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Jeanne Socrates - solo round the world yachtswoman

(50 Posts)
Riverwalk Wed 11-Sep-19 08:06:27

I can't praise this 77 year-old enough - alone for 388 days with no support.

Her previous attempt resulted in a broken neck!

I hope she's welcomed home as a conquering hero smile

Yachtswoman

Gonegirl Wed 11-Sep-19 17:27:50

Oh, what exactly does the "sigh" mean *lemongrove"?!

At leastMonica has the nous to actually post some words.

Gonegirl Wed 11-Sep-19 17:28:36

Not sure where I have actually "knocked" her. But there.... hmm

ffinnochio Wed 11-Sep-19 17:58:48

Yep, I take your comments re. sponsorship Monica, and I do celebrate Jeanna Socrates determination and achievement, and at her age.
I still think that the opportunities to carry through such endeavours requires substantial advantages that many do not have. That’s just as life is.
As I said, good for her.

As for the sigh, lemongrove - why?

Gonegirl Wed 11-Sep-19 18:04:29

lemongrove flowers

Cheer up for Chatham.

J52 Wed 11-Sep-19 18:59:28

She was an orphan, never knew her father and was a teacher in a West London School near the river. She only took up sailing as an extracurricular activity for her pupils.

lemongrove Wed 11-Sep-19 19:00:15

Am quite cheered up thanks Gonegirl and the sigh wasn’t for Monica ( so you got that wrong!)
It was for ffinochio’s comment.......when will poster realise that money doesn’t matter in these cases, it’s having the derring do to actually do this sort of thing.
Ellen McCarthy wasn’t from a privileged background, and if you are crazy about sailing you will find a way to do it. Crewing at first, and working your way up.
What is wrong in just applauding an older woman for a daring exploit?

Gonegirl Wed 11-Sep-19 19:02:06

Don't feel like applauding anyone.

So I won't.

#grumpyoldsod

Gonegirl Wed 11-Sep-19 19:02:48

didn't say it was for Monica....

lemongrove Wed 11-Sep-19 19:03:27

Thanks for posting that fact J52 .....perhaps all posters will feel they can applaud her now.

Gonegirl Wed 11-Sep-19 19:04:13

still not applauding

lemongrove Wed 11-Sep-19 19:05:54

Actually Gonegirl I had already posted ‘some words’ earlier up the thread.

Never mind, it’s gone 7pm time for a gin fizz?

Sussexborn Wed 11-Sep-19 19:18:38

Jeanna Socrates attended the local state grammar school and then studied at university in the late 50s/60s. Nothing to say she had untold wealth though possibly she inherited the family home when she was orphaned. Local friends here who attended grammar school said they had elocution lessons to ‘improve’ their accents.

J52 Wed 11-Sep-19 19:47:29

She was in an orphanage from the age of 5 until 9. She sold her house to fund her voyage.

M0nica Thu 12-Sep-19 07:57:05

Interesting, I assumed the person who dismissed her achievement because she was rich had checked her facts before posting.

Maggiemaybe Thu 12-Sep-19 07:57:24

If it wasn’t for this thread, I wouldn’t have heard of Jeanne Socrates. Perhaps it’s because the news is so dominated by our political shenanigans at the moment, but you’d have thought she would have merited some publicity.

I’m in awe. I love an adventurer.

Maggiemaybe Thu 12-Sep-19 08:01:01

some publicity - should be more publicity.

Esspee Thu 12-Sep-19 08:45:00

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Anniebach Thu 12-Sep-19 09:09:41

There is a man running from Lands End to John o groats , SKY news are following his run.

This woman ? Silence .

What a woman, I am in awe

FarNorth Thu 12-Sep-19 09:58:58

Perhaps it’s because the news is so dominated by our political shenanigans at the moment

Or perhaps because she is a woman, as other posters have suggested.

Maggiemaybe Thu 12-Sep-19 10:17:25

Could be. Though Ellen MacArthur hardly lacked publicity.

nanou Thu 12-Sep-19 12:18:40

Well ladies, I say that staying 388 days alone in the middle of the ocean at 77 years old is no mean feast. Very well done, a strong and courageous woman mentally and physically. There is hope for the over 70s. www.gransnet.com/emo/te/1.gif

Maggiemaybe Thu 12-Sep-19 13:32:56

If anyone's interested in making a donation to the RNLI to honour Jeanne Socrates' achievement, the link is:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jeanne-socrates2

I'm surprised she's only had 80 donors so far.

Gonegirl Thu 12-Sep-19 16:14:18

Also, this is a great way to support the RNLI

Gave my son and GSs a lifelong interest in lifeboats.

Maggiemaybe Fri 13-Sep-19 00:14:37

I like that. One of my DGSs wants to be a pirate when he grows up. This would be the next best thing. smile