Tuesday, June 24, 2008

June 24, 2008

Current Position (as of 8:17pm PT):



http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=26.3491,-128.8544&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1



First of all, thank you to everyone who is concerned about what I am eating and if I'm eating. As a former linebacker I have never been one to skip meals. I have worked hard to gain and maintain my weight. Out here, however, I just have not felt very hungry. I am not seasick. Just not hungry. The constant motion of the boat makes me kinda sleepy and lazy feeling. Not that I am being lazy. So today I have been eating beef jerky, a few Cliff bars, a Balance Bar, a few oranges and a can of clam chowder soup. I eat less out of hunger and more out of discipline. I know that I need to keep up my strength. I do feel a little weak from not excercising. Mom is finding some elastic bands that were recommended for excercise at sea. She is also researching the solar ovens that were recommended. Thank you to everyone who sent money for my meal(s) in Majuro. I am still thinking about them...in fact someone from Majuro wrote to tell me of the best restarants there!

A few people have asked if I have a daily routine. As I wrote down what I do each day, I realized that I do have a routine, sort of. When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is check the bilges for water. I do this several times a day but always first thing. It is normal for boats to take on a little water. I have several bilge pumps that pump this out when it reaches a certain height. If too much water is getting in then you have to search and figure out where it is coming from. Next I clean up the boat. Still don't know how it gets so messy! Then I brush my teeth and go out to check the sails. I check the radar and scan for ships. I call my mom every morning to give her an update. Then I eat breakfast and read. Time goes by quickly as by the time I am getting sleepy from reading, it is usually about 2:00pm. After my nap I check email, watch a DVD, check my course and make dinner. I usually go to bed between 7:30 and 9:00. I call home most nights to check over the boat with my dad, talk to my siblings and give mom another update. The days go by quickly and I have never been bored yet. This is probably because in between all these things I am checking and tweaking sails and lines, checking my course and the boat.

After winds as much as 25 knots yesterday day and evening, my wind dropped today into the low teens. That with the slap of those swells has made holding my course more difficult today. I have had to head up off course a little to keep the boat from bashing around. The forecast calls for more wind so I hope it comes soon. I liked making 6 knots steady. Today has been more like 4.5 knots average. Because I have been on the same tack (heading or direction) for awhile I went on deck to set up the running back stays. This is an added line that runs from the middle of the mast to the back of the boat deck to give extra support to the mast that is being stressed by constant pressure. It is pretty wild up on deck but fortunately it didn't take too long. I was wearing my inflatable life jacket that was sponsored by SailingPFD.com. It has a built in harness that attaches to a line that is attached to the boat so if I slip and fall, I won't fall overboard. The inflatable part is activated by contact with water. They are much more comfortable than regular bulky life jackets. This jacket also has a pocket that my Spot transponder fits into. This is a water proof device that can send out an emergency beacon to rescue authorities world wide if I need help. It transmits my coordinates so I am 'easy' to find. It is how I am sending my daily coordinates as well as it has an OK button that just lets people know I'm OK and where I am.

That's it for now. Until tomorrow.
Zac

40 Comments:

Blogger Anonymous said...

Hey Zac,

What can I say. Your an amazing kid. Such maturity and discipline. You don't know how happy I am to hear that you have so much contact at sea with your mom and family. Thanks for explaining the device that keeps you onboard. Good to imagine you are not running around on the vessel with a life jacket on! Sorry to make such a deal of what you are eating. Just got a little worried. But I still want you to enjoy that meal when you get to land!
Take care tomorrow Zac, and have a great day of sailing.

Peter

June 24, 2008 at 11:06 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Ahoy Zac,

Take care. Happy Sailing.

Hubert.

June 24, 2008 at 11:25 PM  
Blogger Vasyl Pawlowsky said...

Zac,

It's been great reading of your progress and hearing about the different devices you have on board. I try to check out your blog regularly to see how you are doing since you set out just over ten days ago. I admire your discipline and courage.

