Jeanne Socrates Meets the Queen

British solo circumnavigator Jeanne Socrates was among dozens of adventurers invited to meet Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at a reception at Buckingham Palace last night. "The reception was to mark the centenary of Captain Robert Scott’s final expedition to the South Pole, and to recognize the accomplishments of those involved in exploration and adventure in all its forms," says Socrates. "What a privilege to be invited!"

Other notable explorers included Ellen MacArthur, Sam Davies, Alex Whitworth, and Roz Savage. "I met rowers, kayakers, rock and mountain climbers, hangliders, and many different Antarctic and Arctic explorers and researchers," Socrates reports. "I also chatted with a very enthusiastic Princess Beatrice who took my card, saying she’d like to follow my nonstop attempt next year."

You read that right. After a broken boom at Cape Horn in January thwarted her last attempt to circumnavigate nonstop, Socrates has spent the last 11 months repairing and upgrading her Najad 380 Nereida in preparation for another attempt. "I’ll fly back to South Africa mid-January and leave as soon as possible for Austraila or maybe Polynesia before going to Victoria. I’ll start my third attempt at a nonstop solo circumnavigation from there at the beginning of next October."

You can follow her progress on her website.