Whilst the feats of record-holding world solo sailing circumnavigator Jeanne Socrates never cease to surprise, it is perhaps no surprise that this seasoned sailor has repowered her trusty Najad 380 with another Yanmar marine diesel engine – the Yanmar 4JH57.
In a world where sailing solo around the globe remains one of the ultimate tests of endurance, skill, and willpower, Jeanne Socrates has carved her name into maritime history several times over. Defying not just the oceans but age expectations, Socrates became the oldest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world in 2019 at the age of 77, aboard her steadfast 38-footer, Nereida.
Her journey wasn’t a simple dash across calm seas.
It was a grueling, 339-day odyssey that tested every fibre of her being. Departing from Victoria, British Columbia, in October 2018, she sailed south through the Pacific, rounded Cape Horn, crossed the Southern Ocean, passed the Cape of Good Hope, and returned through the stormy waters of the South Pacific. What made it more astonishing was that she undertook the challenge with no external aid and without setting foot on land – a true solo circumnavigation in the traditional sense.
But this wasn’t her first encounter with the high seas or even with global circumnavigation.
Socrates, a retired math teacher from the UK, had already completed her third solo circumnavigation in 2013—becoming the first woman to do so nonstop and unassisted from North America. That voyage, too, was completed aboard Nereida, her Najad 380 sloop, named after a sea nymph in Greek mythology. True to her namesake, Nereida proved both spirited and resilient.
Socrates’ achievements came not without hardship. Prior attempts had been foiled by storms, technical failures, and even a serious accident in 2017 that left her with broken bones after a fall from a ladder while preparing for another voyage. Yet, she returned – undaunted and determined.
Her voyages are more than personal milestones. They are a stirring reminder that adventure and courage are not confined by age or convention. Like many sailors, Jeanne has counted on the reliability of a Yanmar as her auxiliary engine and an option to keep electrical power alive onboard.
Nereida successfully took Jeanne around the globe and to many corners of its oceans with a 4JH4AE Yanmar onboard, clocking an impressive 9,000-plus hours through their countless adventures.
After weighing up the options of a rebuild or new engine when she returned to Australian waters, Jeanne purchased a new 4JH57 Yanmar from Minards Diesel in Newcastle. While the 4JH57 sports the same tough four-cylinder 2.19L block of the previous model Yanmar, its direct injection common rail fuel system delivers more horsepower (57hp @ 3,000rpm), almost unbeatable fuel economy, a quieter engine and cleaner emissions.
The new 4JH57 also employs a powerful 12V, 125A alternator that has allowed Nereida to do-away with a second alternator attached to the old engine.
The new Yanmar was installed on-water in Sydney Harbour by Yanmar specialist Phillip Lulic of Sydney Diesel Marine, (Jeanne certainly likes to keep things on the water wherever she can!).
The new 12V alternator system was coupled with a DC-to-DC charger to integrate it to the vessel’s existing charging and electrical system
Jeanne Socrates and Nereida have become icons not just in nautical circles but also as symbols of perseverance. With each circumnavigation, Socrates charts more than geographic distance – she maps out the vast, unyielding terrain of human spirit. For those who believe their time for adventure has passed, Jeanne’s logbook offers a stirring rebuttal: it’s never too late to chase the horizon. With a new Yanmar in Nereida’s engine room, the chase can continue for many years to come!
Power Refined: The Yanmar 4JH57 Marine Diesel Engine
In the world of marine propulsion, where reliability, fuel efficiency, and clean operation are critical, Yanmar’s 4JH57 marine diesel engine stands out for its precision and a deep understanding of sailors’ needs
The 4JH57 represents a leap forward in compact marine power, blending innovation with the trusted durability Yanmar has cultivated over decades.
At its core, the 4JH57 is a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder, common-rail direct-injection diesel engine that produces 57 horsepower @ 3000 rpm. The switch to common-rail technology from older mechanical injection systems is one of its most notable upgrades. This allows for more precise fuel delivery, which results in lower emissions, quieter operation, and improved fuel economy—key benefits whether you’re cruising long distances or maneuvering in tight harbors.
One of the engine’s hallmark features is its electronic control unit (ECU), which optimizes engine performance in real-time. This not only improves throttle responsiveness and efficiency but also provides robust diagnostic capabilities – making it easier to troubleshoot and maintain. Coupled with Yanmar’s VC10 vessel control system, operators get seamless integration with digital displays.
The 4JH57 is also compliant with stringent emissions standards including EPA Tier 3 and EU RCD II, meaning skippers can cruise confidently in environmentally sensitive areas. As with all Yanmars, maintenance remains straightforward.
Yanmar’s signature low vibration and noise design further enhances onboard comfort, especially for sailboats and displacement cruisers where the engine hum can be ever-present.
In a market flooded with marine diesel options, the Yanmar 4JH57 punches above its weight, offering a smart blend of advanced technology, ecological responsibility, and legendary reliability. For those looking to repower or equip a new vessel, (and particularly those of the sailing fraternity), it’s the choice that has guaranteed smooth sailing for tens of thousands of skippers worldwide.
Learn more about the solo navigation adventures of Jeanne Socrates and SV Nereida on her blogging website www.svnereida.com.
You can also learn more and keep up-to-date with Nereida’s daily location via the following online media:
Youtube: youtube.com/@jeannesailingsolo
Instagram: @jeannesocrates
Facebook:Â sv_nereida
Follow Live: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/SVNereida
Stay tuned for a book Jeanne is in the process of writing about her life, adventures and travel. It should make for an incredible story.
