Website Crew

The Crew

Bob Grant, owner and skipper of the Paul Johansen has had thirty years of experience sailing in Northwest waters. Since moving to Bainbridge Island in 1972 he has owned and operated vessels ranging from 12 to100 feet in Puget Sound and waters to the north. Currently, Bob holds a USCG 100 ton near-coastal skipper’s license.

Bob has loved boats since his high school days when he often spent sailing on Long Island Sound. His boating experiences have ranged from sailboat racing to performing the duties of deck officer on a naval ship in the Pacific. One of his adventures was to pilot a boat south from Long Island to the Panama Canal via the intercoastal waterway, and then north to California.

In 1997, Bob retired after 25 years as the owner of a marine consulting firm. Since then he, his brother Alan Grant and Port Townsend shipwright Bryan Hayes have completely rebuilt the interior of the Paul Johansen. Bob completed all the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and was heavily involved in the redesign of the of the exterior and interior, not to mention the completion of the woodwork and finishing.

Bob is great company with his dry wit and sense of humor and his extensive knowledge on many subjects. He's a great match for a game of Hearts or Cribbage, but don't oppose him in a game of Trivial Pursuits unless you want to be beaten! You are in excellent hands while Bob pilots you through any location, tide or weather on the Paul Johansen!

Joan Grant has been cruising in Northwest waters for many years, beginning with trips to Desolation Sound in the 1950’s. She mixes well with any crowd and will add a lot of fun to your trip. You will be delighted by her gracious, caring manner as she makes you feel comfortable and right at home.

Joan is also your chef! During summer cruises in the early '80s, she prepared meals for the whole family in the small galley of the Grant’s 42 foot sailboat, then in the late '80s and '90s, a larger galley with a diesel stove of their 50 foot wooden trawler style boat. Now she can really move around in the roomy galley of the Paul Johansen. Joan’s cooking is characterized as “simple and delicious” with flavors that tend to be delicate rather than spicy. There are always optional food dressings and spices for the guest to choose for themselves. For details of her cruising meals, click here.