The Skipper & the Eagle

by Gordon McGowan

In January 1946, Cdr. McGowan set about refitting the former German sail training vessel for her return to America as a war prize. With the help of her German crew and US Coast Guardsmen new to sail, he fitted her for sea, then sailed her across the Atlantic to Bermuda, and home to New York. On this last leg they met a hurricane which severely tested the ship and her mixed crew. They learned to pull together to sail and, ultimately, to save the ship.

Genres: History

239 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Esteban Stipnieks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew the Coast Guard Academy had a tall ship I knew nothing of its story till I read this book. I am he son nephew grandson of Latvian Displaced Persons DPs. I never thought the 2 would intersect wow. The read is fascinating post WWII Germany was a complex place .... tall ships are tough masters so the story is told. Full of observation and insight well told. Totally fascinating tale of a ship that orginally shared a name of Nazi song Horst Weasel became a treastured vessel under US flag. My father an aunt an Uncle and my grand parents departed from the same port several years later.

[Randy Kirkbride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable sea story that gives insight into post world war 2 Germany.

Gave it 5 stars for the topic and for how the story was told. Captain McGowan gives an honest account of his assignment to refit the Eagle for Coast Guard service. I have a print copy of the book and purchased the Kindle version so I could read it again.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a quick read, but interesting. The Commanding Officers account of accepting command and delivery to the United States the war prize from WW2 Germany.

[Rick Mockler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given this book in 1960. Now 56 years later finally read it. Excellent well written humorous account of bringing the CGC EAGLE to US in 1946