Charity begins at home and, for Sergeant Darrell Greig, that means setting sail from Australia to traverse vast oceans.

In the 2025 Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race, he and Wing Commander (retd) Kevin Le Poidevin sailed from Melbourne and crossed more than 5500 nautical miles of the Pacific to reach Japan, raising money and awareness for causes close to the Air Force community.

As co-skipper under their self-funded Aviator Ocean Racing banner aboard Roaring Forty, Sergeant Greig helped navigate the gruelling double-handed passage despite challenging weather conditions and equipment breakages.

“Both Kev and I are very proud of finishing the Melbourne to Osaka,” Sergeant Greig said.

Every Aviator Ocean Racing event doubles as a platform for giving back.

“Our racing sees us supporting two main charities, [these] being Soldier On and the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia, with recent charities PanKind and Endometriosis Australia joining our ranks,” he said.  

“The charities have an attachment to us both in some way, and we hope the money and awareness raised helps those that need it most.”

With 39 years in Air Force under his belt, MQ4MU Air Vehicle Support aircraft technician Sergeant Greig demonstrates how personal drive can create lasting impact through his voyaging endeavours.

'It gives you peace of mind that our Royal Australian Air Force has the capability to locate a 40ft yacht, deep in the Southern Ocean.'

In February 2024, he was part of a P-8A Poseidon crew on a tactical training search-and-rescue exercise focused on locating Wing Commander Le Poidevin’s yacht in the Southern Ocean. 

Wing Commander Le Poidevin retired in 2022 after 31 years of service.

“The P-8A aircraft has radar and other surveillance sensors they use to locate their target, but it still comes down to someone looking out of the window, using the old MK1 Eyeball to actually sight a boat at sea,” Wing Commander Le Poidevin said.

“It gives you peace of mind that our Royal Australian Air Force has the capability to locate a 40ft yacht, deep in the Southern Ocean.

“These aviators had searched and found me, talked to me and encouraged me. I was bursting with pride to be part of my Air Force family that had come to say G’day.

“For me, having my own personal P-8A flyover was a celebration of my time in Air Force, and the tears flowed. Just what I needed.”

Wing Commander Le Poidevin continues pursuing sailing goals post-retirement, now preparing for further challenges including the Solo Trans-Tasman.

Sergeant Greig said many Air Force personnel embrace offshore yacht racing independently while also participating in Air Force sailing, including carnivals and interservice competitions backed by the Air Force Sports Council. He is currently in training for the ADF Sailing Carnival from March 24 to 27 in Sydney.

He encourages fellow personnel to explore sailing, especially offshore yacht racing, as he believes the sport builds resilience, teamwork, courage and mateship in real ocean challenges.