Team Malizia

Cole Brauer

Co-skipper

United States

Date of birth: 24 May 1994
Place of birth: East Hampton, New York

Cole Brauer grew up on Long Island and discovered her passion for the ocean at an early age. After joining the varsity team at St. Mary's College of Maryland, she developed a solid expertise in regattas and offshore sailing. She quickly made a name for herself with her determination and commitment, seeking to make her mark in the world of ocean racing. After studying Science at the University of Hawaii, Cole specialised in single-handed and short-handed sailing.

In 2023, she became the youngest and only participant in the Global Solo Challenge, where she took the start aboard her Class40 First Light.After 130 days at sea, she finished the race in second place in March 2024, breaking the speed record for a round-the-world race in a Class40.

During her adventure, Cole chose to share her journey with her followers on social networks. By the time she left America to cross the Atlantic to Spain, she had 10,000 followers; by the time she arrived, that number had soared to 400,000. She stands out for her transparent and human approach to navigation. Her publications reveal her moments of doubt and frustration, but also lighter moments, such as her solo dances on board to celebrate New Year's Eve.

Her career attracted attention, and in 2024, thanks to The Magenta Project programme, she joined Team Malizia. A few months later, in 2025, Cole officially joined the team as co-skipper, and will take part in crewed races for The Ocean Race Europe. Through her performances and positive image, she embodies a new generation of sailors.


"Becoming part of Team Malizia is truly a dream come true," says Cole Brauer. "Today is actually my last day on First Light, which I’ve sold, and it also marks the start of a new chapter as co-skipper with this great team I’ve gotten to know over the past year. The first time I experienced foiling on Malizia - Seaexplorer was in New York last year. The feeling was unbelievable! Now, I get to race on this amazing boat, bring my own experience to the team, and fully join the Malizia family. I’m so excited to learn from this remarkable group of people and take part in exciting races of the IMOCA circuit."

Sailing highlights

  • First American woman to race solo nonstop around the world, finishing second in the 2023–2024 Global Solo Challenge aboard her Class40 First Light.
  • Winner of the prestigious Yachtswoman of the Year 2024 Award.


  • Date of birth: 24 May 1994
    Place of birth: East Hampton, New York

    Cole Brauer grew up on Long Island and discovered her passion for the ocean at an early age. After joining the varsity team at St. Mary's College of Maryland, she developed a solid expertise in regattas and offshore sailing. She quickly made a name for herself with her determination and commitment, seeking to make her mark in the world of ocean racing. After studying Science at the University of Hawaii, Cole specialised in single-handed and short-handed sailing.

    In 2023, she became the youngest and only participant in the Global Solo Challenge, where she took the start aboard her Class40 First Light.After 130 days at sea, she finished the race in second place in March 2024, breaking the speed record for a round-the-world race in a Class40.

    During her adventure, Cole chose to share her journey with her followers on social networks. By the time she left America to cross the Atlantic to Spain, she had 10,000 followers; by the time she arrived, that number had soared to 400,000. She stands out for her transparent and human approach to navigation. Her publications reveal her moments of doubt and frustration, but also lighter moments, such as her solo dances on board to celebrate New Year's Eve.

    Her career attracted attention, and in 2024, thanks to The Magenta Project programme, she joined Team Malizia. A few months later, in 2025, Cole officially joined the team as co-skipper, and will take part in crewed races for The Ocean Race Europe. Through her performances and positive image, she embodies a new generation of sailors.


    "Becoming part of Team Malizia is truly a dream come true," says Cole Brauer. "Today is actually my last day on First Light, which I’ve sold, and it also marks the start of a new chapter as co-skipper with this great team I’ve gotten to know over the past year. The first time I experienced foiling on Malizia - Seaexplorer was in New York last year. The feeling was unbelievable! Now, I get to race on this amazing boat, bring my own experience to the team, and fully join the Malizia family. I’m so excited to learn from this remarkable group of people and take part in exciting races of the IMOCA circuit."

    Sailing highlights

    • First American woman to race solo nonstop around the world, finishing second in the 2023–2024 Global Solo Challenge aboard her Class40 First Light.
    • Winner of the prestigious Yachtswoman of the Year 2024 Award.