An adventurous spirit, Eric has been on an exceptional journey since his departure from St. Andrew’s some 40 years ago. Following his time at the Massachusetts boarding school, his path has led him across the world and to the helm of 165 boats, racking up an impressive 80,000 nautical miles of sea travel. Eric’s extensive travels have seen him visit 85 nations, reside in 250 islands on 6 continents, and make lasting memories in places such as the Bahamas, the US, the UK, Sweden, Singapore, and New Zealand.
While globetrotting, Eric found his partner in life and is now a proud father to a 16-year-old, named Felix. His familial ties are not his only anchor; his undying passion for the written word has also remained a constant companion. With more than 40 books penned and 18 published, Eric’s words have reached countless readers around the world. Among his writing accomplishments are 1,000 articles and a staggering count of 4 million words. A digital trove of his life experiences, including 58 diaries and 53 photo albums, offers a rich chronicle of his adventures.
Despite his international footprint, Eric’s connection to St. Andrew’s remains strong. He has returned to speak to groups of students, sharing his experiences and inspiring the next generation. Eric’s ties to academia extend further, with associations to institutions like Roger Williams Law, Oxford, Boston College, Lisbon Law, University of Rhode Island, and the New York Film Academy.
Eric’s resilience and determination have often been tested, but they have never wavered. He bravely weathered the pandemic with his son in a remote cabin, contended with institutional abuse at a boarding school, and has been sober for 17 years. His courage, resourcefulness, and adaptability are evident in the 70 jobs he has held over the years, including boarding tankers with Bibles for a charity, tutoring Chinese students, selling antiquarian books, running a water taxi, and writing a bi-weekly column and podcast for the Nassau Tribune.
A self-described compulsive seeker of lost histories, Eric has unearthed 10 World War II aircraft in the Bahamas, unearthing tales of forgotten servicemen and overlooked individuals. This drive extends to his personal life, where he continually strives to improve his ability to listen, share, and overcome impatience.
At St. Andrew’s, Eric enjoyed his early school days with Mr. Harding, a teacher he greatly admired, joining the school the same year he did. Fond memories were made alongside his neighbor, Andrew Allen, who shared classes with him under Mr. Graham.
Eric loved the simple joy of exploring the fields and hunting for lost sports balls. One of his charming school memories includes offering a baby turtle he’d found to a girl from his swimming class. The playground was the backdrop for many instances of harmless mischief, creating a shared camaraderie among the students.
The school was often touched by the remarkable, like Mr. McDonald, a teacher who’d previously taught Emperor Haile Selassie’s son, and the campus visit from Mohammed Ali. A sense of maturity and pride came with donning long pants in upper form. The connection with faculty didn’t end within the school premises; Eric enjoyed spotting some of them during weekends at Montague Foreshore.
One of Eric’s fondest memories at St. Andrew’s was “The Run.” Despite his own struggles with the event, he found satisfaction in training and cheering on his younger brother James, who went on to win. The journey to and from school was also a source of fascination.
Eric credits his parents and St. Andrew’s for the opportunities and experiences he’s enjoyed. Despite his myriad accomplishments and adventures, Eric considers being a father, maintaining sobriety, and surviving as a writer as his proudest achievements. His life after St. Andrew’s is a testament to the spirit of exploration, resilience, and lifelong learning that the school cultivates in its students.
Do you know a member of the St Andrews alumni community (they do not have to have graduated) that we should highlight for their achievements? If so, please let us know.