They call Auckland, New Zealand the City of Sails, and after a month here, we can see why. But beyond the skyline and the sea of masts, we’ve discovered something else: a place where boats, and people, come to be repaired, tested, and maybe even transformed.

We are setting sail on the longest voyage we have undertaken as a couple; 1900 miles from Bora Bora to Fiji across a stretch of water known as “The Dangerous Middle” where unpredictable weather conditions and poorly charted reefs are known to challenge the most seasoned sailors.

We’re in the final stretch of sailing with our flailing steering system. Just 250 miles stand between us and our much awaited steering refit, but we’re unwilling to face a Maramu hurling 14-foot waves on our rudders.