Friday, June 13, 2008

D -Day!







Whew! My blog was not posting there for a few days. Bad timing as there has been a lot going on. First of all to all who have been emailing about where to see me take off tomorrow...

Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 305-9595

Questions & press begin at 12:00.
Board Intrepid and chase boats 1:00

The Marina del Rey Boat Show will be going on at the same time. I think you can still see me take off from the park without going to the show which is $10 for ages 12 and up. The view would definitely be better from the show though. Parking is down Mindanao in the overflow parking. There are lots of signs. Good Luck!

Since the last posting...
We had a great first day at the boat show. Lisa Gizara, who has been taking a lot of the photos you see here in the past week, helped set up our booth with Darrell Steffey, who has been amazing with organizing our booth and coordinating with Duncan and Don at the boat show. Not only this but working on tying up Intrepid's bulging eletrical systems. Last I saw him tonight he had (at about 10:30) come up with a shore power cord since my mom took mine out of her car and left it at home. I don't know how he got it but, in his usual way, he saw that we needed something and just took care of it. JP spent half a day finding and fixing a water tank leak while his own boat's refit goes undone. Peter, Amparo, Rwanda, the list goes on...

We had a long sea trial on Thursday with NBC on board a chase boat with my dad. They got some great footage and will use some of it for The Today Show tomorrow. Friday was spent adding running back stays to the rig for extra reinforcement. Also had to perfect the reefing lines. Thanks Mike and Brett! Al from Panavision came down and hung out with us to run the wires to the cameras throughout the boat. Greg Lawson hung back and video taped the whole scene with food lined up along the entire dock and Lisa organizing everything into food groups! He also did impromptu last day interviews which should be interesting as we are all way tired.
People ask me what is going on inside my head. I tell them I can't wait to get out to sea so I can relax! Of course there will be a lot of work still to do underway. Hopefully it will make my first leg go by quicker. At 4,500 miles and figuring 1,000 miles a week, I've got at least 4.5 weeks until I see the Marshall Islands in Micronesia. What will you all have done in 4.5 weeks? Think of me out there!
My mom will be posting my emails here on my blog while I am away. My shipboard email is very slow and not able to handle large quantities of mail so keep sending them to zacsworldadventure@yahoo.com and I will get them via home. We will be expanding the web site in the next few weeks including making a way to sign up for feeds and updates, a whole page on Intrepid and her refit and equipment, my course and location and a new photo gallery with albums of photos taken so far. Come back soon!
Until tomorrow,
Zac





43 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey best of luck Zac - you are really fit, and I wish I was onboard that boat with you! Hope all goes well.

June 14, 2008 at 1:55 AM  
Blogger ClustrMaps Team said...

WOW - fantastic and exciting adventure ahead... although we can only offer a trivial donation, you (and anyone assisting back on land with this blog site maintenance) will surely get a kick out of it, as follows:

If you put a ClustrMaps hit counter map widget in your 'blog gutter' (instructions for Blogger are on our news/blog site you'll get a cute little map that shows the locations of everyone 'tuning in', and we'll give you a free upgrade to ClustrMaps+ (no ads, better maps). Admittedly this is only a tiny gesture, but as you're circumnavigating the globe you and everyone else will be able to observe the global spread of your readership at a glance, and I think everyone will get a kick out it.

Fair winds and smooth sailing!

-The ClustrMaps Team

June 14, 2008 at 2:37 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I just read about your plans on the BBC's main news feed, and while I know we've never met, and I don't even know you, I wish you luck in your endeavour. I'd like to read about you again in several months time, having completed your journey and broken the world record, so good luck.

June 14, 2008 at 2:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good luck and count your blessings for such a wonderful learning experience.

June 14, 2008 at 3:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

like adam, i just read about your record attempt on the BBC website, i would just like to wish you all the best with the challenge ahead! good luck!

June 14, 2008 at 4:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, I just read about your trip on BBC and it definitely caught my attention (despite me not knowing you) - you are living so many people's dreams! It's nice to hear some good news for once out there in the media!

Anyhow, I hope that you have an absolutely incredible time - enjoy the trip of a lifetime, and safe travels!

June 14, 2008 at 6:42 AM  
Blogger mary.daunis said...

