US Sailing has announced the winners of the 2024 Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards. Ian Barrows and Hans Henken are the yachtsmen of the year and Cole Brauer is the yachtswoman of the year. The awards acknowledge their accomplishments in sailing during the past year.
The winners were honored on Feb. 6 during the US Sailing Awards Ceremony at the 2025 US Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, Calif. The selection process involved a vote by past Rolex Award winners and prominent sailing media members. To learn more about the selection process, visit ussailing.org.
“This year’s Rolex Yachtsmen and Yachtswomen of the Year awards celebrate three extraordinary sailors whose achievements have left an indelible mark on our sport,” Henry Brauer, president of US Sailing, said in a statement. “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.”
Barrows and Henken earned a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in the Men’s Two-Person Skiff, the 49er. The broke an eight-year Olympic medal drought for the United States as the duo overcame weather delays in the final medal race. Following their Olympic success, Barrows joined the coaching staff at the College of Charleston. Henken has returned to the USA SailGP Team as a flight controller and grinder.
Brauer made history as a competitor in the Global Solo Challenge, a single-handed nonstop round the world ocean race. Sailing her Class 40, First Light, Brauer placed second, becoming the first American woman to sail solo around the world.
Through her regular photo and video updates on Instagram, Brauer amassed nearly 400,000 followers, bringing the adventure and challenges of solo ocean racing to a new audience.
Established in 1961 by US Sailing and sponsored by Rolex, the awards are the highest individual honors in American sailing. Past recipients include Buddy Melges, Dennis Conner, Betsy Alison and JJ Fetter.
