Skippers Medical News - June 2026

We remain a strong team and resolute that in way or another in crossing the Atlantic Ocean in Poppet - Our Tiny Dinghy With A Lid.

Earlier this year, following repeated respiratory infections, long-term pain and fatigue, the skipper (J-K D Habbershaw) underwent further medical investigations and was diagnosed with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). Historically, specialists are considering whether he may have a form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and medical referals continue.

Skipper - J-K D Habbershaw

In simple terms, he has a connective tissue disorder, the "glue and elastic" - the support structures that hold him together, including joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, blood vessels, and even internal organs. If those tissues become overstretched or do not provide the support they should, everything has to work harder to compensate. In his case, it's a bit like the elastic has become too stretchy and no longer springs back as effectively as it should.

Another way to think of it is like trying to sail a boat with all the rigging slightly loose. The boat may still sail, but it takes more effort, is less efficient, and components experience greater strain, wear, damage, and sudden failure over time. That is broadly what a connective tissue disorder can do to the body.

For the Skipper, it has caused chronic pain, fatigue, reduced stamina and endurance, poor coordination and ballance, dizziness, digestive problems, poor concentration and memory when tired, and joints that can partially dislocate, lock, give way or collapse unexpectedly. Tasks that once took him minutes can now take considerably longer, and physical activity often requires more planning and recovery time than before. Sleep is often poor and non-restorative, meaning he wakes up feeling as tired as when I went to bed. The condition has also caused new sensitivities and intolerances to certain foods, allergens, light, temperatures and other environmental factors.

His symptoms fluctuate significantly from day to day and often flare during periods of stress, illness, overexertion or increased workload. Some days he can work almost normally, while on others he needs to slow down, use accessibility aids, and allow additional time for rest and recovery. The aids and recovery time are not a sign he has given up; they're tools that help him stay active, independent and productive.

The condition has at times been overwhelming and has also affected his mental wellbeing and self-perception. Adjusting to changes in health, diet, physical abilities, appearance, independence, and mood has been challenging, particularly whilst trying to simply 'push through', keep calm, and carry on regardless.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for HSD or EDS. His treatment focuses on managing symptoms, reducing injuries, maintaining strength and mobility, and preserving independence for as long as possible. While the condition can become more limiting over time, careful pacing, sensible activity, and adapting how he works to preserve as much strength, mobility, and independence as possible will allow him to continue doing the things that matter most to me for as long as possible.

A significant part of managing the condition is balancing family life, work, fundraising, personal commitments, medical appointments, and the recovery time needed to avoid setbacks. This often means making careful decisions about where he spends his time and energy, and accepting that recovery can take considerably longer than it does for most people.

The diagnosis explains many of the challenges, injuries, illnesses, and setbacks the skipper has experienced personally, and the effect on Sofa To Sailboat Project over the last few years, particularly in recent months, whilst the Skipper has been trying to simply 'push through'.

It does not stop him working, sailing, fundraising, or pursuing ambitious projects; it simply means he has to plan more carefully, reprioritise projects, manage his energy wisely, and sometimes take a different path towards his goals and aspirations. We remain a strong team and resolute one way or another in crossing the Atlantic Ocean in Poppet - Our Tiny Dinghy With A Lid.

#DinghyWithALid