So very exciting for you to finally be underway! I can't wait to see photos and read your blog as you get going on your first leg. Photos will be awesome! Best wishes to your amazing parents - you are truly blessed to have them in your life.

June 14, 2008 at 7:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bon courage! You're lucky, or awake, or both. To set off on that vast plane on immanence, the ocean; how beautiful, and how vital. I remember the words of Montaigne: "Indeed, many are wrecked in port," and those of Nietzsche: "Embark philosophers!"

June 14, 2008 at 7:37 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I ran across you on the BBC news. Congrats on your undertaking. I will be following you- my prayers are with you- shelley nyc

June 14, 2008 at 8:11 AM  
Blogger Edo Passarella said...

Have a nice run Zac!! I suggest you a deserved rest in western samoa. Paradise.

June 14, 2008 at 8:19 AM  
Blogger Vasyl Pawlowsky said...

Hey Zac,

Just read about you on BBC's news feed. Incredible!

While I never did anything quite as adventurous, with the exception of cycling from Vancouver, British Columbia to Montreal, I wish you the very best of luck. I know I planned my trip for three years and was on terra firma and not on the open sea, so I can just imagine what you have been going through.

May the winds always be in your favour.

June 14, 2008 at 8:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac,
My name is Tim and I'm 16 as well. I live in New Jersey currently and i just read the BBC feed on you and saw the videos on Youtube. I've only been sailing for a couple years, but only locally but I love it. You're going to meet some many new people and experience so many different cultures. It seems like your the kind of guy who is really living life. I would really like to know how things are going on for you when your on the trip. If at all possible you could call my cell phone while you're sailing I would really appreciate it. My number is (908 370-6123). We could become good friends possibly. My friend John Kim recently moved out to Glendale California and so if I ever visit there when you get back we might be able to meet up and hang out. But for now, have a safe journey, good luck and have fun!

June 14, 2008 at 8:53 AM  
Blogger Moya said...

best of luck to you zac; this is one heck of an undertaking that you're trying out, and im sure the prayers and thoughts of much of the world will be with you!!! - Moya, Ireland

June 14, 2008 at 9:06 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Best wishes to you on your journey. Bring it back safe and have a great time!

June 14, 2008 at 9:18 AM  
Blogger Kate said...

Like so many others, I found out about your journey through the BBC's article as well, and from one ocean-loving sixteen-year-old to another, I really hope you have the best voyage possible out there!

Also, I'm sure you've heard this a billion times already, but remember to be safe in the towns you stop at as well, okay?

I'm definitely looking forward to following your trip!

~Kate~

June 14, 2008 at 9:39 AM  
Blogger mike_terry66@hotmail.com said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

June 14, 2008 at 10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

I just heard about you on the news, and checked in to your website 15 minutes before your departure time, and watched your short film. I think you may have left 5 minutes ago.

Wow, what a remarkable young man you are. I wish you all the best in your journey, and will think positive for perfect sailing weather, kind people, and a well-functioning boat. What you are doing is amazing, no matter what age!

June 14, 2008 at 1:07 PM  
Blogger anna said...

Good Luck Zac!! From a landlocked, homeschooling family in Indiana! (we miss the beach!)

June 14, 2008 at 2:12 PM  
Blogger Richard said...

Zac, I'm 3times older than you and you are about to have an adventure 10times bigger than anything I've ever done. Just found your feed on our NZ news site. I'll be watching your journey. What you are doing is massive. Good luck my friend.

June 14, 2008 at 2:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac.I've just read the BBC news about your attempt. Here from Paraguay send you tons of luck and hope for the best for you. Just rely on music if you feel lonely...

June 14, 2008 at 2:57 PM  
Blogger Mona said...

Zac, Bon Voyage!! I'm so excited for you! I can't wait to read about your daily adventure. Godspeed!

Mona

June 14, 2008 at 4:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Did you remember to pack your Rubiks Cube and Sudoku puzzles?!

June 14, 2008 at 5:22 PM  
Blogger Taylor. C: said...

Hey zac! Me and my mom came to see you off today
[i was the girl in the white hoodie that said "Trail Football" on it :)] and it was reaaaalllllyyy saddddd! Especially when your dad started crying. haha
but i wish you the best of luck, your such an amazing person.

Keep in touch with us baby. <3

-taylor.

