A modest childhood and a late passion for sailing
Born in 1942, Jeanne Socrates grew up in East London, marked by the tumult of the Second World War. The child of a teenage mother and an airman father she never knew, she spent part of her youth in an orphanage. " I've always loved water" she confides, " At the age of 12, I learned to dive on my own in the school pool. "Despite her early life far from the oceans, her love of nature was confirmed as a child, when she observed birds in London parks.
It wasn't until the age of 48 that Jeanne discovered sailing, during a school trip with her pupils to the Isle of Wight. A math teacher, she took up sailing with her husband, Georges. Together, they bought their first boat, Nereida in 1997. But in 2003, Georges' death marked a turning point in her life. Jeanne, a widow at the age of 61, decided to pursue their dream of a sea voyage on her own: " After his death, I didn't want to leave the boat. I learned, and step by step, I gained confidence in myself i". She has found sailing to be a form of therapy and a way of continuing to live intensely.
An unprecedented feat: 320 days at sea
In September 2019, after 320 days of sailing, Jeanne will complete a solo circumnavigation of the globe, without assistance or stopovers, becoming at 77 the oldest female sailor to achieve this feat. Aboard Nereida with her 11.50-meter sailboat, she traversed the storms of the Southern Ocean, battling violent winds and numerous incidents of damage. Her mainsail tore at Cape Horn, and her solar panels fell overboard, temporarily depriving her of power. But her ingenuity and tenacity kept her going: " As long as you've got a sail, an anchor and a rudder, you can sail. The rest is a bonus ".
On his arrival in Victoria harbor, Canada, a crowd cheered him on. " Why should I stop? The plan is to continue sailing wherever I please "she declares with a mischievous smile.
Senior sailing: a case of exception?
According to a recent study, less than 5% of solo sailors are over 65, due to the physical and mental demands of the activity. However, Jeanne demonstrates that age is just a number: " What counts is the mental attitude. I do squats and sit-ups on board, but above all, I take my time ".
Her story reflects a growing trend among senior citizens to push the limits, whether in sailing or other adventures. However, Jeanne remains an exception: her record testifies to meticulous preparation and uncommon resilience.
A legacy of inspiration
With her unfailing smile and adventurous spirit, and now approaching 82 years of age, she has no intention of hanging up. Her sailboat, Nereida but Jeanne's team remains at her side like a faithful companion, ready for new exploits. Jeanne is the embodiment of self-improvement, proving that limits are often those we impose on ourselves.