June 24, 2008 at 11:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I used to not get hungry sailing either buddy. Don't trip. Mike

June 25, 2008 at 1:04 AM  
Blogger Jay Baker said...

Hi Zac
Just wanted to drop u a line yer an Inspiration to a lot of us armchair sailors out here I have been wanting to do what your doing ever since i Read Robin Grahams book Years ago but do to lifes cercumstances hasnt happened yet and that window is closing fast Im 45
Just curious why yer not stoping in Hawaii I was stationed on the Big Island on Kileua (spelling) when i was in the Navy 81-85 it errupted Two weeks after i left and i have been tryin to get back to see it ever since its one of those once in a lifetime experiences Kinda like sailing around the world he he any way just curious

June 25, 2008 at 3:36 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Zac
would like to know what your reading? i am a carnivore when it comes to reading books.

June 25, 2008 at 5:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

Mate you are a great inspiration to many of us. It has become a routine to check your blog before I go to bed. Though I am not into sailing and hardly understands few terms, i really enjoy reading your blog and knowing your progress. All the best mate and take care.

Jag

June 25, 2008 at 6:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good Morning Captain,

I check your blog first thing evey morning and wish I was out there too. It is great that you have so many followers and that you are inspiring so many lives.
I never ate much on long passages either. Don't let all of the moms worry you too much... Glad to hear your mom is researching some of the ideas that people are passing along to you. It is amazing that you are able to keep in touch with everyone so closely. We only had the SSB radio for communication when I was sailing.
One Sailing question and one sport question:

1. What is the longest passage that you have ever made?

2. Are you a baseball fan? I am going to see the Cleveland Indains
play the San Fransisco Giants tonight. Omar Vizquel was greated with a standing O last night and the Giants won the game. Let me know if you want any sports updates and I will be glad to pass them along.

Read as much as you can. It helps pass the time.

Tammy

btw..It would be nice to hear how many miles you make in a day.

June 25, 2008 at 6:48 AM  
Blogger Ptolemy said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

June 25, 2008 at 6:56 AM  
Blogger Jill said...

Hi Zac,
I'm sending you good wishes for a safe voyage all the way from Powder Springs, Georgia (You say it "Pider Sprangs, Jawja" with a southern accent.) I check your blog everyday and as I am a mother of a 21 year old and a 17 year old I am glad that you're keeping in touch with your Mom. I'm also a teacher of 6th graders and I will be introducing you to them in the Fall. Wishing you good wind and great weather!

Jill

June 25, 2008 at 7:14 AM  
Blogger Tony Boschi said...

A brother in arms just like me
I was born a son of the sea

I can't be still, I can't be tied
The only time I feel alive is

When the wind fills my sail
Riding on a lifelong swell
Let my heart take me where it wants to go
That's the soul of a sailor

... Fair winds and following seas my friend....

June 25, 2008 at 7:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac-I am fascinated by your courage and determination and just found your blog and so now I will be checking in on you! Safe travels...

June 25, 2008 at 7:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Awesome post my friend. I was at my local watering hole Carmines in South Pasadena, CA sharing your story and web site with everyone. Many beers were toasted in your honor. Not many Sailors, but I can tell you as I have said, your journey for many is not necessarily a connection to sailing but a bigger inspirtation for people to just continue to dream and live life to the fullest. I think many of us concluded that we all want to just escape our dull daily lives and all of this craziness in the world right now and do something adventurous. You are living your dream. All of your documented daily tasks are confirmation that everything takes a lot of hard work. Keep it up. Sounds like your settling into some great routines that work for you. We will all keep praying for some good wind. I will be donating some funds for some nice meals along the way as well. Keep up with the cliff bars! They do give much needed carbs. I have been on a diet recently and they do give sustainable energy. Also when you were leaving from MDR, I noticed the device on the back of the boat and thought it was a back up rudder. After researching your posts, and reading about Monitor Windvane, I discovered what that was for! It's great to see you utilizing all of the technolgy. Curious why you chose the tiller option opposed to a wheel? Personal prefernce or is that what the boat came with? I like the old school method. God bless!

