It is with tremendous sadness that we share the news that Les Powles has passed away at the age of 96.
In the 1970s and 80s, Les sailed singlehanded around the world three times onboard his 34ft sailboat, Solitaire. A former engineer, Les returned to Lymington Yacht Haven where, until recently, he remained onboard his beloved Solitaire.
His book, Solitaire Spirit, retold his life story and the adventures on each of his circumnavigations.
Les was an extremely popular character around Lymington and, for over five decades, he has truly been a part of the Yacht Haven family. His story resonated around the world and, to this day, he continues to receive post from those he has inspired to discover a life of sailing and adventure.
The funeral will be held at Romsey Crematorium on Tuesday 15th March at 12.15pm, followed by a wake at Lymington Town Sailing Club at 2.30pm. The next of kin have kindly extended an invite to all to attend.
Les Powles
1925 -2022
Les Powles 1925 -2022
Photo Credit: Peter Smailes / PPL
