Sailing Through the Drake Passage is like ‘Paragliding Between Alpine Peaks in the Middle of the Wildest Storm,’ Writes Cole Brauer (Exclusive Excerpt)

**First U.S. Woman Completes Solo Circumnavigation in Memoir, “First Light”**

In a remarkable feat of endurance and bravery, Cole Brauer has made history as the first American woman to race solo and non-stop around the globe. Her extraordinary journey, which spanned 27,000 miles, is detailed in her newly released memoir, “First Light: Sailing Solo But Not Alone.”

Setting sail in October 2023, the 32-year-old from Long Island, New York, embarked on the Global Solo Challenge, a monumental sailing race that tested her physical and mental limits over two grueling months. Brauer navigated through some of the world’s most treacherous waters, confronting brutal storms, towering waves, and relentless winds, especially as she raced down the African coast, rounded Cape Horn, and crossed the vast Pacific Ocean.

One of the most daunting segments of her voyage was the notorious Drake Passage, located between Cape Horn and Antarctica. Brauer poignantly explained, “The Southern Ocean has a tendency to swallow people up,” highlighting the unique challenges posed by its unrelenting conditions. “Mentally, because it’s such a tough spot, and you’re there for so long without seeing the sun and it’s very cold, if you let your mind start to take over, the Southern Ocean will 100% eat you alive.”

Her memoir offers a candid glimpse into the obstacles she faced, both physically and emotionally. From battling exhaustion to conquering the “Everest” of her sailing career, Brauer provides a compelling narrative of what it takes to compete in such a demanding race, which began and concluded in A Coruña, Spain. Of the twenty competitors who entered the event, only seven completed the challenge, underlining the extreme difficulties involved.

The perilous nature of the race was made starkly clear when two of Brauer’s fellow sailors were forced to abandon their vessels due to catastrophic failures. One sailor lost his mast in the South Atlantic, while another required urgent rescue after being stranded in the South Pacific for nearly 50 hours with a mostly submerged boat.

However, amid the tumult, Brauer discovered moments of serenity, particularly once she sailed beyond the turbulent Drake Passage into the calmer waters of the South Atlantic. She described the shift in conditions: “The wind slowly died off… almost like Mother Nature’s hands slowly release you. And you just have this amazing moment where your shoulders drop. You allow yourself to really take a break.”

The memoir delves into her early experiences with sailing, the persistent challenges she encountered as a woman in a predominantly male-dominated sport, and the sheer mental resilience required to complete this strenuous journey. Brauer’s quest wasn’t simply about triumphing over the elements; it also served as a journey of self-discovery and reflection, as she faced her limits and emerged stronger.

Through her writing, Brauer vividly portrays the relentless forces of nature that shape the Southern Ocean. The geographical and meteorological challenges posed by this region are intertwined with the dramatic landscapes of South America, where the Andes Mountains play a pivotal role in generating powerful weather systems that converge in the Drake Passage. The fierce competition for space in this narrow waterway creates conditions similar to “being on a mountain bike and joining in with a herd of stampeding bison,” she remarked.

Brauer’s relationship with her 40-foot yacht, also named “First Light,” is central to her narrative. She reflects on the bond forged through their adventures, viewing the vessel as both protector and partner in her journey. “If First Light tells me that I am pushing her a little too hard, I ease off the sails,” she noted, highlighting the critical communication between captain and craft during perilous conditions.

“First Light” is not merely an account of a sailing race; it is an exploration of perseverance, the significance of risk-taking, and the innate connection between humanity and nature. Brauer ultimately encourages readers to embrace the wildness of life, asserting that true growth often emerges from confronting challenges and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.

Her memoir, now available, serves not only as an inspiring recount of her voyage but also presents a poignant reminder of our place within the natural world. As Brauer eloquently puts it, “None of us are big enough for the Southern Ocean. We’re all small. And that’s okay.”

This exploration of courage, resilience, and the spirit of adventure captures the essence of Brauer’s journey and will resonate with anyone seeking inspiration in the face of adversity.