June 14, 2008 at 7:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You were born for this man! Good Luck and I'll be checkin in to see how it goes!

June 14, 2008 at 8:36 PM  
Blogger Galileon said...

Go get them kid! Have fun and good luck! You just got another fan here, will be following your progress!

June 14, 2008 at 9:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, I couldn't get down to Burton Chase today to cheer you off. You're on an amazing adventure and we're all here pulling for you every step of the way. You will NOT be alone for any of this.

Looking forward to all your updates!

:)

Scott

June 14, 2008 at 10:27 PM  
Blogger Richard Roedel said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

June 14, 2008 at 10:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac! Good luck in the days to come.
Congrats on getting under way.
Again, if you ever need anything along the way, let me know.
amitysea@hotmail.com
Cheers!
Amy

June 15, 2008 at 2:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac! Good luck in the days to come.
Congrats on getting under way.
Again, if you ever need anything along the way, let me know.
amitysea@hotmail.com
Cheers!
Amy

June 15, 2008 at 2:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac! Good luck in the days to come.
Congrats on getting under way.
Again, if you ever need anything along the way, let me know.
amitysea@hotmail.com
Cheers!
Amy

June 15, 2008 at 2:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac! Good luck in the days to come.
Congrats on getting under way.
Again, if you ever need anything along the way, let me know.
amitysea@hotmail.com
Cheers!
Amy

June 15, 2008 at 2:23 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey zac!
best wishes from italy!
i found out about you and what you are doing this morning,from italian newspaper..
im so happy!
cya
silvia

June 15, 2008 at 5:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

watever

June 15, 2008 at 5:47 AM  
Blogger Katonah said...

Mr. Sunderland,

I saw the story of your fantastic voyage on Good Morning America. Incredible! Good luck on your endeavor. I wish you amazing adventures.

Godspeed

Derrick Eral Brown
Raleigh, NC

June 15, 2008 at 6:01 AM  
Blogger Bradley B said...

A lot of planning, a lot of hard work and now you’re off. You may be alone in body but not in spirit as I’m sure many will be following your journey as I will. I look at my 16 year old nephew and his giggley friends I'm not sure they could find their way out of the neighborhood, but you, you’re on your way around the world. Take a lot of pictures, absorb all that you learn, trust nobody and keep organized. Remember, you’re not alone in this. Thank you Zac………BradleyB

June 15, 2008 at 9:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

May the wind be at your back, Zac! You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Nancy Farris

June 15, 2008 at 10:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey zac!
as a sailor at heart i wish you a safe trip!
i'll be watching...

sunny

www.ronpaul2008.com

June 15, 2008 at 11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac, What an exciting day. At 42 years old, for me I have been looking towards the day when I would finally commit myself to learning to sail. You have been such an inspiration on so many levels! Their was so much love and positive energy out there. I was lucky enough to be standing next to one of your crew when he asked me to help load up the fuel. I also gave you some prayer beads for good luck. I wish you the best and you will be in my thoughts and prayers until I meet you again when you get back safely. God bless. Your new friend in sailing Chris Carnaghi, Alhambra, CA
ccarnaghi@yahoo.com

June 15, 2008 at 11:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

zac,

good luck in your ocean travels! what you are doing is inspiring. always follow your dreams and success will follow!

keep your boat organized and don't slack on getting enough sleep for a clear head. eat your veggies for strength and energy!

we look forward to your adventure chronicles.

all the best,
j. todd mcdowell

June 15, 2008 at 11:30 AM  
Blogger Ale said...

Hi Zac,

wish all the best while following your dream!


Sail, sail sail!

ciao
ale

June 15, 2008 at 12:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God be with you, Zac. I hope I can sign up to watch video from onboard. I am really excited about your trip, and the record you will set when you finish. If you can't finish, just get home safely even if by air. I spend a lot of time alone. It can get to you. Hope you brought plenty to read. Maryellen Grady

June 15, 2008 at 1:11 PM  
Blogger pani lo said...

Fair winds and a following sea to you, Zac!
Best regards from Moscow ;)

June 15, 2008 at 1:39 PM  
Blogger Rambling Man said...

best of luck zac - you are sailing your way into history no matter what happens.
may god bless and i'll be keeping an eye out from new zealand !

cheers
conan power and family

June 15, 2008 at 4:11 PM  

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