Yacht Consultant & Broker
Mobile 250-883-9765
Email jhaggis@grandyachts.com
John got his start sailing in the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club junior sailing program in Belleville, ON. His father, George, was a founding member of the BQYC, and had John crewing with him on his O’Day 17 at age 9.
In 1977, John purchased his first boat, a Hobie 16. Over the next 3 years, he sailed through the Fort Lauderdale surf out to the edge of gulf stream, giving rides, lessons, and entertaining the beach-goers as he flew a hull onto the beach.
Returning to Canada in 1981, he took up racing again at BQYC. He did some yacht deliveries, several off the east coast of the US and one from Bermuda to New York. In 1987, he got serious about going to sea and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy. He immediately joined the CFSA Esquimalt sailing team, and that year won the CFSA 420 Canadian Nationals. He would later participate in CFSA club keel boat racing, own two sailboats, and move up in the club executive to Commodore, a position he held for 3 years.
Over his 30-year Navy career, John spent over two thousand days at sea. He sailed on 10 different warships, participating in many exercises, peacekeeping missions, and anti-piracy operations. During his port visits he took advantage of club reciprocals and sailed out of yacht clubs including Halifax, Waikiki and Hawaii clubs, San Diego, San Francisco and Kuwait City.
John retired from the Navy in 2017 after obtaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer 2nd class. A Canadian Recreational Yachting Association Certified Instructor, the navy immediately brought him back as a civilian instructor. Some of John's students have gone on to crew Van Is 360, Swiftsure, Patos and other named area races.
In his off-time, John can be found sailing with Jane, his number one crew and lifelong partner of 40 years, in their Aloha 28 DEFIANCE.
New to the Grand Yachts crew, John is all about teamwork. Whether it be power or sail, he would be happy to help find the perfect boat for you and your family.
