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September 2023

Just how close? Sail-WorldCruising.com Newsletter

29/08/2019


Just how close?

Sailing Holidays 2019 - TOP

Spinlock - Deckvest - 728x90

Lone star. - photo © John Curnow


Dear Recipient Name

Thoughts of record books are far from Jeanne Socrates' mind. Frustration is actually the number one element the inimitable and inspirational sailor is dealing with presently.

When I spoke with her yesterday, she had just 400 nautical miles or so to go of her amazing round the world odyssey, but was not really making a lot of way either.

Typically, she was upbeat about it all, yet for me, the most incredibly factor present was that even now, even after the knock downs, even after the torn mainsail, even after the Southern Ocean storms, even after the wind vane steering died, even after the demise of the electronics, the elements still wanted her to pay some more dues. The boom end was the latest breakage. As Socrates said, "At least the seas were flat!"

 
B&G 2019 Cruising 300x250   Borrow a Boat 2019 MPU 2
 

Jeanne Socrates on S/V Nereida - photo © Daria Blackwell
Jeanne Socrates on S/V Nereida - photo © Daria Blackwell

So I got to think during the call that anyone who has followed her journey and incredible tale needs to do whatever it is they favour, and talk to whichever deity it is that runs their life, and ask for a speedy return to Victoria Harbour, British Columbia, in Canada for this amazing soul.

If you can, also stress that during the course of this weekend would be nice, as they are holding their classic boat festival over the holiday long weekend, and it would all be rather fitting. Don't you think? One last thing, if you would, is to suggest that during daylight would be a really nice touch, too. I mean something has to go right for her at some point, "You begin to wonder...", says a laughing Socrates.

Actually, I have asked my powers that be to make it a belated birthday gift for Jeanne from the 17th of August. "Could you see if a little Westerly can send me in please?" The last section alone is 60nm, and there is a whole lot of shipping and other traffic in the area, so at least she is well rested for now.

"It is one day at a time right now, and that is all I can focus on. I am doing little things to keep motivated, like I just celebrated the fixing of the boom with a pancake breakfast. I cannot think of the end until I have crossed the finish line."

 
Marskeel 2019 600x500   RigIt 2019 600x500
 

Polishing the topsides, and we all have to face it - Jeanne Socrates, oldest ever non-stop female solo circumnavigator, at work on Nereida - photo © SW
Polishing the topsides, and we all have to face it - Jeanne Socrates, oldest ever non-stop female solo circumnavigator, at work on Nereida - photo © SW

"If the winds arrive I think I can do well, for it seems like Nereida does not have a lot of growth on her. I am keen to get her out when I get back to actually see if this is so. I did 80nm in seven and half hours, easily making over 7.5knots, all in the preceding 24 hours." Maybe all of the issues she has endured have conspired to look after that aspect with 'free' hull cleans.

Overall, I did sense that she is very keen to return now, and does not want it to drag on any longer. No major surprise in that. "There has been a lot happen, that's for sure."

I also think it is important to look at just how well prepared she has been with the myriad of spares, extra food and water, as well as determination to fix things herself at sea, so that she can preserve her hard fought right to be the oldest, solo, unassisted, and non-stop circumnavigator. Jeanne Socrates is a star.

 
Selden CX & GX Furling Systems 600x500   Spinlock - Ceramic Clutches - 300x250
 

Blue Water Medal: Jeanne Socrates (left) accepts the 2013 Blue Water Medal from Cruising Club of America Commodore Frederic T. Lhamon (right) for her completion of a solo nonstop circumnavigation of the world on her third attempt. - photo © Dan Nerney
Blue Water Medal: Jeanne Socrates (left) accepts the 2013 Blue Water Medal from Cruising Club of America Commodore Frederic T. Lhamon (right) for her completion of a solo nonstop circumnavigation of the world on her third attempt. - photo © Dan Nerney

I also know she would want to thank all of her followers, and particularly those that have helped her solve issues over the radio and phone. So to you I merely say well done. You know how much you did, and she has spoken many times about how much she has appreciated it all. Jeanne also indicated to me "...that I have more than enough for a book now." Anyone looking for inspiration and marvel at human achievement could do well to place an order for that gem right now.

The beautiful Koh Dam Group of islands is just one of the destinations of the inaugural Multihull Solutions Phuket Rally. - photo © Kate Elkington
The beautiful Koh Dam Group of islands is just one of the destinations of the inaugural Multihull Solutions Phuket Rally. - photo © Kate Elkington

Today you will find that we have information for you about Multihull Solutions' rally in Phuket, a massive pumice 'raft' after undersea eruption, lifejackets, the Great Barrier Reef, Singapore to Sri Lanka, deck hardware with Karver, Saildrone goes around Antarctica, a coral nursery, gear from Raymarine, wind farms, ARC, Baltic Rally, hurricane preparation, whales, the Azores, as well as much more.

So you see, there are stories, lessons, inspirations and history to regale yourself with. Please do savour... We're really enjoying bringing you the best stories from all over the globe. If you want to add to that, then please make contact with us via email.

Remember too, if you want to see what is happening in the other Hemisphere, go to the top of the Sail-WorldCruising home page and the drag down menu on the right, select the other half of the globe and, voila, it's all there for you.

In the meantime, do you love being on the ocean? Well remember to love them back too. They need our help. Now more than ever! Until next time...

John Curnow
Editor, Sail-WorldCruising.com

 
Sunsail Ownership 2019 SIBS - 300x250   Zhik 2018 Yacht 300x250
 


Jeanne Socrates is closing in on the record books
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Grapefruit Graphics 2019 - MPU   TMS 2019 DR SAILS 600x500
 
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World ARC presentation and lunch
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MS Amlin Yacht - Episode 6 of '80 Seconds with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston' - My Greatest Fear
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Allen ROA 300x250   Pantaenius EU 300x250
 
Baltic Rally wrap up at the end of a superb cruise
Difficult to believe that 45 days ago a group of strangers with 15 yachts between them, ranging from 40-75 feet in length, all gathered in Rostock, Germany to start out on their Baltic adventure.

Who else wants to protect their boat from hurricane damage?
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How to burst bubbles in epoxy - Entropy Resins
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Explore the deserted coves and lush rain forests of Antigua. Loved by sailors, for its steady trade winds, safe harbours and beauty, choose to sail the calmer Caribbean Sea, or head North East for the wilder, more challenging Atlantic ocean.

Make your yachting dreams a reality
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Saildrone completes first autonomous circumnavigation of Antarctica
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Borrow A Boat headline sponsor for Southampton International Boat Show 2019
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We're excited to be exhibiting at the Southampton Boat Show again this September! We know that many of the sailors amongst you will have already managed to get out on the water by the time the show rolls around, but we'll still have our late season deals.

GJW Direct - Yacht 2019 - Footer

Grapefruit Graphics 2019 - Footer

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