Solo race around the world: Cole Brauer is using Instagram to blow up sailing’s elitist image

In 2022, Brauer had tried out for another competition, the Ocean Race, which is considered the pinnacle of professional ocean racing. Sailors in that race are highly trained, wear matching foul weather gear and have corporate sponsors. And most of them are men. Brauer, who had sailed thousands of miles on high performance ocean racing boats, felt she was ready to join their ranks. But after competing in trials in France, Brauer was told she was “too short for the Southern Ocean” and was sent on her way.