Early this morning, Cole Brauer became the first american woman to race around the world solo nonstop after 130 days at sea.
She finished in second place, setting a new Class40 around-the-world speed record and amassing 450,000 followers on Instagram in the process. At just 29 years old, Brauer was both the youngest skipper and the only female sailor in the fleet of 16 boats. On behalf of US Sailing, we want to congratulate Cole on her amazing achievement! Thank you for representing the US on the world stage and for inspiring the next generation of sailors. US Sailing Board president had this to say to Cole:
Dear Cole,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of US Sailing, American sailors, and adventurers, congratulations on such an incredible and groundbreaking accomplishment!
Your journey has been gripping and inspiring for us all.
Just finishing is amazing in itself, so to finish second in such a distinguished body of competitors is an unparalleled achievement.
Along the way, you have brought the magic of sailing to a wide audience by showing the world your journey on social media. You have represented American sailing in a most spectacular way – well done!
With respect and appreciation,
Richard Jepsen, Board President