Delayed starter for Global Solo Challenge

Kevin Le Poidevin (AUS), who had a start date of October 28 for the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge, departed November 23 in north easterly winds of around 10 knots from A Coruña aboard his Open 40 Roaring Forty. A back injury and last-minute technical issues forced him to postpone his departure.

However, Le Poidevin, born in 1961, did not lose his motivation and continued with determination to pursue his dream of completing a solo circumnavigation of the globe. He had dedicated 31 years to service in the Royal Australian Air Force and, once retired, chose to dedicate himself to his sea adventures.

“The need to be close to the sea is in my DNA,” he explained. “I believe that military life and navigation are complementary. Both require discipline, patience, mental agility, and endurance. Moreover, maintaining good physical fitness, motivation, and applying critical thinking to analyze and evaluate one’s own abilities and those of others is essential.”

The Australian skipper chose to face this significant challenge aboard an Open 40, a predecessor of the Box Rule of Class40, christened Roaring Forty. This vessel, known for its excellent performance and reliability, was designed by Adrian Konynendyk of Lutra Yacht Design and built in Estonia by Akton Yachts.

With Le Poidevin’s departure, the number of skippers at sea in the GSC rises to 15.

On the evening of November 23, Edouard De Keyser (BEL) reached Cape Town where he needs to address some technical issues with watermaker and autopilot to be able carry on safely in the GSC. The tracker also shows Louis Robein (FRA) heading for Cape Town on his X-37 Le Souffle de la Mer III.

Here are the remaining starters:

Attrition List:
RTD: Juan Merediz – Class40, Sorolla
RTD: Peter Bourke – Class40, Imagine
DNS: Ivan Dimov – Endur37, Blue Ibis

Race details – Entry list – Start times – Tracking

The inaugural Global Solo Challenge 2023-24 seeks to be a budget-friendly solo, non-stop race around the world. Using a pursuit format for the 2023-24 race, 20 entrants from 34 to 70 feet have start times between August 26 to January 6 from A Coruña, Spain, with the first boat to return deemed the winner.

Source: GSC