First Light: Sailing Solo but Not Alone

by Cole Brauer

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A thrilling memoir from the first American woman to race a sailboat solo, nonstop around the world.

“A must-read for every young woman with a dream.”—BILLIE JEAN KING

“Brauer’s strength and resilience inspire us to challenge ourselves to venture out of our safe harbor and experience the high seas of life.”—CHRISTIE BRINKLEY

In 2024, Cole Brauer became the first American woman to race solo around the world, in a forty-foot sailboat named First Light. For 130 days, she navigated mechanical breakdowns, debilitating food poisoning, and the Southern Ocean’s extreme cold. Yet, amid the isolation, she found breathtaking sunrises, impromptu dance parties, and a life-changing sense of peace.

First Light recounts the intimate details of this historic circumnavigation, but it isn’t the typical story of conquering the elements. Instead, it is a memoir of a woman who moved into the most remote environment on Earth and made herself a home. For years, Brauer navigated the rigid hierarchies of a traditionalist sport, facing a relentless tide of skepticism from a world that often tried to ground her before she even left the dock. Out at sea, she didn’t just race 27,000 miles; she proved her critics wrong, reframing one of the world’s most grueling solo races as an act of joyful resistance.

First Light is a reckoning with what it means to belong—in a male-dominated field, in a high-speed world, and within yourself. Unfiltered, exhilarating, and deeply personal, it is a testament to the resilience required to stay true to yourself when the world wants you to stay small. Brauer invites us all to find presence in a noisy world, believe in the impossible, and see the horizon not as a boundary but as a hearth.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Adventure, History, Sports, Audiobook, Biography Memoir

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 15, 2026

Reviews

[Valleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Light: Sailing Solo but Not Alone tells the story of when Cole Brauer navigated a forty-foot yacht named First Light across 27,000 miles over 130 days. She weathered brutal isolation, extreme weather, physical injury, food poisoning and even had to give herself IVs. But there were also upsides as Cole witnessed stunningly beautiful sunrises, had pods of porpoises entertaining her, and even had an albatross sit on her yacht with her.

However, after reading First Light: Sailing Solo but Not Alone I can assure my friends and family that I will never, ever attempt that myself! Cole's routine (even when things were going smoothly) caused me to hold my breath for a few seconds ... or ten or fifteen!!

My favorite story was when Cole had an albatross land on her yacht. After it stayed past it's welcome, Cole started wanting it to move on since it was interfering with the balance of her yacht. That's not surprising when an albatross can have up to 12' wingspans and weigh around 25 lb. I also loved how Cole could sense what First Light was feeling.

This is a fascinating book and I recommend it!

Thank you, @ConvergentBooks, for providing this book for consideration and review via @NetGalley. All opinions are my own. First Light: Sailing Solo but Not Alone has an expected publication date of September 15, 2026.

@ColeBrauer #Memoir #Adventure #Survival

[T Pox · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAPTIVATING. EMOTIONAL. INSPIRING. You won’t be able to put this book down.. It keeps you hooked from the beginning. Cole draws you in. You feel her emotions. You ride the waves with her. You feel like you’re in the ocean with her. You’re going through life with her. Powerful, moving story that will inspire anyone who reads her encounter of being the first female to sail solo around the world. I fell in love with Cole and First Light and you will too!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Top 5 of all of the books I’ve read this year and I’m close to 100 read books!!

[Andrew Westphal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advance reader copy - 4/5 - Quick read, and approachable for a landlubber. Brauer provided just enough technical description to make the story engaging in a way that put sailing first, and mixed in other elements that rounded out the narrative into an enjoyable whole. I would have liked a little bit more backstory about how Brauer became a captain and other details about how she bridged the gap between the U of H sailing team and the around-the-world attempt.

[Amanda]

Do I know anything about sailing? Nope. Did I eat this up and sob at the end? Yes. This was such an empowering and inspiring story. I loved every second of it. Women are incredible.

[Nancy DePietro]

I’ve been eagerly waiting for this release. I’ve known Cole since she was a young girl, and it’s been amazing to watch her acccomplish what so many people dare to dream. I have followed her journey and now I’m looking forward to reading her story. Congratulations, Cole!

