Waves of the Past – John’s Sailing Memories

At Ridgeway Rise, we cherish the life stories of our residents, ensuring that their passions and experiences continue to be recognised. This month, we had the pleasure of learning about John Howell’s remarkable love for sailing. Although John now lives with dementia-related aphasia, his face still lights up whenever he sees a boat. Through the memories shared by his wife, Barbara, and stepdaughter, Sue, we uncovered the incredible journeys that shaped his life.

John’s passion for travel was evident from an early age. Even his career involved travelling—he ran a series of garages, from Hounslow in London to Swindon. But it was during his engineering apprenticeship at 18, working with fibreglass for boats, that his fascination with sailing first began.

His first experience on a proper sailing yacht was in his early 30s, aboard Blue Halo, a blue and white vessel that ignited a lifelong love for the sea. By the time he could afford his own boat, John had built a successful business, Bambton, employing nearly 100 people. His first yacht was called Jonbari, it was 21 feet long and became his pride and joy. As his passion grew, so did his boats—he later owned Bamps, a 34-foot yacht, and finally Jaegen, a 38-foot vessel custom-built in Sweden.

Sailing was a family activity, and John taught his wife and stepchildren how to navigate the waters. He was a meticulous and cautious sailor, ensuring they always felt safe. Many of his journeys took him around the Isle of Wight, often stopping in Cowes, and he competed in the annual Round the Island Race several times, twice as a solo sailor. His adventures extended to the Channel Islands, Cornwall, and the South Coast, and he embarked on an incredible 1,090km journey through Sweden’s Göta Canal with Barbara, a trip that tested their teamwork but strengthened their bond.

John and Barbara’s final yacht, Jaegen, was named after a Swedish word Barbara overheard in a library, meaning "Hunt"—a fitting tribute to their endless pursuit of adventure. Though they loved their own boat, they also explored international waters by hiring yachts, sailing in Australia and from Cornwall to Scotland. In total, John visited 55 countries and was always drawn to the excitement of discovering new places.

Around ten years ago, John swapped his yacht for a campervan, continuing his travels across Europe and North Africa. One of his most cherished memories from this time was riding a camel which gave a reminder that his adventurous spirit extended far beyond the sea. Today, although he is no longer able to sail, John still enjoys listening to travel books, especially Michael Palin’s tales of the Sahara, which bring back memories of his own journeys.

This special interview was about more than just remembering John’s past—it was about giving him a voice. Living with dementia may change your communication, but it does not erase your identity. By listening to his family’s stories, we can truly understand who John is and his past cherished memories.

At Ridgeway Rise, learning about our residents’ lives allows us to offer more personalised care, ensuring that their history, passions, and preferences remain at the heart of everything we do. To keep up with our activities or to find out more about our residents' favourite memories, check out our news and events page. Alternatively, book a tour to get an insight into what life at Ridgeway Rise is truly like.