Lady K Sailing · video

What this video covers

Cole Brauer completed a non-stop, solo circumnavigation in 130 days aboard *First Light*, a 2008 Class 40 racing sailboat designed by Owen Clark Designs. The Class 40 rule limits boats to a 12.19-meter length, 4.5-meter beam, and 3-meter draft, while prohibiting carbon fiber, Kevlar, and tilting keels to maintain competitive parity. *First Light* underwent a comprehensive refit at Newport Shipyard in 2022, including new rigging, a reinforced mast track, and updated halyards. For power, Brauer utilized a hydro generator and an EFOY methanol battery, relying on Starlink for communication and navigation support. During the 30,000-mile voyage, Brauer managed sleep cycles tactically around sail changes and weather conditions. The vessel’s interior prioritizes utility over comfort, featuring secure storage bins and tether points to prevent gear from shifting in heavy seas. Brauer’s successful transit demonstrates the viability of high-performance, shorthanded race boats for extreme long-distance endurance sailing.

Boats in this video

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