[Andrea Daily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first became aware of Cole’s bid to be the first American woman to sail around the world in the Global Solo Challenge when one of my mom friends from up north shared her IG handle. At the time my 11yo daughter had just crewed in her first regatta and it was clear that sailing was going to become a bigger part of her life. It wasn’t long before we were checking in daily to see Cole’s latest posts and worrying about her traversing the Southern Ocean. Her spirit, grit, authenticity and sense of adventure were contagious. The retelling of her story in First Light was a delight and underscored what an incredible role model she makes for aspiring female sailors (& their moms).

[Danna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cole Brauer is the first female to sail solo around the world. Despite being frequently told she’s not up to hard sailing at 98 pounds, Cole has learned to navigate the seas and everything they throw at her.

First Light is the story of Cole’s early sailing days, the decision pathway to the solo journey, and the journey itself. It is a quick read that details the highs and lows of life at sea. There are plenty of horrible and scary moments, but the writing is relatively light, which made the story less traumatic. Also, Cole just doesn’t seem traumatized!

Overall, this was a neat story and unlike anything I’ve read before. The writing is just okay, but no complaints. Solid 3-star read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

First Light is a warm memoir about the scrappy journey of a courageous woman clawing her way into a sport with a famously high barrier to entry. Brauer is generous with the unglamorous bits: the setbacks, the self-doubt, and she bootstraps her way up and lets you watch her do it, and that is where the book really made an impact on me.

I am an offshore sailor myself, and I was braced for the usual trap of technical writing that either alienates newcomers or patronises the nautically literate. She threaded the needle beautifully. The explanations are clear enough to carry a reader who has never set foot on a boat, and precise enough that those of us who have will feel seen. Her solo passages are interleaved with flashbacks to her formative years, which keeps the pace up and the person firmly in view.

Vulnerable, in some parts funny, and a unique voice and story. I knew of Cole's story prior to reading, but am even more inspired learning about everything she has faced in the lead-up to where she is today.

[Leslie Zacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what the algorithm or I were thinking back in 2023, but something must have been going on with me because I was utterly transfixed by the short daily update videos of this wisp of a thing sailing around the world by herself with the whimsy and joy of Julie Andrews twirling in an Alpine meadow. After a childhood spent as reluctant mostly worthless crew to my skipper father on Lake Superior, I have sailed more than most, but I am no sailor. I'd sooner have the confidence and capability to swim the Southern Ocean in a tutu as I would be to operate a vessel under sail to cross it.

But I'm telling you, Cole's sincere and transparent retelling of Earth's most challenging and dangerous race is an utter delight. Underestimated from the start of her unlikely career in sailing, her triumph in a sport historically dominated by testosterone, money, and those who use both to exclude those without either, was far from likely. Watching her solve for every hurdle between her and the starting line of the Global Solo Challenge, and then Mcgyver her way through relentless natural and manmade onboard disasters for 130 days made me cry tears of pride for her as though she was one of my own. (Which she could be I'm almost twice her age.)

Setting aside the exhausting perseverance, heroic competence, and incredible bravery, I think Cole actually wrote this book to help mere mortals like me understand that it is possible for anyone to find their place in this world. She is self aware and knows that most humans don't need the same thrills she seeks to find them, but whatever journey any of us is on will present moments where the question of place and purpose can be found. Use the uncertain, isolated moments to see what's yours alone and heal with the help of friends near and far. It is hard to imagine where she goes next, but I hope she takes us with her.

[Lilisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an informative and interesting read about Cole Brauer and her deep passion for sailing, nature, and never giving up. At twenty-nine she raced solo around the world in a sailboat and placed an admirable second in a male-dominated world. Sailing solo also meant also fixing anything that went wrong with First Light – from mechanical issues to sail mending and everything in between. I was in awe of her capabilities handling the sailboat single handedly through battering storms, the doldrums, icy cold weather, etc. But even before all that, through determination and sure grit she powered through and overcame challenges to become a contender in the sailing world. Her writing felt frank, raw, and endearing. I enjoyed her descriptions of her experience sailing in the big waters – the wonder, beauty, unbridled power of nature – and her feeling like a speck amidst the big, bold expanse that makes up more than 70 percent of the earth’s surface. Cole Brauer did a great job giving me a window into her life and world. Her personality and character came alive through a well-written and engaging book. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Mthork · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to hear about Cole Brauer just prior to the start of her sail to A’Coruna to get to the start of the Round the World race. I followed her instagrams daily and set my alarm to be able to watch her cross the finish line in the middle of the night. I got tickets to see her speak in Mystic, Connecticut upon her return and more recently to see her speak at the signing for this book in Newport. I have been captivated by her since day one. She is an extraordinary person in so many ways. She has true grit, a strong sense of self and is unafraid to share her vulnerabilities which just makes her seem so much stronger. She is compassionate, funny, and tough and completely authentic. Despite following her journey so faithfully, I really appreciated the insight this book provides into her thoughts and behind the scenes actions during the race. Incredibly inspirational. You don’t have to be a sailor to appreciate this book. I am looking forward to cheering her on for the next race.

[Paul S · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I heard a radio interview with Cole Brauer (maybe Here and Now) about the release of her upcoming book (First Light) on her solo voyage around the world. It sounded like it would be a very exciting sailing adventure. I read the book shortly after (hardcover, first edition, first printing) hearing the interview. The book includes considerable background about her life such as her working class background and how she got work as a sailor and boat captain. The book includes aspects of sailing specific to the racing of sailboats. There is also a fair amount of men behaving badly in response to her competing. During her solo voyage, she describes the extraordinary amount of time and energy spent fixing critical electronic/mechanical systems while sailing the roughest seas (near Antarctica). A main theme deals with her ongoing mental state due to the voyage-induced stress and physical isolation. Finally, she reflects upon this stress, the solitude while in remote places, and the longing to return to the sea.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid five stars.
On the technology speaking circuit, there’s a hashtag #OurGiantsAreFemale, where speakers highlight a trailblazing woman in predominantly male jobs. In summer of 2024, soon after she finished the Global Solo Challenge, I featured Cole Brauer as one of those giants. All five foot two of her.
I loved this book. She put her soul into it. The hopes. The dreams. The fears.
I’m in awe of her for fitting the mold of “They told her she couldn’t, so she did.” She told well her backstory that created a determined, capable, resilient sailor, and all the people who helped her along the way.
I’m in awe of her for being a blue ocean sailor. To sail the southern ocean solo, you have to be an outstanding technician who understands and can fix (or work around) anything on the boat. I really loved how she talked about her trusting relationship with First Light.
I listened on Audible and loved hearing the story in the author’s own voice.

[Jennifer Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2024, Cole Brauer took on a challenge no other American woman had completed - a solo race around the world. From the very beginning of learning to sail, Cole has pushed boundaries, challenged stereotypes, and fought with a fierce determination for her place in the sailing world. This book tells the story of how she started and how she made it around the world solo, but not alone.

I followed Cole's journey on Instagram as she sailed around the world and this book just made me love her story more. I had no idea about the hardships she went through just to get to the starting line, let alone the challenges of being at sea alone for months. Cole is inspiring and breaking glass ceilings everywhere she can.

Thank you to NetGalley and Covergent Books for the ARC of First Light.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the folks at Harmony, Rodale and Convergent for sending me a physical copy of this book. I ended up listening to the audio because it is read by the author. I was first interested in reading this book because I saw the author speak at an event before this was published.

Just so we are clear I am in no way shape or form capable to sailing around the world nor do I want to poop in a bucket in the middle of the ocean. But Cole's story is so fascinating. I feel like she did a good job at sharing her lived experience and while I'm not familiar with sailing at all, her life lessons about facing tough challenges really resonated with me.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fascinating look at the world of competitive sailing, a sport I was not previously very familiar with. The author’s tenacity and resilience were truly inspiring, and I enjoyed witnessing someone pursuing their dreams so fearlessly, even in the face of challenges like being young, female (in a male-dominated sport), and petite (a challenge I am also familiar with, ha!). The narrative was also quite propulsive and I found myself unable to put this book down! Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this before release.

