The Michigan Center for the Book is proud to host author Al Declerca at the Michigan Nautical Gathering, October 11, 2014. Al will be talking about his book Bernida: A Michigan Sailing Legend at 1:30 at the Library of Michigan's Lake Huron Room, 2nd floor. All are welcome. Al Declercq has a BBA from Eastern Michigan University and a MBA from the University of Detroit. He started his first sail making business in September of 1979. His present business, Doyle Sails Detroit, founded in 2006, is located in Clinton Township, Michigan. In addition to making sails, Al is a very avid and highly successful competitive sailor, logging more than 50,000 miles of offshore racing experience. He purchased Bernida with the dream of racing her again in the Bayview Mackinac Race. He In 2013 he won his 25th Mackinac race. Al and his wife, Sara, have two children, Allison and Matthew. Event and Parking are free. For more information on the full Michigan Nautical schedule, please visit michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan or call 517 373 1300 For more about the Michigan Center for the Book, join us! The next meeting will be held on November 14th at 10 A.M. Please email Edwina Murphy for location. Edwina A. Murphy Michigan Collection Curator Library of Michigan 702 West Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48909