Monday, April 30, 2012

Book: Rochester Sailing Legend Ernie Coleman

Ernie Coleman, the sailing master of Genesee Yacht Club has racked up an amazing win ratio of over 90% wins at the GYC for as far back as the club records would go. Now, local Rochester writer, Jeff Spevak has recorded Ernie's memories and reflections in a book Chasing the Wind.

From Spevak's web page:
Ernie Coleman was 93 years old when, virtually every Monday morning through the summer of 2010, he sat down with me  to tell the story of his nearly century-long life. A child of The Great Depression. A graduate of The Greatest Generation, as we call it now. A carpenter, Ernie has built things, and rebuilt his life repeatedly, struggling through divorce and the death of two wives. With four marriages came one adopted child and seven stepchildren. He has adapted to change. He is a survivor. Ernie is also a sailor, and one who loved to dance. On Lake Ontario, he was winning races well into his 90s. His boats weren’t always the naturally swiftest. Ernie, however, knew all of the tricks that could ease his craft over the finish line first, especially on days when the wind was elusive. But in the South Pacific, Ernie left behind a story that he couldn’t bring himself to tell, even more than 60 years later. The 20-minute Battle of Savo Island, in the midst of the Guadalcanal Campaign, was the worst open-sea defeat in the history of the United States Navy. Three American cruisers were sent to Iron Bottom Sound that night, including Ernie’s ship, USS Vincennes. It’s a part of his story, as are all of the life experiences that enabled him to survive that night. Ernie lives in Rochester, NY, with a view of Lake Ontario from his living-room window. He is still sailing, and still winning races.

About the author:
Jeff Spevak is an award-winning music writer who lives in Rochester, NY. He writes both fiction and non-fiction.

Book signings:

Sent to GYC members:
We will be having a book signing event for Ernie's book this Friday 5/4 from 7-9 PM at GYC.
We also have one set for Sat 9-12 noon at RYC and one at Java Joes Coffee House at old public market Union St. Sunday from 3-6 PM.

Chasing the Wind available for $14.95 at: Amazon Link

Saturday, April 21, 2012

OOYC Invitational Regatta - Trailer



The date has been set... The Oak Orchard Yacht Club Annual Invitational Regatta will take place on August 11, 2012. The race is open to all PHRF sailboats and will have three divisions - Genoa, Spinnaker, and Multihull.

Three races in each division are usually run consecutively with a countdown to the next start after the last boat finishes. Skipper's meeting, along with an awards presentation will take place at the Oak Orchard Yacht Club.

Visit the Club site at: http://ooyc.org/

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

OOYC Invitational Regatta 2012 - summer event



It's On!

The 2012 Oak Orchard Yacht Club Regatta
 is set to be held this summer on August 11, 2012. 

Divisions are: (1) Spinnaker  (2) Non-Spinnaker A (3) One Design  (4) Multi Hull 

Download the application at: Application Page

Fee: $40 per boat
 
______________________________________________________

Applications can be mailed to: 

John Brown - OOYC Fleet Captain
4588 Conway Rd.
E. Bethany, NY 14054

Questions? Email - johnbrown2@rochester.rr.com
  • Entry fee will be returned if you are unable to attend.
  • Dock fees waived for registered race boats.