Cole Brauer’s Christmas at Sea

The Holidays on First Light 

Not many people celebrate the holidays alone on the Indian Ocean, but this is exactly where Cole Brauer was last year at this time. Aboard her Class 40 sailboat, First Light, she was on her way to becoming the first American woman to race solo around the world nonstop and unassisted during a yacht race. What might sound like a lonely way to spend this special time of year was surprisingly festive, thanks to the combination of family traditions and complete strangers.  

"I am very used to having quite a different Christmas with my parents," says Cole. "My dad gets the Christmas tree all set up with the lights in the living room, and my mom, sister, and I hang the ornaments.” 

Cole’s holidays are usually spent at home on frosty and picturesque Long Island in New York. 

“It is quite a different experience when you're racing offshore,” she says. “It wasn't that I felt completely alone; it was that I missed the traditions." 

Having just crossed the second of three capes on December 23, Cape Leeuwin, a major milestone in her incredible journey, Cole was doing her best to stay cozy in her cabin and avoid the temperamental weather and dropping temperature on deck. She worked hard to recreate some of her usual traditions. She’d adorned her small living area with a festive felt tree tacked to the wall and decorated with ornaments. She honoured family traditions of opening a present before bed, unwrapping a cozy pair of flannel PJs from her parents, and watching the classic film It's a Wonderful Life. Although she was miles away from the warmth of her home, maintaining these small rituals helped her feel closer to her loved ones.  

Christmas Day itself brought an outpouring of messages on social media from around the globe. Cole was touched by how widely her story resonated, finding it incredible that so many people followed her journey and sent greetings from distant corners of the world. 

"I made an Instagram reel asking where everyone was from,” says Cole. “Truthfully, I didn't think it was going to get many comments. But it was insane, so many people from all over the world chimed in to let me know where they were from, and they seemed really excited about it—that was so awakening for me.” 

Just days shy of being two months into her journey and marking the halfway point, Cole had been through a lot by that point.  

“Everyone was so kind. . . and I really can't thank them enough for that. All my followers were incredibly compassionate and empathetic towards me, as if I were one of their own; their daughter, cousin, or niece." 

 - Left: Cole wearing the Women's Callan Waterproof Jacket

Just days later, on December 29, Cole entered the Pacific Ocean, and a little squall. Waves crashed over her as she detailed the intense conditions: 20-48 knots of wind, a cold southwest wind direction, and 5-6 meters swells. The next day marked two months on the ocean and the halfway point of the race.  

She wrote on Instagram, “It feels like a lot of milestones recently between passing Cape Leeuwin, hitting the halfway point, being at sea for two months, and of course the new year right around the corner! The highlights and lowlights are both part of the adventure and though this month has been absolutely crazy, I'm so grateful to be out here doing what I'm doing.” 

Cole rang in the new year by embracing her trademark festive and fun side. Dancing in a party dress and life jacket, high heels in hand, and clipped in during the day and marking midnight in a drysuit with an inflatable palm tree and champagne. Her resilient optimism and love for adventure shone brightly as she sailed into the New Year aboard First Light. At that moment, Cole had no idea what 2024 would look like.  

- Ringing in the new year with the EP38 Ocean Racing Vest

"I truthfully always thought I would just come back and get back in my normal routine, go back to work, and nobody would know who I was," says Cole. 

However, it’s that reel of her celebrating New Year’s Eve that epitomized why sailors and non-sailors alike were drawn to follow her journey—it was as much about the adventure as it was about the excitement and joy Cole brings to a sport that can traditionally have an air of seriousness. 

Cole recently sold First Light to Elizabeth Tucker, and the two are now sailing a 12,000 nm journey from Europe to Australia in preparation for Elizabeth to compete in her own non-stop, solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2027. 

“I'm excited to be a bit of a coach this time and to show someone else that this is such an amazing planet,” says Cole. 

Upon completing her history-making race, Cole got off First Light and onto a plane. She didn't see her boat again for six months. 

"So, this is a nice closing chapter for me,” says Cole. “It’s more than just a boat; she's like a child to me. I'm really stoked for one last little trip to say goodbye to her the way that I always wanted to.” 

As Cole readies herself for another Christmas at sea, she reflects that despite being more than 18,984 km from home, the blend of traditions, personal milestones, and relentless perseverance made for an unforgettable holiday. Alone on the vast ocean, her experiences brought her closer to the hearts of many, sharing with them a Christmas marked by adventure, resilience, and a sense of global camaraderie.

Author: Danielle Baker