Cole Brower: the story of the conquest of the world

The birth of a dream and the beginning of the journey

Brouwer's story is a typical example of how yachting, contrary to popular belief, is open to everyone. Despite the fact that ordinary people imagine a typical yachtsman as a middle-aged man with a decent fortune, in practice this is not entirely true.

Cole Brower was born in Boothbay, Maine, USA. In childhood and adolescence, the girl did not engage in sailing, but was interested in studying nature. After she moved to Hawaii to attend local college, she met a sailing community that, as she put it, “took her under their wing.”

By the way, we talked about Cole Brayer’s successes in our Telegram channel! Join our yachting community now! 

Cole came up with the idea for a solo circumnavigation in 2018. Then her mentor, Tim Fetch, told the girl about another woman who had traveled around the world - Ellen MacArthur. After some time, Tim sent Cole a book by Ellen, in which she talks about her travels.

Participation in the Global Solo Challenge

For six long years the girl prepared for her journey. Cole actively studied and practiced yacht management, gaining important life and professional experience. Brower decided that the best way to realize her dream would be to participate in the Global Solo Challenge.

The Global Solo Challenge is a sailing race, a competition to sail around the world non-stop solo. Boats with a length of 10 to 17 meters take part in the competition. The goal of the participants is to visit the three “great” capes of the planet: Good Hope (Africa), Horn (South America) and Leeuwin (Australia). According to tradition, participants will start and finish in A Coruña, Spain. 

The 29-year-old American left the Spanish city on October 29, 2023. Back then, no one suspected what exactly awaited Cole and the other participants in the trip around the world.

Problems on the way to the finish line

The first troubles began on the approach to Cape Horn. On Cole's boat, an OCD Class40 called First Light, the autopilot gradually failed. As a result of control problems, the girl suffered rib injuries. The judges were concerned that the girl would have to get off at the nearest port, but Cole independently repaired the autopilot and continued on her way.

Having passed Cape Horn, the Indian Ocean and Cape Leeuwin relatively calmly, the girl finally found herself in the Pacific Ocean. However, fate decided to test Cole again. In the South Pacific, problems began with the hydroelectric generator that produced most of the electricity on board. The backup power system came to the rescue.

Brouwer demonstrated miracles of endurance throughout the journey. Even before Cape Horn, at least six skippers withdrew, citing difficult conditions. On March 7, 2024, at 8:23 am CET, Cole Brouwer returned to A Coruña after 130 days at sea.

Results of the round the world

Cole won a respectable second place in the overall standings. But more significant was the fact that she was one of the few yachtsmen who completed a non-stop solo circumnavigation of the world.

Almost every day, the girl shared news about her journey on Instagram. Nearly 500,000 people followed Cole's successes and failures online. Hundreds of supportive comments from those who had never experienced yachting spoke of the inspiration that the girl provided with her courage and dedication. Cole admitted that the support of her followers made her path much easier.

Loneliness became the most difficult test for Brouwer. Despite access to the Internet, she acutely felt separation from loved ones. 130 days at sea seriously exhausted the girl precisely because of loneliness in the face of the elements.

After completing the Global Solo Challenge 2023, Cole intends to take part in another legendary race - the Vendee Globe 2028. This is another round-the-world regatta, which is considered the most difficult and prestigious solo circumnavigation in the world. We wish Cole Brower good luck in conquering another peak!

New video on Interparus channel

New video on found channel! Sasha Goron will talk about the Tanna 47, the legendary catamaran from the Fountaine Pajot shipyard. Enjoy watching!🔥

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14.03.2024