Kevin Le Poidevin

Age at start of race: 64

Yacht Club: Port Stephens Yacht Club

Hull Category: Monohull

Design: 1997 Lutra BOC Open 40

LOA: 12.2m

Race Number: 18

Sailing CV: 2025 solo Osaka Japan to Port Stephens; 2025 DH Melbourne to Osaka race;
2025 DH Hobart-Melbourne; 2024 DH RSHYR; 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge 13000nm Spain-Hobart solo, non-stop & unassisted; 2023 solo Spain-UK-Spain; 2000nm GSC qualifier Falmouth UK to Fastnet Rock-France-Spain-UK; Five solo crossings Bay of Biscay: 2022 solo Netherlands-UK-Spain; 2021 DH RSHYR; 2019 Crewed RSHYR;; 2010 solo Malaysia to Port Stephens.

Personal Goal / Quote: "I missed competing the 2023 Solo Trans-Tasman as I was overseas prepping Roaring Forty to race the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge, so there was no way in hell I was going to miss my 3rd Solo Trans-Tasman in 2026! The Solo Trans-Tasman event is an iconic challenge and a real test of a sailors skill, preparation, courage and determination; both mental and physical. It's fantastic to see the race move to Opua and immediately attract more skippers. A huge shout out to the Taranaki mob for their incredible effort and support in running the event every 4y since the race inception. Stand proud. Aviator Ocean Racing sails to support our charities Brain Tumour Alliance Australia and Soldier On"