29-year-old sailor Cole Brauer has made history by becoming the first American woman to complete a solo nonstop around-the-world sail. The New York native finished second out of 16 sailors in the race, covering a grueling 30,000-mile journey. Brauer shared her adventure with her hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers, aiming to inspire other women.
During her voyage, Brauer faced intense storms and rogue waves, even sustaining injuries at one point. Despite the challenges, she expressed her joy upon completing the journey and reuniting with friends and family.
Brauer highlighted the difficulties of the race, including equipment breakages and the need for constant maintenance. She emphasized the mental and physical challenges of sailing nonstop and unassisted around the globe.
Reflecting on her experience, Brauer found solace in the purity and tranquility of the open ocean, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. She underscored the importance of her journey in breaking gender barriers in the male-dominated sport of sailing.
Looking ahead, Brauer expressed interest in participating in the Vendée Globe, a prestigious French race that occurs every four years. She aims to secure sponsorship for the 2028 edition of the race, acknowledging the financial challenges associated with such endeavors.
With nearly half a million followers on Instagram, Brauer's journey has captivated audiences worldwide. Her remarkable achievement serves as a testament to perseverance, determination, and breaking stereotypes in the world of sailing.
