US Sailing Announces 2024 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year

US Sailing has announced the winners of the 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 recognize their exceptional accomplishments in the sport of sailing over the past year. The winners were honored yesterday during the US Sailing Awards Ceremony at the 2025 US Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, California. In an unusual twist, not one of the three winners was available to attend the award ceremony in person — they were sailing, or working on a sailing schedule. They therefore tuned in via live or prerecorded video.

Throughout 2024, we followed both Hans Henken and Cole Brauer’s individual sailing journeys. Henken’s path included racing for Team USA in SailGP’s Season 4 and, together with fellow Yachtsman of the Year Ian Barrows, winning bronze in the Paris Olympics.

Meanwhile, Cole Brauer made sailing history as the first American woman to sail solo, nonstop, around the world. Brauer’s achievement has also earned her the Cruising Club of America 2024 Young Voyager Award.

Henken, Barrows and Brauer were selected from 31 nominees, including Californian sailors Paris Henken, Johnny Heineken, and Howard Hamlin.

We congratulate all sailors on their achievements and their nomination for this prestigious annual award. Just being considered is testimony to each individual’s accomplishments and their commitment to sailing.

You can watch the awards ceremony below.

The selection process involved a vote by past Rolex Award winners and prominent members of the sailing media. US Sailing’s announcement included the following write-up about Henken and Barrows, and Cole Brauer.

“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 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.”

President of US Sailing Henry Brauer [no relation, we believe] said, “This year’s Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Awards celebrate three extraordinary sailors whose achievements have left an indelible mark on our sport. Cole, Ian, and Hans have demonstrated unmatched passion, relentless dedication, and unparalleled skill on the water. Their accomplishments not only set the standard for excellence but also inspire the entire sailing community to strive for greatness. These winners embody the very spirit of sailing, reminding us all why we love this sport.”

US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year Award was established in 1961 by US Sailing and has been in partnership with Rolex since 1980. It recognizes the individual male and female American sailors who have demonstrated on-the-water excellence at international and national events, bringing global recognition to sailing in the United States.

Henken, Barrows, and Brauer join a star-studded list of previous winners from across the US that includes world champions, offshore record holders, America’s Cup winners, and more.

For more information about the selection process, please visit the US Sailing website.