During his Army service in Palestine he was taught to sail by a captured German U-Boat captain and for many years he could be seen sailing in the Thames Estuary wearing this U-Boat captain’s cap. He also built his own double canoe in evening classes for him and Rowena to use. Many years latter this was rebuilt by Bruce for him to use. John and Rowena had a 14' International sailing dinghy (1949-1951) called 'White Lady', but it was wrecked in a storm beside the Lady Saville in Leigh-on-Sea, March 1951. After that they used used father-in-law's 10' sailing dinghy 'Pippin'. And John built their canvas double canoe in an evening class.