The Gathering Wind: Hurricane Sandy, the Sailing Ship Bounty, and a Courageous Rescue at Sea

In October 2012, a replica of the famous HMS" Bounty," an eighteenth-century tall sailing ship, was on a collision course with a storm that would become the largest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic--a clash that would prove dramatic, tragic, perplexing, and ultimately one of the most unforgettable stories of Superstorm Sandy. Crewed by an eclectic team of seafarers, the "Bounty" was led by Robin Walbridge, their highly respected captain with decades at the helm, whose decisions--sometimes questionable--decided the fate of his ship and crew. Departing from Connecticut as the storm raced north from the Caribbean, Walbridge attempted to outmaneuver Sandy, heading the "Bounty" southeast. As violent gusts tossed the wooden ship, the crew fought to save their beloved "Bounty"--and finally to save themselves. When waves, wind, and encroaching water finally overtook the ship in an area known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, the crew was suddenly tossed into the churning sea. The "Bounty" was gone, but their fate was still to be determined. The men and women of a Coast Guard station in North Carolina summoned the courage to fly into hundred-mile-per-hour winds while the residents of the Eastern Seaboard were fleeing or bracing for the hurricane's impact. Through hours of white-knuckle flying, with crew members thrown about their aircraft and rescue swimmers jumping into thirty-foot seas, the Coast Guard accomplished one of its most memorable rescues ever. Based on interviews with "Bounty" survivors and unfettered access to Coast Guard rescue team members, "The Gathering Wind "offers not only the first but the most complete account of this heartbreaking, thrilling, and inspirational story. INCLUDES PHOTOS

About the Author :
Gregory A. Freeman is an award-winning writer and a leader in the field of narrative nonfiction. Known for books that make a true story read like a gripping, fast-paced novel, his previous works include "The Forgotten 500," "Sailors to the End," "Troubled Water," and "The Last Mission of the Wham Bam Boys." He lives in the Atlanta area.

Review :
Praise for "The Forgotten 500" by Gregory A. Freeman "Told in riveting detail for the first time, "The Forgotten 500 "is a tale of unsung heroes who went above and beyond."--James Bradley, "New York Times "Bestselling Author of "Flags of Our Fathers " "Reads like a fast-paced novel...based on scores of probing interviews and meticulous archival research. "The Forgotten 500" is destined to become required reading."--Malcolm McConnell, "New York Times "#1 Bestselling Coauthor of "American Soldier" "A literary and journalistic achievement of the highest order, a book that illuminates, thrills, and reminds us that heroes sometimes do live among us. It will take your breath away."--Gregg Olsen, "New York Times "Bestselling Author of" The Deep Dark" "Evoking the rescuees' successive desperation, wild hope, and joy, and their gratitude to the Serbians who risked their lives to help, Freeman produces a breathtaking popular account."--"Booklist" "This untold story of World War II has finally been told with skill and grace."--"America in WWII" "An exciting, powerful story of escape and rescue. It has been buried for too long."--Tony Koltz, "New York Times "Bestselling Author of "The Battle for Peace"