Bruce Goodwin caught the sailing bug as a boy paddling his canoe upwind on Tauranga Harbour, then sailing it back using a square-sail of old curtain.

He is now a veteran ocean voyager, having cruised the Pacific Islands several times in his own yacht, Vara, cruised New Zealand’s Fiordland and Stewart Island twice, and made delivery voyages.

Read his full story in his book The Final Voyage of the Essence, proceeds from which will go to Bay of Plenty Sailing Academy Trust.

Stuart was a keen supporter of the trust, which provides sailing opportunities to disadvantaged young people. To request an eBook version, email: thefinalvoyage@gmail.com