Meet Johan and Deb
Sailed with us in Italy, Croatia, Spain, Turkey & Greece!
1. Tell us a bit about yourself – where are you from, and what do you do?
Born at home in Oosterbeek, Nederlands in 1950 and immigrated to Sydney, Australia in 1951 with my parents and soon joined by four siblings.
My partner of 20 years Deb and I have a blended family of 8 children and 14 grandchildren. Travel is a blessing to find time just for us, however WhatsApp does run red-hot.
A Business Degree and thirty years as a sales executive for American computer companies starting in1975 when a computer with less power than a FitBit would fill an average living room. Fear of change was not an option.
Left Sydney in 2007 for the Gold Coast. Slower pace, no tolls and free beach parking but a little light on sophistication.
2. What’s a memorable story that shaped your outlook on life or travel?
As a then directionless 18yo my parents organised for me to crew from Hobart to Auckland on Brin Wilson’s Pathfinder, a 1971 NZ Hobart yacht finisher. The 35’ timber yacht barely managed one of the worst storms in a decade, a crew so now out of money, with only corn flakes and sheep tongue for a 10 day voyage and an attitude to haze the junior with every depravation possible.
I had a tale of woe for my father. His response: “you're alive, be happy”. My outlook from then: living is ones greatest gift, be grateful.
3. What inspires you the most in your day-to-day life?
The defenders of Ukraine against the Russian invasion. Their ability to halt the largest military force in Europe with resilience and mind bending ingenuity is a game changer for any authoritarian regime underestimating the will of the people.
4. If you could relive one adventure or experience, what would it be and why?
The 1980 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on my fathers Peterson 45 “Pipe Dream” yacht. Sailing was his passion and that race was his proudest and therefore mine.
5. Do you have a favourite sailing destination or memory?
Definitely not Hobart to Auckland. The Mariner 2015 Italian Job Rally started our love of sailing the Mediterranean. Naples, Procida, Ischia, Ventotene, Capri, Positano & Amalfi on a 50’ yacht. How could one not have this as a favourite.
6. If you could sail with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Sailing with Homer, the legendary poet credited with composing The Odyssey. Homer, whether an individual or a symbolic figure of collective storytelling, would offer more than just companionship—he’d bring a mythic lens to every crashing wave and distant island. With his deep understanding of narrative, each moment at sea would take on poetic significance. Even mundane events like trimming the sails or spotting birds on the horizon might be woven into a metaphor for fate, honour, or the will of the gods.
What makes this choice compelling for me is that Homer, having conjured up Odysseus’ trials, would likely be both fascinated and amused by a real-life voyage. He’d find inspiration in every storm, every encounter, and perhaps even compose new verses along the way. The conversations would be timeless—stories of heroes, questions about the nature of home, and reflections on human suffering and perseverance. And maybe, just maybe, he'd help you see your own journey not just as a trip across the sea, but as part of a much grander odyssey.
7. What values guide the way you travel or live your life?
If you don’t fly business class to Europe you can stay in an $800/night hotel for 2 weeks. If you do fly business, don’t sleep you will lose at least half the value. Stay curious and open to learning. Embrace change, challenge your limits, and strive to become a better version of yourself every day. I have had setbacks but I hit that target at least a few days a year.
