A thrilling tale fit for sailing experts and history buffs alike, historian Mark J. Gabrielson delivers the exciting tale of the Deer Isle Crew: a sailing story that offers an uncommon glimpse into American life at the turn of the twentieth century. In 1895, emissaries from the New York Yacht Club traveled to Deer Isle, Maine, to recruit the nation's best sailors, an ""All American"" crew. This remote island in Penobscot Bay sent nearly thirty of its fishing men to sail ""Defender,"" and under skipper Hank Haff, they beat their opponents in a difficult and controversial series. To the delight of the American public, the charismatic Sir Thomas Lipton sent a surprise challenge in 1899. The New York Yacht Club knew where to turn and again recruited Deer Isle's fisherman sailors. Undefeated in two defense campaigns, they are still considered one of the best American sail-racing teams ever assembled. Read their fascinating story and relive their adventure. Mark J. Gabrielson is a Harvard University Teaching Fellow. He is a member of the the New York Yacht Club, former Commodore of the Blue Water Sailing Club, and a Trustee of the Marion-Bermuda Race.  He has degrees from Princeton, Harvard, and has been a Research Intern at the United States Naval War College.