Melbourne to Osaka latest drama, retirement list: First Light to race on after broken boom

They were aiming for Japan but these sailors are now back on shore at Newcastle involved in a logistic battle in a bid to return to sea after a turn of bad luck in a famous ocean race.

The intrepid sailors at sea. Picture: Supplied

Roaring Forty co-skippers Kevin Le Poidevin and Darrell Greig are working on a detailed and intricate plan to return to sea to finish the Melbourne to Osaka yacht race - from a boatyard in Newcastle.

The pair are now back on shore after breaking their boom last week less than 200nm from LePoidevin’s Port Stephens home and five days after the start of the famous race.

Initially retiring from the 2025 event, the pair are now working with marine experts on a comeback plan to see if they can effect repairs on their boom to make the most of their four years of preparation for the two-handed race which started just a week ago in Melbourne.

“The goal is to get back into the race but we need to work out a time frame for that,’’ LePoidevin said.

“There’s no point starting again if it’s is a three week repair.’’

Roaring Forty at sea in the Melbourne to Osaka race. Picture: Supplied

Late last week LePoidevin was working on weather routing when he heard a loud crack from the deck as the carbon boom folded in half.

The pair, old military friends, worked for four hours to secure the boat, get the mainsail down and salvage as much as possible, including reefing lines and boom bags.

“Just gutted not to be racing to Japan after so much prep,” Le Poidevin said at the time who with his crewmate were racing to raise awareness for the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia, Soldier On and Pankind (Pancreatic Cancer Support).

The intrepid sailors at sea. Picture: Supplied

The pair are competing in the ninth edition of the famous two-handed race involved 5500 nautical miles of racing.

“We don’t sail just for ourselves, there are lots of less fortunate people than us and we take them along for the journey,’’ LePoidevin said.

“It’s all about participating and the completion of it.’’

The pair are hoping to know whether they will be able to return to the racing in good stead and in a timely fashion in upcoming days.

FOLLOW and read more from AMANDA LULHAM HERE

Originally published as Melbourne to Osaka latest drama, retirement list: First Light to race on after broken boom