US Sailing has announced the winners of its 2024 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards. Ian Barrows and Hans Henken have been named the Rolex Yachtsmen of the Year, while Cole Brauer has been named the Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year. These awards recognise their exceptional accomplishments in the sport of sailing over the past year.
The winners were honoured earlier at an awards ceremony during the US Sailing Awards Ceremony at the 2025 US Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, California on Friday. The selection process involved a vote by past Rolex Award winners and prominent members of the sailing media.
About the 2024 winners:
Ian Barrows & Hans Henken – Rolex Yachtsmen of the Year
Ian Barrows and Hans Henken secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in the Men’s Two-Person Skiff – the 49er, breaking an eight-year Olympic medal drought for the United States. Despite weather delays that added stress to their final medal race, the duo executed a remarkable performance, clinching the bronze medal on the final leg of the race.
Following their Olympic success, Barrows joined the coaching staff at the College of Charleston, where he continues to inspire and develop future sailing talent. Henken has returned to the roster of the USA SailGP Team, serving as a flight controller and grinder. Their resilience and skill on the international stage have earned them recognition as the best in American sailing for 2024.
Cole Brauer – Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year
Cole Brauer made history and captivated the global sailing community during the inaugural Global Solo Challenge, a single-handed, non-stop ‘round the world ocean race designed to reduce the cost and environmental impact of ocean racing. Competing aboard her Class 40 First Light, Brauer achieved second place in the race, becoming the first American woman to sail solo around the world.
Brauer’s journey was not only a feat of endurance and skill but also a storytelling triumph. Through her regular photo and video updates on Instagram, she amassed nearly 400,000 followers, bringing the adventure and challenges of solo ocean racing to a new audience. Her achievements have redefined what is possible in the sport and inspired countless sailors and fans worldwide.
