Introducing the final Keynote Speaker for the SheSails Leadership Conference 2023
Carolijn Brouwer
Carolijn Brouwer, the four-time world champion turned Australian Sailing Team (AST) ILCA 6 coach, has been confirmed in our very exciting line-up.
Although born in the Netherlands, Carolijn grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she started sailing Optimists at the age of 10. Involved in water sports from a young age due to her parents both being competitive rowers, Carolijn and her family would occasionally take part in Sunday club racing in a 470 dinghy at their local sailing club. Her Dad was always the skipper and her Mum the crew. Carolijn claims to have gained her competitiveness from her Dad and the natural boat feel from her Mum.
At the age of 14, Carolijn returned to the Netherlands where she later obtained her master’s degree in Languages and Cultures of Latin America at Leiden University. During this period, she started sailing competitively.
Carolijn went on to become a multiple World Champion, Rolex World Sailor of the Year and three time Olympian, competing for both the Netherlands and Belgium.
Carolijn Brouwer & Mara Stransky at the World Championships at The Hague
With the Olympic games under her belt, Carolijn became a key player within the Ocean Racing scene. After two campaigns, Dongfeng race team acquired her services for the 2018 edition. Carolijn became a crucial part of the team and in an epic finale, Dongfung race team claimed the coveted Volvo Ocean Race trophy in 2018. In turn, Carolijn and her crew mates, Marie Riou and Justine Mettraux, made history as the first ever females to win the race, which is often described as the longest and toughest professional sporting event in the world and one of sailing’s toughest team challenges.
In 2018, she won the Rolex World Sailor of the Year award for the second time, an extraordinary feat, and in recent years she has taken up coaching for the Australian Sailing Team, passing on her exceptional skills and expertise to others.
Carolijn Brouwer at the Olympic Test Event in Marseille
Carolijn continues to inspire millions worldwide. We cannot wait to hear more about her journey and the knowledge she has to share. If you would also like to hear more about Carolijn and the various pathways available for women in sailing, don’t forget to register and secure your place today!
