Ask HN: Help me remember the creator of a key piece of Apple software

Really sorry about asking such a vague question here but I really can't think where else to begin. There is a story about an ex-NASA guy who spent months in a cabin somewhere creating a key piece of software that he later sold to Apple. He did very well from it and went on to sail across the world. It was a great story and I thought I'd never forget his name but I have :( Roy something maybe??