Jeanne Socrates rounds Cape Horn
British sailor Jeanne Socrates, who is attempting to become the oldest person to sail solo and non-stop around the world without assistance, is now past Cape Horn.
The 76-year-old started her record attempt on 3 October 2018, setting out from Victoria, British Columbia in her Najad 380, Nereida.
Speaking to YM, Socrates admitted she was frustrated by her progress so far, due to dodging storms and coping with being becalmed. But, she is pleased with Nereida’s performance.
‘I think maybe I’m sailing her better than previously and getting generally better speeds from her as a result. I was very happy with my excellent speeds and resultant progress down the Pacific – until we hit the Doldrums,’ added Socrates, who in July 2013 became the oldest woman to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.
She has fixed several problems aboard, including repairing wiring to solar panels and a failed connection between the rod kicker and mast.
Socrates said she was enjoying offshore sailing again, with highlights being her recent third rounding of Cape Horn, which she passed close by, and the supportive emails she receives which ‘help me to keep going when things get tough/rough!’
Socrates is hoping to beat the current record held by Japan’s Minoru Saito by the end of May 2019.