Sailor Cole Brower became the first American woman to sail around the world alone, non-stop and unassisted. She is a participant in the Global Solo Challenge regatta.
Brouwer left La Coruña, Spain on October 29, and is now returning to the same port. She circled the globe in 130 days and took second place in the race. The American also set a speed record on Class40 yachts. In addition, 29-year-old Brouwer is the youngest captain and the only woman in this regatta.
A total of 16 ships took part in the race. They started at different times – from August 26 to January 6. First, yachts with lower speeds went out to sea, then high-speed ones. This strategy gives an equal chance of winning.
Brouwer started with six other competitors and immediately began to pull away. Then she quickly caught up with those who had left earlier. Along the way, she had problems: first, with the hydrogen generator. It provides the steering system, autopilot and satellite communications.
Then, on the approach to Cape Horn, something happened to the autopilot. Due to the sharp roll, the American fell and injured her ribs. There was a risk that she would have to enter the nearest port. But, despite the injury, Brouwer made repairs herself and continued on her way.
The winner of the regatta was the Frenchman Philippe Delamare. It started on September 30 and finished on February 24.
