The Derecho

What happens when your outward-bound leadership development course gets upended by the Storm of the Century? Find out in this firsthand account how nine team members at sea in a thirty-foot wooden sailboat overcome one of nature's most violent storms.

In this powerful tale, O'Hara weaves in the story of others - both survivors and those that perished, providing readers with a broader context of the losses - of both lives and property -that occurred because of this historic storm. Perseverance prevails as they learn to strive and not yield in the face of certain disaster.

Brooks O'Hara grew up as a military dependent, residing in eight states and in Europe. Following graduation from Florida State University, he relocated to Houston, Texas to begin his 40-year career in Human Resources and Leadership Development for several large public and private companies. After relocating to West Florida several years ago, Brooks wrapped up his career working for a small hospitality group on Anna Maria Island. Brooks and his wife Vickie, who have completed several historic home restoration projects, now live in a restored 1890-era home on the Manatee River with their three dogs. Since his Outward-Bound experience 30 years ago he has endeavored to serve, to strive, but never yield.