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Take an incredible journey along
the Big Apple's historic waterfronts that few people have
ever seen
Gene is a successful woodworker in New York with two passions
in his life. One is sailing, from the abandoned islands that
dot Long Island Sound to the fathomless depths of the Caribbean.
His other passion is Kevin—the young man who was his
friend, sailing buddy, and lover.
In all the sailing we did together over the years, I always
knew I could rely upon him, trust him, know that the safety
of the boat always came first, no matter what bitchy domestic
stuff might be going on between us. By our second trip to
Block Island in 1984, I realized how much I had grown to need
him.
Deep Water: A Sailor's Passage is the compelling
memoir of a modern-day gay sailor and his adventures with
Kevin and many other friends. It delivers a true sense of
the realities—both harsh and sublime—of life under
sail, whether navigating through Hell Gate in the East River
or through dense fog in Cape Cod. More importantly, this book
illustrates the special bond between two men committed to
one another as they sail together, live together, and care
for each other through the best and worst of times.
I look at Kevin's profile as he watches the road ahead,
and I think how beautiful he is now at 34. He has filled out
from the boy who moved into my life 11 years before. I have
watched him become a man; I have seen him grow thicker and
more confident. I look over at him once again. He is silhouetted
by a headlight glare from the left and all his features are
blanked out for an instant. Suddenly, I know, with a wisdom
that I never asked to be given, that I shall outlive him.
In Deep Water: A Sailor's Passage, you'll find a
unique voice—honest, direct, and filled with optimism.
The author lived these events; he was involved in the building
trades of New York City, handled rusty anchor chain in boat
yards on City Island, and held his companion as he died. Through
fond memories, good humor, and a touch of the supernatural,
Gene learns how to continue with life after Kevin is gone,
finding meaning, beauty, and strength through friends and
new relationships.
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