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
