In 2020, retired journalist John Passmore found an unusual way to avoid being confined indoors: he went sailing alone.
Already in his seventies, he spent 42 days at sea and covered 3,629 miles before a destroyed mainsail brought the voyage to an end. The experience became a blog post, a radio interview and, eventually, a book.
Passmore is worth following in both senses of the word. Follow his adventures and writing on social media—but follow his example, too. What makes his story remarkable is not simply the distance he sails, but his refusal to treat curiosity and adventure as things that belong only to the young. In 2026, he is still sailing and writing, completing another 3,603-mile passage from Sint Maarten to Ireland in just over 39 days.
“This is what happens when you have a dream at the age of eleven, take a lifetime to achieve it – but get there in the end.”
The book
Old Man Sailing: Some dreams take a lifetime
Passmore’s book tells the story of that 2020 voyage, but it is about more than sailing. It is also about dreams and ambitions that can wait years before we finally make room for them.
You do not need to share his appetite for solo ocean crossings to recognise the feeling of having something you still want to do.
Follow Old Man Sailing online
Passmore’s videos show the everyday reality behind the adventure: the food, repairs, changing weather and practical work of keeping a boat moving.
That ordinariness is part of the appeal. Adventure is not one continuous dramatic moment. Much of it is simply staying curious and dealing with whatever happens next.
Read his blog: https://www.oldmansailing.com/
See more on his Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/oldmansailing/
Facebook channel: https://www.facebook.com/oldmansailing/
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@oldmansailing
Final thought
John Passmore’s story is not an invitation to take risks that do not suit you. It is a reminder that later life does not have to narrow into routine.
You do not need to sail 3,629 miles—or cross an ocean at all. You only need to keep enough curiosity alive to ask: What would I still like to try?
So, follow John’s continuing adventures on social media. But more importantly, follow his example: stay curious, keep exploring and resist the idea that your most interesting experiences are behind you.
Regards,
Johann
