with the second annual America and the Sea Award presented by Mystic Seaport.
Olin Stephens II: 2006
Olin Stephens II, the most successful and admired yacht designer of the 20th century, was named the first recipient of the America and the Sea Award presented by Mystic Seaport.
2023 PADDLE RAISE INITIATIVE
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