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring story! A young woman overcomes many obstacles during a solo round the world sailing competition. She had to deal with prejudice in a very male dominated sport that didn’t believe a woman could possibly compete. And she had to be resilient enough to handle weather and mechanical problems during the voyage. I hope young woman everywhere can learn from her experience.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and my own opinions.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all good books about sailing, First Light is not about sailing. It's about endurance, courage, and discipline. It's about finding one's self and one's connection with the world around us, the water, air, and eventually land. It's about breaking down and building up. "When we let ourselves experience the discomfort of failure we toughen up, develop resilience, and get to see what parts of us need to be fixed."

[K. Lerm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Convergent Books for this ARC. I am incredibly grateful to have read Coles story.

"Sometimes it's the very people who no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine." - The Imitation Game

I enjoyed reading First Light, it was an entertaining and inspirational story. I enjoyed getting to know Coles personality and resilience as she sailed solo around the world.

I will definitely recommend this book.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the raw honesty of Cole’s challenge to find a place in the male-dominated world of competitive sailing. I love her grit, determination and courage to see the obstacles and not fear the outcomes.
I met Cole on her book tour. I can’t wait to see where she lands. We will be reading about ,and following her career for the next few decades.
My only criticism of the narrative was the timeline was hard to follow.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like sports stories, women beating the odds, or travel - then you should read this book. This is armchair traveling like you won’t experience anywhere else. Thank you to Cole Brauer for sharing your journey and to all of those who said “I support you.” Another example of a human, a woman, doing amazing things and breaking records.

“Thank you, Convergent Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.”

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great sailing story about determination, self-confidence and strength. The author has great skill in recounting what it takes to single handedly keep a sailboat moving all the time. Sailing alone around the world is a heroic feat. She recounts the days and weeks of being wet, cold, sleep deprived and always hungry with remarkable candor. Anyone who has watched the sun rise while under sail, or not, will love this book!!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two words: Hell. Yeah.
I recently learned to sail, and this book gives a real, raw look into sailing as a sport. I really appreciated Cole's transparency when it came to the "poop bucket" and her medical preparation before her solo sail. Cole does such a great job writing in a way that feels like you're getting a long-awaited update from your BFF who's being a total badass in the open ocean.

[Kathy Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a pre-release copy of this book for review. I’m amazed how easy it was to understand nautical terms and share Cole’s experience as she sailed this amazing journey solo. Having never sailed, but always intrigued by sailing, Cole’s memoir kept me engaged throughout the entire book. I was touched deeply by Cole’s thoughtful, honest responses to Mother Nature’s trials.

Thank you, Cole, for paving the way for other young girls. What an adventure! What a woman!

[Melanie Guerra · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you followed Cole Brauer’s solo sail around the world obsessively on Instagram as I did, add this to your TBR. A great memoir of an accomplished sailor becoming the first American woman to sail solo around the world, telling her side of things- I remembered moments she described and loved hearing what was going through her mind at the time. She’s scrappy, classy and inspiring. A fun read!

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!! What a great journey and I felt like I was there experiencing it. So interesting to learn about sailing around the world and this women is incredible, so tough and so strong but she shares with you her struggles and vulnerabilities. This was my favorite read of the year and it’s a true story!

[Mark · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Follow Cole through her journey into sailing, racing, and the Global Solo challenge. Discover all the challenges she faced as a small young woman in a sport dominated by males and misogynistic attitudes, but also the men and women who supported her dream. Find out her successes and failures, both external and internal, how she coped. A fascinating, inspiring memoir. Highly recommend.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite genre of book to read. Sailing with and against the ocean and prevailing! Newport, Charleston and Ft Lauderdale as the backdrop- even better!
I did get to follow the author as she sailed on this voyage. This made this book so much more vivid as I read her reflections.

[Phyllis F-H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave it a 5 star because I followed Cole on Instagram as she was taking her journey. It was great to relive through her eyes in print. What a wonderful role model for women and an inspiration for those who learn differently! Thank you Cole!

[Marissa Ferris · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Wow. Finished this in one sitting. Such an amazing story from the first woman to ever sail solo around the world. I learned a lot about sailing, and truly enjoyed Cole’s stories of her adventure.

The Drake Passage remains one of my biggest fears.