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Jeanne Socrates Cruises Through the West Coast

One of our favorite singlehanders is on a whirlwind West Coast tour — but not by boat.

“The reason for being in the Bay Area was an invitation to Cruising Club of America’s awards dinner on Wednesday [December 4] evening, where I was presented with their special recognition award for my fourth circumnavigation,” Socrates wrote us in an email. “I was told you can’t receive the Blue Water medal more than once.

Jeanne Socrates receives the special recognition award at St. Francis last week for her most recent nonstop, unassisted solo circumnavigation. That’s Cruising Club of America Commodore Brad Willauer, a member of Boston Station, presenting Socrates with the accolade.
© 2019 Richard Schaper

Socrates’ visit brought her face to face with a veritable who’s who of West Coast sailing talent. “It was great to catch up with Stan and Sally Honey over dinner, as well as meeting up with a lot of other welcoming people during my stay — including Cree Partridge, Jim Antrim and others at the Berkeley Marine Center over Friday [December 6] lunch time.”

Jeanne Socrates popped in to Berkeley Marine Center, and posed for a few pictures. From left: BMC staff Quincey Cummings, Socrates, BMC staff Donna Coulombe and Jeanie Baker. On the right is  Samantha Spanier.
© 2019 qmtravels

After her Bay Area jaunt, Socrates headed south, continuing her tour of notable names. “Now back in Mexico (La Cruz de Huanacaxtle), where I met up with Richard Spindler and Doña last week before I flew out of Puerto Vallarta. They invited me to sail with them next week on Profligate in the Banderas Bay Bash, but I need to get down to writing — so likely have to restrain myself to just one day of sailing enjoyment!

Socrates was staying with friends in the Oakland Hills last week, as the weather descended upon the West Coast.
© 2019 Jeanne Socrates

Richard Schaper, a CCA member and owner of the Catalina 36 Ebenezer III, was in attendance at the ceremony at St. Francis, and told us this of Socrates: “I admire her so much. I tracked her and read her live blog [on Socrates’ last circumnavigation]. It’s amazing how she kept her mental balance. She lost her electricity. She lost her auto pilot. She was without a mainsail in the Southern Ocean for three months. It’s very English, I supposed.”

4 Comments

  1. Memo Gidley 4 years ago

    What she has accomplished because of her passion to sail…is awesome!!! I hope to shake her hand someday!

  2. Robert McDermott 4 years ago

    Yes indeed, it was great to see Jeanne and congratulate her in person on her epic voyage. We had a nice dinner with her at the SFYC on Friday with Commodore Andy Fromm and Staff Commodores Jerry Eaton and John Swain with respective wives. The photo of her and the Bay is actually from Torill and Bob McDermott’s residence in Tiburon . We wish her well on her next challenge: Getting her amazing story in a book!

  3. richard schaper 4 years ago

    A great portrait! Thanks!

  4. Shae Ritchie 4 years ago

    I was captivated by Jeanne’s incredible voyage. I read her daily reports faithfully…and did not stop fretting until she had her feet firmly back on land. I am in awe of her seamanship and her courage. I have never stepped onto a sailboat…nor will I … but crazy or courageous … she sure got my attention! You GO girl!!!

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