Where would you rather be, in the office or sailing around the world?

Last night I had a two way contact with Jeanne, VE0JS/MM. She was sailing north of Bora Bora, heading south west. Jeanne is a legend. On July 8, 2013, on the 3rd attempted to circumnavigate the Earth, solo, non-stop, unassisted, Jeanne sailed into Victoria Harbour breaking two world records. She was the oldest woman to complete this task as well as the first woman to sail solo non-stop unassisted around the world from North America. Since 2013, she has made two additional attempts to be the oldest person to complete this task. At 76 years old, Jeanne is currently on route to achieve her goal.

We spoke for a solid half hour, on 40m band. During the Covid years, Jeanne sailed around Australia, stopping at numerous ports, visiting local amateurs. “I’ve seen more of Australia than probably any Australian!” she said, smiling.

Equipment? Marine Icom M801E, 125 Watts output power into Backstay antenna, with insulators top and bottom. Ground is sintered bronze ground plate on underwater hull, in seawater, plus 1 sqm of thin copper sheet glassed into the inside of her hull. All tuned nicely with an ICOM automatic antenna tuner, AT141.

So where would you rather be today?