Last Minute Date Change
Good Morning!
I am experiencing my first major hurdle besides actually getting the boat ready to leave.
After careful consideration and due to a late and irrepairable mechanical failure, we have decided to postposne the departure date to June 14th. This date will coincide with the Marina del Rey Boat Show but more importantly will allow for time to repower (new engine) my boat.
The decision was made by my dad and I after painstakingly weighing the pros and cons. We don't want any compromises on the boat considering the huge undertaking she is about to undergo.
This is a huge dissappointment in some ways but pratically speaking it is for the best. I am sorry for any inconveniences this will cause. We are sending out emails and a press alert in an attempt to get the news out quickly and well.
In the meantime we are researching which egine is best suited for an Islander 36, where to get one and how to pay for it!!
My parents and I have done several interviews this week:
CNN
BBC
Australia Channel 9
National Public Radio
HD TV
KLOS Mark & Brian Show
Ventura Lifestyles
Support has been amazing. There have been so many people volunteering their time and support. I am blown away!
Must get this posted and get back to work. Hopefully will post again soon.
Again, sorry for the trouble. Hope to see you all on the 14th!!!
Cheers,
Zac
I am experiencing my first major hurdle besides actually getting the boat ready to leave.
After careful consideration and due to a late and irrepairable mechanical failure, we have decided to postposne the departure date to June 14th. This date will coincide with the Marina del Rey Boat Show but more importantly will allow for time to repower (new engine) my boat.
The decision was made by my dad and I after painstakingly weighing the pros and cons. We don't want any compromises on the boat considering the huge undertaking she is about to undergo.
This is a huge dissappointment in some ways but pratically speaking it is for the best. I am sorry for any inconveniences this will cause. We are sending out emails and a press alert in an attempt to get the news out quickly and well.
In the meantime we are researching which egine is best suited for an Islander 36, where to get one and how to pay for it!!
My parents and I have done several interviews this week:
CNN
BBC
Australia Channel 9
National Public Radio
HD TV
KLOS Mark & Brian Show
Ventura Lifestyles
Support has been amazing. There have been so many people volunteering their time and support. I am blown away!
Must get this posted and get back to work. Hopefully will post again soon.
Again, sorry for the trouble. Hope to see you all on the 14th!!!
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
7:48 AM
25 Comments:
You made the right decision, Zac. We're praying for you and supporting you. Keep doing hard things.
In Christ Alone,
Brett Harris
I think this is great! :) I'll definitely be following you along this incredible journey. Bon voyage!!
Debbie
Atlanta, GA
Good luck!
Wishing you ALL THE BEST OF LUCK!
Bookmarked your site, and be reading everyday. Wish I could send you some money to help out, but it's really tight now......sorry
GOD SPEED ZAC!
GOD LUCK AND BE SAFE
Good luck Zac, can't wait for the 14th. Your trip is inspiring.
Omar Gonzalez
Los Angeles, CA
I just saved this site. What you're doing is amazing. I'm 16 as well, and I must say that you are doing an amazing thing for our generation. Good luck, and I can't wait to check back.
Hey Zac, best of luck to you and may the winds be at your back for a safe journey. Be sure to keep a GPS onboard, just in case. I am sure you already knew that.
Remember there are no such thing as a Mermaid, if you find one make sure you aren't dreaming LOL!
Mike
Just an FYI
In 1965, 16-year-old Robin Lee Graham began a solo around-the-world voyage from San Pedro, California, in a 24-foot sloop. Five years and 33,000 miles later, he returned to home port with a wife and daughter and enough extraordinary experiences to fill this bestselling book, Dove.
Sorry about your engine! 2 weeks is a tight schedule to repower, I hope you manage it. For what its worth I just put a volvo D2-40 into my Cape Dory 36, which is a similar boat to your Islander, and I am very pleased with it and recommend it. Volvo is also big on sponsoring, you may be able to get a deal (or free engine).
Yo Zac! It's better to run into trouble now than when you are in the middle of the ocean. 14 days won't change the spirit and the meaning of your trip. I really hope you will find a good engine for your boat.Let's say that loud:"SOMEBODY OUT THERE, PLEASE HELP ZAC TO FIND AN ENGINE". I would give you one if I could but there is no much room in Phoenix for boats.
Keep us posted and good luck
I stumbled on your story on Yahoo! while trying to find stories to do for my Speech class final. I'm just a year older than you and am absolutely stunned by your accomplishments so far, not to mention full of jealousy!
Good Luck indeed,
Kaitlyn
Very wise decision. Hopefully you won't need the engine much, but if you do....you want a good one. And don't worry about the delay, you still have plenty of time to set the record.
Hey, Zac. You have nothing to be sorry about. This is a tremendous undertaking you will experiencing so there can be no compromises. You have to do what's best for you and your well being.
Chin up and keep going forward.
Scott
:)
dude you're totally my hero.
i saw this article on you on yahoo news and i think what you're doing is friggin bomb, no lie. i wish you health and safety on this trip. you're amazing!
love,
kathleen
Cypress, CA
Zac! Hey man, it's nice to hear about your endeavor. Good choice of boats. I owned an Islander 24 for 7 years, "The Canary". I love that boat, very seaworthy. One of her former owners sailed solo through the south Pacific, and survived a typhoon. So, you are in good company. I'm going to keep track of your progress. I belong to the Elkhorn Yacht Club in Moss Landing, Ca. I'm going to spread the word among my clubmembers, as well. If you need anything let us know. Some of our members are out and about in various places around the world. Get in touch with me if you can. My email is amitysea@hotmail.com, also check amyravenwood@myspace.
Good luck to you!
Amy LaBranche
Monterey, Ca
I was told about your attempt on Friday
I read books about this kind of adventure and you are going to do it, I salute you and will be following your course.
God Bless and Life is Good
Mark P
Good decision Zac. Don't rush anything. I will be praying for the funding and finding the right engine. Thanks for the Blog and for the courage to undertake this great adventure.
Kathy Bend, OR
Zac, If you are not all ready keeping a daily journal of what sounds like a fantastic coming adventure, you should be. One day you will want to write about it and you should never neglect the little details that your memory may gloss over. I am a middle school teacher and so I and my students will be following your on this trip and of course be living it vicariously as we go. I look forward to your blog postings.
Hi, Zac... I think it is right that you postponed your departure to make sure that your vessel is in the best shape to help you in your journey. When you leave the dock, you will be a team. It is only fitting that she be in great shape!
I am now 15 and before, I was given the chance to sail across the globe solo. Now, same opportunity is open for me. I still can't find the courage to do so yet. I salute you for your bravery. Go Zac! I am wishing you the very best. Keep safe.
Lorraine, Denmark
Sorry to hear about your engine difficulties. Repowering is definitely the smart move. I recently did not buy a boat with an older Volvo engine in it as part availability in the US, especially during August (high sailing season in Boston, but high vacation season in Sweden) can be a problem according to others. Volvo parts availability world-wide, especially for a new engine, is likely quite good, but this may be a consideration if you keep your Islander long term. We just upgraded to an S2 9.2A and I am sweating my first coastal navigation from CT to MA, never mind around the world! Good Luck, Bob Malone
The very best of luck
The very best of luck
Your Parents Suck - How stupid can they be to let you attempt this dumb ass pr stunt. They are just trying too pimp you out to make some extra scratch to pay for food for your brothers and sisters.
Good luck to you. Red Right Returning - Red Sky at Night Sailors Delight; Red Sky at Morn Sailors take Warn
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