A LEGENDARY explorer from Essex's autobiography from the 1950s is set to be re-launched.

Explorer, naval officer, yachtsman and High Sheriff of Essex Augustine Courtauld's autobiography was praised by Ian Fleming on its first appearance in 1957.

Now Essex publisher Golden Duck has brought out a new edition with input from the younger members of his family.

In his autobiography Courtauld describes himself as "just an ordinary chap" from a "very humdrum" family in Bocking.

His inspirational legacy and his family's generosity has established Duet - his dream-yacht - as the longest-serving sail-training vessel in the UK.

The vessel bought in Burnham is now used by the Cirdan Sailing Trust in Bradwell-on-Sea to take young people on voyages to help build their confidence.

Reverend Christopher Courtauld, Augustine's son, set up The Duet Fund which is run by the Essex Community Foundation (ECF) and pays for the training courses.

The re-launch event for Man the Ropes is set to take place at Salty Dogs Christmas Show in Maldon on Sunday, November 14.