A 71-year-old kayaker, Aleksander “Doba” Olek, has completed his third solo Atlantic crossing — with Bermuda playing a minor role in the epic voyage.

The Polish adventurer has crossed the ocean twice before.

But his arrival in France on September 2 — just a week before his 71st birthday — was his first successful attempt to make the voyage travelling east.

Mr Olek previously made headlines in Bermuda in 2014 when his rudder broke during his second crossing, which left him paddling in circles more than 100 miles away from the island.

He steered his way to Bermuda and continued his voyage after repairs.

According toCanoe and Kayak, Mr Olek’s latest voyage also ran into problems when bad weather forced him to delay the start.

Mr Olek was finally able to set out from New York on May 8 on his custom-built 23-foot ocean-going kayak.

But his rudder was again damaged in a gale on June 15.

Mr Olek considered abandoning the trip — but decided to keep heading for Europe until his supplies ran out. His expedition co-ordinator later chartered a yacht in Bermuda and delivered replacement parts.

Mr Olek was picked up by 656-foot bulk carrier Baltic Light, whose crew hoisted the kayak on-board.

Repairs to the kayak were carried out in the ship’s machine shop before he continued the voyage.

Mr Olek had aimed to reach Portugal, but landed at Le Conquet in France after 110 days at sea. The adventurer has not announced any plans for a fourth crossing.