Born: 1942 (Lymington, United Kingdom)
Biography:
Jeanne Socrates, born on August 17, 1942, is an esteemed British yachtswoman hailing from Lymington. Throughout her remarkable sailing career, she has achieved numerous accolades and set multiple records, solidifying her prominent position in the world of solo circumnavigation.
Socrates gained worldwide recognition as the oldest female to have successfully circumnavigated the globe single-handedly. This noteworthy achievement serves as a testament to her unwavering determination and unwavering spirit. Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the only woman to have completed a nonstop solo circumnavigation from North America.
In 2013, Socrates received the esteemed Cruising Club of America’s Blue Water Medal, a recognition bestowed upon individuals who have displayed exceptional seamanship during long-distance sailing ventures. The same year, the Royal Cruising Club also honored her with the Medal for Seamanship, further highlighting her impressive skills and contributions to the yachting community.
Despite her impressive accomplishments, Socrates has faced her fair share of challenges. In 2017, she sustained severe injuries following a fall from a ladder while working on her yacht, Nereida. As a result, she had to postpone her planned attempt to become the oldest person, irrespective of gender, to circumnavigate the globe. At the time, the record was held by Japanese sailor Minoru Saito, who completed the feat at the age of 71 in 2005.
However, undeterred by her setback, Socrates embarked on her latest solo circumnavigation attempt on October 3, 2018. Her determination and resilience paid off when she completed her voyage on September 7, 2019, becoming the oldest person ever to accomplish a solo nonstop circumnavigation. This remarkable feat solidified her position as one of the most inspirational figures in long-distance sailing.
Despite losing the title of the oldest solo circumnavigator to Bill Hatfield, an 81-year-old sailor who completed his nonstop circumnavigation on February 22, 2020, Socrates still retains the distinction of being the oldest person to have sailed solo, unassisted, and nonstop via the Five Great Capes. This monumental achievement showcases her exceptional skills and unyielding spirit.
Moreover, Socrates’s incredible journey has had a lasting impact beyond her personal triumphs. In November 2019, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, honored her by naming the inner harbor commercial dock as the Jeanne Socrates Dock. This recognition serves as a testament to her extraordinary circumnavigation that departed from and returned to the very harbor.
Jeanne Socrates’s legacy as a pioneering yachtswoman continues to inspire aspiring sailors and enthusiasts around the world. Her resilience, determination, and contributions to the world of solo circumnavigation have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on women’s history and the sailing community as a whole.
Awards:
– Cruising Club of America’s Blue Water Medal (2013)
– Royal Cruising Club Medal for Seamanship (2013)