Cargo of Hate: A Sailing Story

KERMIT R. MERCER

Oct 2012 · Trafford Publishing

About this ebook

Single again and after so many years sailor Allen Reed readies his wooden sailboat Sturdy for the summer season on Lake Ontario. With expectations of old friends and new acquaintances to brighten his wistful mood he sets sail on a rather blustery day for Port Hope, Canada. However, the trip is dangerous and he is nearly overwhelmed by the sea conditions. The next few weeks of the summer will become both a personal awakening for him and the most frightening and memorable challenge to date in his life. Having just moved into his forties which is a sort of turning point in life for most of us, he reflects on his early introduction to seamanship and the people who influenced his knowledge and attitudes in those formative years. In spite of his personal struggles the lake will keep him busy with little time for regrets. As yet unknown to Allen, an international situation is unfolding on the Canadian north-shore of Lake Ontario, and he is sailing on a collision course toward those tragic events as chosen by the Fates.

About the author

The author was born and raised in Brockport, New York on the south shore of Lake Ontario. His first boat in 1946 was a 14 foot skiff sans motor. His father’s sage advice; “You will only learn the ways of the sea by rowing over it.” He was correct. In the early 50’s the author raced both stock-utility and hydroplane boats and had graduated from the midshipman’s course at the Brockport Yacht Club. He enlisted in the USAF in early 1953 and taught electronics in the Ground Radio School at Scott AFB, Ill. In 1955 he was reassigned to France for one and a half years. This time was spent primarily in the Verdun region with various assignments to Germany.

The author is at present a Research Faculty Associate in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Rochester, Rochester, New York. He holds a U.S. Merchant Marine Masters License 100 ton for sail and steam and an Advanced Pilot (AP) rating in the United States Power Squadron. He holds a Radio Amateur General Class license K2BRN, is a Life Member in the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and holds a Private Pilots License. The author returned actively to sailing in 1972 and has been, for the last 25 years, the owner of the 33 foot Morgan sloop Ariel out of Point Breeze, New York.