Coleman grew up in Larchmont, New York, close to Horseshoe Harbor and was from a young age interested in sailing.

[2] He and his twin Paul both studied at New York Maritime College.

They competed in the 1976 470 Olympic trials, and then, with their brother Gerard, in the Soling.

[4] With his brother Paul he took a gold in the North American Men's Sailing Championship Mallory Cup in 1983.

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