HE WAS the round-the-world sailor who survived against all the odds after going missing in the South Atlantic.
Les Powles, who has died aged 96, failed to make contact for several months and friends feared his solo voyage had ended in disaster.
But he eventually returned to Hampshire and was given a free berth for life in recognition of his miraculous homecoming.
Les was attempting to complete his third round-the-world voyage when he disappeared and was presumed drowned.
However, the former Yachtsman of the Year completed his epic voyage after managing to survive on tiny amounts of rice, rainwater and corned beef.
Les became an instant celebrity when his battered boat, Solitaire, limped into Lymington on July 6 1996.
An office at Lymington Yacht Haven became a makeshift broadcasting studio as he took calls from radio stations from across the globe.
Time and again he told how he clung to life after being knocked out for six hours in a ferocious storm that damaged his radio and almost sank his yacht.
In the weeks following his return the emaciated figure saw his weight increase by more than three stone.
Speaking to the Daily Echo at the time he said: "All I wanted to do after so long on starvation rations at sea was eat, eat, eat.
"When I first got back I used to get congratulatory hugs and kisses in the street from women I'd never seen before. Now people aren't sure whether it's me because I put on so much weight."
Yacht haven bosses saluted Les by allowing him to live on his boat at the marina as long as he liked.
He said: "When I'm giving a talk and tell people I've been allocated a free berth for life, everyone in the room stands up and applauds."
Les suffered a stroke a few months ago and moved into a Lymington nursing home.
Becki Jackson, office manager at the yacht haven, said: “Les was a kind-hearted gentleman and extremely generous with his time.
"He would frequently invite friends and visitors on board his beloved yacht, Solitaire, and recount his tales from his three circumnavigations."
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