Socrates Cancels Circumnav Attempt

After taking a fall from a ladder in a British Columbia boatyard, Jeanne Socrates has postponed her attempt at becoming the oldest person to singlehand around the world until next year. 

"I’m leaving hospital today to stay with friends nearby and recuperate slowly, but carefully," Socrates told us by email last week. Socrates said she still hasn’t decided what she’ll do this winter. "The thought of visiting friends further south (once I’m rid of this neck brace) to escape the cold winter is very tempting! British Columbia is a wonderful cruising ground, so I might cruise here over the summer before my re-start next October."

Socrates had planned to depart Victoria on October 5 for her solo, nonstop, unassisted, record-attempting circumnavigation. Her Najad 380 cutter Nereida was on the hard for antifouling and inspection. "While working on the boat, Jeanne fell from the top of a ladder and suffered significant physical damage (yes, the ladder was tied off)," a press release said. Socrates suffered nine broken ribs, fractured several vertebra, broke her nose and damaged her right elbow. 

"I’m all good so long as pain is under control," Socrates told us. "I’ve been lucky to receive so many messages of support which have all been very much appreciated and have helped me a lot." 

We wish Jeanne Socrates a speedy recovery, and hope she’s ready for another record-setting attempt next year.