...rumours of my death are greatly exaggerated

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lindsay

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Several years back an intrepid, eccentric British sailor, Les Powles arrived at Lymington after an epic voyage from New Zealand with the words "rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated". He was going to write a book, he said. Does anyone know if this book was written and if Les is still going strong somewhere?
 
A quick Google produced the result that he gave a talk at Christchurch (UK, not NZ) Sailing Club last November, so is evidently still going strong - no doubt they will have contact details for him.

Can't find his name on Amazon, so no book - yet - I guess.
 
I believe that you are referring to the owner of Solitaire who still owns the boat which is berthed at Lymington Yachthaven for free on account of his activities. Until recently and maybe still, he was living aboard altohugh there was an article in the local press saying that he was looking to move ashore into his sister's bungalow
 
[ QUOTE ]
...for free on account of his activities.

[/ QUOTE ]
Chris, what type of activities do we have to partake in in order to get free berthing?
 
I met him once

A most modest and quiet man.

We were given the berth next to him as visitors one weekend.

In those days there were vacant berths in the marina and I guess that they did it as a gesture of congratulations for his amazing feats.

Steve Cronin
 
Re: ...in a 30ish footer

.. which he built himself I think you'll find. About 4 years ago I was in the yard next to Les for a week whilst anti-fouling and used to chat to him daily. he was preping the boat to go off again to a warmer climate, but I don't think he ever went.

DD
 
Re: ...in a 30ish footer

I've just managed to get a copy of his book, as Brian mentions 'Hands Open', half way through reading it, an inspirational read. The Hydrovane unit in that book was reconditional and sold on, it's on the stern of my tub, which was why I was interested in the book. PM me if you would like to loan the book when i've read it
 
Read YM and YW this month for an update. he's hurt his back at present and got himself out of some trouble in Biscay when he decided to turn back from a voyage to Australia (I think)
 
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I have a Bruce Roberts (Norwest) 34 which I bought this spring....

[/ QUOTE ]You clearly have exquisite taste.

Oh, and welcome to the Forum! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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