Please select your home edition
Edition
Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca 2025

Gale Force Winds, Huge Seas during 70-Day Voyage of endurance home for Elizabeth Tucker

by Za Ocean Racing 19 Feb 13:04 PST

After an epic 70-day transoceanic voyage, around-the-world sailors Elizabeth Tucker (Sydney) and Cole Brauer (USA) have departed Hobart and are now sailing the final leg of their remarkable journey home to Sydney aboard First Light.

Setting sail from Spain, their voyage has tested their endurance, seamanship, and resilience, as they navigated the Atlantic Ocean, crossed the equator, and faced the challenges of the dangerous Southern Ocean.

As captured on video and stills (link attached) and broadcast daily along the way on social media to their legion of fans - they battled gale force winds, huge seas, food poisoning, and a mid ocean collision which could have proved fatal, to arrive finally in Australia. The all female team is overjoyed to cross the finish line in one of the greatest harbours in the world.

Elizabeth, a former Chief Financial Officer, jumped in the deep end only 4 years ago, quitting her job with a dream to compete in one of the toughest ocean races in the world, the 2027 Global Solo Challenge.

When Elizabeth bought First Light in Spain, Cole Brauer already an established and decorated offshore sailor, decided to accompany her to Sydney on this epic voyage which took two and half months. The two women spending all their time, 24/7 in a small space, the size of a double bed. The ocean at times beguiling and tranquil, and at other times, ferocious.

“This passage has been an incredible test of resilience and seamanship,” said Elizabeth Tucker.

“Cole’s experience has been invaluable—not just in the technical aspects of sailing solo, but in understanding how to manage yourself and your boat through everything the ocean throws at you.”

Now, as they sail toward Sydney, anticipation builds for their official homecoming event at Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC). Upon arrival, First Light will be moored at d’Albora Marina, thanks to the generous support of our partners.

Related Articles

CIC Normandy Channel Race preview
Gearing up for a new participation record When registration closed on 1 April, 33 Class40s were signed up with a handful of other entries still being finalised and likely to join the fray. Posted on 11 Apr
Juan Merediz returns to the Global Solo Challenge
An experienced sailor with over 150,000 nautical miles to his name Spanish sailor Juan Merediz has officially entered the 2027-2028 Global Solo Challenge (GSC), marking his return to the event after participating in the inaugural 2023-2024 edition. Posted on 9 Apr
Change of co-skipper for the Cap Pour Elles crew
France's Axelle Pillain will form all-female duo with Spanish sailor Aina Bauza Having been recently selected as co-skipper for the TRANSAT CAFÉ L'OR Cap pour Elles project unfortunately Caroline Boule has told the organization that she has to withdraw and so the French sailor Axelle Pillain will replace her. Posted on 3 Apr
2025 CIC Med Channel Race - one month to go
A novel event designed to develop offshore racing in the Mediterranean On Sunday 27 April at 13:00 hrs local time, the Class40 fleet will set sail from Marseille's southern bay on the brand-new CIC MED CHANNEL RACE. Posted on 27 Mar
#empowHer Racing Project launched
Pamela Lee has partnered with DFDS to launch the campaign ahead of the Route du Rhum Pamela Lee, one of Ireland's most formidable offshore sailors, has today announced a new sponsorship deal with ferry and logistics company, DFDS, as the Founding Sponsor of her #empowHer Racing campaign. Posted on 13 Mar
Race Yachts latest premium offerings
Come and experience some of the best Race Yachts on the market today Come and experience some of the best Race Yachts on the market today. 2025 has started strong as we have never been busier, it's time to prepare for the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart race later this year. Posted on 9 Mar
DFDS sponsors Pamela Lee
First Irish sailor to compete in world's longest transatlantic solo race Ferry and logistics company DFDS has joined forces with one of Ireland's most formidable offshore sailors, Pamela Lee, to launch #EmpowHer racing campaign. Posted on 9 Mar
Caroline and Aina winners of Cap pour Elles
On the eve of International Women's Rights Day On the eve of International Women's Rights Day it is the 100% female duo Caroline Boule of France and Aina Bauza of Spain who have been selected for the third edition of Cap pour Elles. Posted on 7 Mar
Rán wins Antigua 360 Race
As 66 teams gear up for the RORC Caribbean 600 The Royal Ocean Racing Club's Antigua 360 Race, organised with the Antigua Yacht Club, started on time from Fort Charlotte as the final climax of the 2025 RORC Nelson's Cup Series. Posted on 22 Feb
RORC Caribbean 600 Navigators' dreams & nightmares
A race that demands expert decision-making and fast thinking The RORC Caribbean 600 is a navigator's dream and nightmare rolled into one. A race that demands expert decision-making, fast thinking and a deep understanding of offshore tactics. Posted on 21 Feb
Henri-Lloyd Dynamic RangeMySail 2025Selden 2020 - FOOTER