William E. Cornell, Jr. grew up near the shores of Lake Erie. He received a Master’s degree in geography from Kent State University in 1967. He pursued a brief career in the field of education followed by a permanent career in corporate real estate.

Simultaneously, during the years in the business world he became an avid cruising sailor, having sailed on all of the Great Lakes over a thirty-five period. Tales of a Great Lakes Sailor is the product of those sailing experiences. Cancer in 2002 briefly interrupted his sailing activity until shortly resumed.

Raising two daughters, he continues to live, with wife Carol, in Twinsburg, Ohio.