Image: Kevin Le Poidevin's Roaring Forty @KevinLePoidevin
As the anticipation for the inaugural Global Solo Challenge (GSC) builds, we are highlighting two exceptional Australian entrants whose intriguing stories underscore the spirit of this solo, non-stop, around-the-world sailing event. Each sailor brings a unique blend of experience, skills, and personal motivation that’s as diverse as the challenging sea they’re set to conquer. Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or just fascinated by individual endurance and the pursuit of dreams, these profiles will pull you in, making you an ardent follower of their extraordinary journeys.
Meet Kevin Le Poidevin, a former military officer turned sailor whose impressive avionic skills and dedication to philanthropy are bound to make his circumnavigation unforgettable. Equally compelling is Henry Rourke, a finance expert and seasoned sailor who calls Switzerland home these days but is eager to circumnavigate the globe under the Australian flag. These profiles offer a glimpse into their exciting preparations ahead of this formidable challenge. Embark on this voyage with us as we explore their unique paths to the GSC.
Kevin Le Poidevin
Kevin Le Poidevin, a Global Solo Challenge (GSC) entrant from Australia, has an exceptionally diverse skill set to help him take on his circumnavigation. Born in England, Le Poidevin migrated to Australia at the age of two. He began his career as a vehicle mechanic, ambulance rescue vehicle operator, and volunteer Air Sea Rescue skipper. At the age of 29, he joined the Royal Australian Air Force where he expanded his skills, becoming an advanced avionics technician with expertise in radar, radio, and electrical systems, as well as aircraft diagnostics, repair, and maintenance.
During his time with the Air Force, Le Poidevin led a team through an exercise in fatigue management and risk assessment, gaining skills applicable to solo offshore racing. He worked predominantly on the F/A-18 Hornet and was involved in the introduction to service of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning aircraft. After a tenure in Defense Force Recruitment, he added psychology and recruitment strategies to his skill set. His 31 years in the military ended with him as an officer involved in project engineering and management.
Despite his busy career, Le Poidevin maintained his love for sailing, having completed over 50,000 nm under sail and participating in the Solo Tasman Challenges and Sydney to Hobart races. After retiring from full-time military service, he entered the GSC, fulfilling his dream of a solo circumnavigation. His boat, Roaring Forty, is currently being refitted in Spain. As part of his preparation, he will complete a 2,000-mile solo qualifying sail.
Le Poidevin is supported by Team Aviator Ocean Racing, consisting of himself, his wife, and a friend. Following the GSC, he plans to train veterans in Australia for new challenges through Aviator Ocean Racing. He is also a supporter of the charities ‘Soldier On’ and ‘Brain Tumour Alliance Australia’.
Henry Rourke
Henry Rourke, an Australian sailor currently residing in Lugano, Switzerland, is set to participate in the inaugural Global Solo Challenge (GSC). The 58-year-old finance expert is eager to sail solo around the world for the first time and anticipates that the GSC, with its staggered start and diverse participant base, will attract a significant worldwide audience.
Rourke has had a lifetime love for water sports and sailing, and his experience includes solo and double-handed voyages such as a solo Transat and the Antigua – Bermuda double-handed race in 2019. He has also participated in various medium-distance solo and crewed races. His desire to sail solo around the world led him to consider the Vendée Globe and the Golden Globe before ultimately deciding on the GSC.
Rourke’s boat for the GSC is a yet-to-be-named 53-footer that was originally designed for single-handed, around-the-world races. Currently docked near San Remo, Italy, the modern, carbon-fiber flat-aft design boat features a canting keel, which enhances speed by keeping the boat level. The yacht lacks the sail area of larger IMOCAs and its design could potentially be less demanding for the skipper, a trait that Rourke appreciates.
Work on the boat is ongoing, with completion of the canting keel hydraulic system pending which have been delayed the launch of the boat by months even posing a threat to the entire campaign. However, Henry is pressing on with his word and once the keel is fitted out and the boat launched, Rourke plans to complete his 2,000 nautical miles qualifying solo sail by early summer. As his boat is among the faster entries, he expects to depart from A Coruña in early December giving hime some extra time to prepare.
Rourke is currently seeking sponsors or partners for the boat, offering potential partners significant return on investment due to the modern satellite-based internet and race media coverage. His wife, Alice, a special-needs teacher, supports his GSC participation.
Text: GSC