Cole Brauer

Cole Brauer (born May 24, 1994) is an American sailor. She was the first woman from the United States to race single-handed around the world nonstop.

Early life Brauer grew up on Long Island, New York, and graduated from East Hampton High School in 2012. She attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she studied nutritional science and competed for the college's sailing team, later becoming the team's captain. Although she initially planned to become a doctor, she decided to become a sailor after learning the sport in college. She had started the race on October 29, 2023, and was the only woman and the youngest among the 16 competitors. During the 130 days on her boat, she injured a rib, suffered dehydration, and gave herself IV fluids.

She also trains in Newport, Rhode Island in the summer.

Awards Brauer received Mystic Seaport Museum’s America and the Sea Award for 2024. She also received US Sailing's 2024 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award.