The Sailor Who Climbs Mountains

Jean Braure has been interviewed on local Virgin Islands’ radio stations (WVWI), Channel 12 TV Station and many stories have been written in local newspapers (Caribbean Boating, The Virgin Islands Daily News). Jean was told to write his souvenirs, some chronicles of his adventurous life shared by friends, sailors and mountaineers alike. He has lived all his life in the Virgin Islands. He qualified to represent the Virgin Islands team at the Olympics in 1984 in the Soling class and in 1988 and 1992 in the Tornado class.

He still climbs high mountains at 75. He will never retire. He still competes in local races, sailing his Freedom 40 “Mumu Sunset,” from sunrise to sunset. These two “activities” are unique for a Virgin Islander, more accustomed to a traditional way of life than to challenge Nature. Jean is a Free Spirit who does not fit in a conventional life. This book is more a series of humoristic accounts of Jean’s adventures. It is also an introspective into the weakness of the human being facing Nature. He has promised his family tens of times not to climb anymore or to sail offshore. Jean is unable to keep his promises. Jean is the “Enfant Terrible” of the Virgin Islands. He obtained a Master’s Degree in French Literature at Middlebury’s College, Vt.