Gang of Graybeards

About the Book

Six high school alumni (five old football teammates and the woman of their individual and collective desires) gather for their thirty-fifth reunion.  Unmarried and unencumbered, they immediately bond for self-protection.  They have obvious similarities; each is alone in the world, each has been moderately successful, and each views the future with despair as little more than a looming middle-class retirement for however long there may be remaining.  Each of them dreads that outlook, and fervently longs for an adventure which would serve as a catalyst for spiritual renewal.  They share these and other feelings at a campfire late one evening after the reunion.

Just after the reunion, one of the Six proposes an idea for the group's consideration.  It is nothing less of an adventure than commission of the perfect crime.  He offers his definition of the perfect crime and comes up with a potential candidate:  Piracy at sea.  

The group leader painstakingly establishes the "reasonableness" of the proposal.  Upon discussion, the Six agree as a whole to study and plan the idea in detail but, at this stage, without commitment.  The study and planning include workshops in Philadelphia, at a ski lodge over Christmas, and introduction through mastery of  the skills necessary to manage a fifty-six foot sailboat in blue water.  The planning sessions were initially little more than a good excuse for a party, but as the weeks wore on a burgeoning seriousness of purpose developed.

During the process of the training and study, the Six gradually evolve toward a decision to actually conduct the crime.  Despite their detailed planning, the actual crime is complicated by numerous failures including a devastating storm at sea for the sailboat, the near loss of the services of the vital seaplane, a missed cruise ship departure, and a fire in flight as they approach the final rendezvous with the sailboat.

The robbery complete and the rendezvous with the escape sailboat effected, the Six settle down for a transatlantic sailing to confirm their alibi.  There is conflict born of sexual interplay and jealousy throughout the story and the boredom of the crossing brings that conflict to a head.

Just prior to arrival off the coast of England, their boat is overrun by a coastal fishing motorboat.  The sailboat is sunk, but the fishing boat crew saves the now despondent Six.

Upon return ashore, they sit dejectedly in a pub with grim thoughts as they ponder the apparent future.  Gradually, an idea is born.  A new adventure - the salvage of the sailboat now sitting offshore under eighty-seven feet of Atlantic Ocean - renews commitment as the Six begin their plans for the sequel.

About the Author

New author who has spent his career flying the airplanes, driving the ships, sailing the yachts, and all in the geographic area of the story's setting. A former test pilot and attack fighter squadron commanding officer, he spent two years studying in England not very far from the location of the final scene. His high school is described in such detail you could recognize it today, just as his own 30h reunion which served as the impetus for the book.