Jeanne Socrates - almost almost almost a great record breaker
by Nancy Knudsen on 6 Jul 2013
Jeanne latest photo taken by a Canadian helicopter - just 89 nm from home now SW
Only 40 nm to go to become the oldest female sailor to circumnavigate the world, non-stop and unassisted - on her third try. Here's the first grainy photo of 70-yer-old Jeanne Socrates, approaching Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria on the west Canadian coastline. But conditions are now windless so she is virtually drifting, unable to use her engine to qualify for the record
Her feat has been achieved without significant sponsorship, and almost everything that could break has broken - no disrespect to Jeanne, Najad or her maintenance. Months in the Southern Ocean are tough on any boat, and this is a 'normal' cruising boat.
In Jeanne's words:
A red Canadian surveillance plane (#951) flew over and around. I got quite excited and took a photo of it and waved at it. Was sorry to find the VHF radio was switched off and when I switched on the radio a short while later I heard the plane speaking to a vessel not far away and called it. I was told they’d taken photos and wanted to post them to my website so I gave them the email address. Gathered that they had very promptly emailed them and they were equally promptly posted to the website – many thanks to Kim Pearce and Jak Mang(ham radio operators) for that.
However, we must remember that on her first try at a circumnavigation she was a mere 60nm from achieving her dream when she ended up beached. It's not over until it's over.
Here's cheering Jeanne home! If you are anywhere within reach of Victoria, be there!
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