Jeanne Socrates Sails Into History Books

July 11, 2013 – Jeanne Socrates sailed into the history books Wednesday morning after 259 days alone at sea. The 70-year-old British grandmother successfully completed her third attempt at a solo non-stop global circumnavigation in Victoria, British Columbia.

After mooring up at Victoria Harbour in her 38ft yacht, Nereida, Jeanne went below deck for some much-needed sleep. Ocean Cruising Club (OCC) spokesman at the scene Rick Poole said, “Jeanne arrived dockside in Victoria (BC) Harbour at somewhere between 0900 UTC and 1000 UTC yesterday morning. She was quarantined until Customs could clear her and after several days, I think, without a decent night’s sleep I’m sure she was exhausted and at the limit of human endurance and went below to get some sleep.”

Light winds delayed Jeanne’s triumphant return by several days.

Jeanne left Victoria Harbour, B.C. Canada on 22 October 2012 and travelled more than 25,000 nautical miles to become the world’s oldest female solo nonstop unassisted circumnavigator. She is also the first female solo nonstop circumnavigator to start from North America.

Jeanne’s achievement was recorded by the World Sailing Speed Record Council. The official time will be published later. This was her third attempt; the first attempt resulted in the total loss of her boat, and during the second attempt her vessel was knocked down off Cape Horn and Jeanne was forced to put into port for extensive repairs. Though she completed the circumnavigation, the non-stop challenge eluded her.

Jeanne learned to sail when she was in her late 40s. In 1997 she and her husband commissioned the first Nereida and sailed from the UK across the Atlantic. After her husband’s death from cancer, Jeanne decided to carry on sailing single-handed. Jeanne is raising funds to support the Marie Curie Cancer Foundation by using her sailing to highlight the work it does in providing home care to terminally ill patients. After her rest, Jeanne is expected to enjoy some well-earned celebrations – surrounded by media and supporters. Read more