Captain Johannes (Johan)

Johan was born in Zierikzee, Zeeland in the early 1960's. He then resided in a small village, Dreischor, just a stone-throw away from the sea. Moved to the big city in Holland in his younger years. Still, water and boats were his passion, not surprising for a Dutch resident, since water is everywhere around. As a teenager, sailing with friends started in the newly arisen water paradise de Vlietlanden. The dream of owning and using a sailing boat started here.

Johan moved to the USA for studies as a young adult. Far away from the sea, canals, and lakes, the sailing spirit went dormant. But during the Spring of 1983 he studied the ecology of marine and freshwater organisms, with special attention given to the pollutant effects on marine life. During these studies, a perfect opportunity to re-connect with the sea was given by the marine biology course in Cedar Keys, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. He had a great time living in the abandoned light house on Seahorse Key with a couple of other students. His first encounters with dolphins happened here.

After moving to Sweden in 1986, Johan lived a short while near the sea between Sweden and Denmark, then moved inland in southern Sweden to work with full-time environmental research. Hence, the lake work and sea-surface science that followed gave many opportunities to enjoy boating. He participated in ocean expeditions in 1992, 1995, 2001, 2006 and 2008. As the kids grew up and started sea-scouting, Johan followed along as a parent (mostly to act as ballast in the boats) and re-discovered the love of sailing.

In 2004, a 21-foot Marieholm Seacat was donated to the family and a total renovation was done in winter 2004-2005. The boat was completed and in ship-shape come spring 2005. Sailing many evenings and weekends, dreams started about sailing the wider waters.

Moving to the sea-shore in Fall of 2008 presented the option to move the Seacat or buy a more seaworthy ship to sail the seas. The latter was done, finding a beautiful classical yacht S/Y Amalia, the deal was settled. Now Johan was the proud owner of S/Y Isabell, formerly called Amalia. A Hallberg-Rassy 31 Monsun. Owned and sailed between 2009 and 2024.

In 2010 Johan started working for the Swedish government and moved to Sundbyberg, a town just outside of Stockholm, the Capital of Sweden. Isabell was moved to a privately owned mooring site in the Stockholm archipelago first, but since 2011 she was stationed at the large Marina of Bullando. Shortly thereafter the skipper moved to Stockholm, and then to Nacka. From there he continued to explore all corners of the Baltic Sea region and sailed back and forth to the Netherlands. After retirement in 2023, Johan moved to Gotland and actually started living on board Isabell full-time. For winter living aboard he set course south, to reach the Med via the French canals. After living on the Monsun for a year, and not getting through the canals, he sailed to the Netherlands and sold the Monsun there. From then on (summer 2024) his home is on board the NAJAD Isabelle, sailing in Greece full-time.

Johan has sailed many nautical miles together with friends and family, and even single-handed. He is convinced that handling Isabelle alone is no problem, but a lot less fun than sharing it with a crew.

Najad 343 with built number 170-86, Najadvarvet AB - Sweden

Isabelle af Wisby, Gotland

Call sign SG7156

MMSI 265064710

Isabelle is presently stationed along the Ionian coast of Greece. Sailing around the Ionian islands until winter season starts in December. During the winter months Isabelle will be stationed somewhere on Crete.

Swedish Najad Yacht named Isabelle af Wisby.

Excellent quality yachts.

A multitude of cozy places, interesting history and excellent restaurants along the Ionian Coast of Greece.