Chris Carnaghi, Alahmbra CA.

chris.carnaghi@wedbush.com

June 25, 2008 at 8:48 AM  
Blogger Derek said...

Sounds like you are doing great. My kids and I are watching your blog, so they can get a feel for your progress and experiences. They are 8 and 6 (and 8 months too) and since we are in Colorado, sailing has not been much a part of their life as it was mine growing up. thank you for sharing your journey. Your post the other day made me proud of your parents. They are as remarkable as you, and someone an insiration to me as a parent myself.

June 25, 2008 at 9:03 AM  
Blogger Molly said...

Hey Zac,
I've been reading you all along and thought it was time to drop you a note to let you know how much I look forward to reading your updates every day.
I'm finishing up my junior year of college abroad (In Italy) and I send out updates sometimes but it's weird because you don't really know who reads them!

Anyway, best of luck. Is Thailand one of your pitstops?

Cheers,
Molley

June 25, 2008 at 9:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,
Good on you for what you are doing with such youthful anticipation!

Re the excercise, I've found on long blue water passages to develop a routine with the boat as your excercise platform. Push ups in the cockpit-pull ups from the gang way below, etc.

Besides, the motion of your boat and making your way around develops great aerobics along with isometrics and isontoinics.

Cheers and fair winds

Jeffry

June 25, 2008 at 10:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Sailor!

One eye on the sea, one eye on the sails...

Good winds & a safe journey is all about our wishes to you, from Brasil.

And, if you change your plans and would to stop here (Rio de Janeiro region), just let me know and I'll try to support you on safe place to stay, some fresh food and repairs.

So, feel free to write - contatos@techrisk.com.br

Once again, aheva nice trip!

Eduardo
Rio de Janeiro
Brasil

June 25, 2008 at 10:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,
It's great to keep up with you every day. Wess has introduced you to his class of doctoral students at The King's this week and they have you up on a big screen. That's the first thing they do each day. We're headed our to Catalina Island tomorrow with friends until Sunday.
You are a real inspiration, Zac. Am sure you are keeping in touch with your heavenly Father. He's watching over you.

Jean & Wess
Marina del Rey

June 25, 2008 at 10:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

You may not know this, but I (Sandy) grew up sailing. I'm glad to hear you are not experiencing any seasickness. One of the things us kids would always request for lunch was peanut butter and jelly because it tastes good going down and coming back up =) (I know, TMI - but if it made you laugh then it was worth it!)

Love,

Sandy, Don, Cassie, Roxanne

June 25, 2008 at 10:41 AM  
Blogger Marilyn said...

Zac,

I don't let a day go by without checking your blog and reading the comments. Your experience is fascinating! I do have a question: When I click on your location, and zoom out, it looks like you are going in the direction of the Hawaiian Islands. Why not make one of those islands your first stop, so you can pick up some fresh fruit, eat a couple of good meals, and have some face-to-face human contact before you venture toward your other destinations?

You are an inspiration to us all.

Marilyn Simcox
Woodland Hills, CA

June 25, 2008 at 11:03 AM  
Blogger Peter J said...

Zac,
If Homer were still around he'd be taking notes, for you are our modern day Odysseus on a fascinating journey back home. At the risk of redundancy, you are my hero, an inspiration and model of courage and character for young and old alike (I'm 64 and hope some day to do what you're doing!). Am with you daily in thought and will follow your odyssey with admiration and interest. Bless you, Zac!
Peter J

June 25, 2008 at 11:15 AM  
Blogger Bob said...

Hey There Zac,

Great post on the routine you are performing. It's very interesting to read how so many are keeping up with your daily posts. We hope it is doing something for you as well, since we are all so looking forward to your next messages. Question: Do you talk out loud or sing out loud, (other than when you are on the radio/phone)? Weird I know..
Thought: If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.
May your sails be full!
Bob

June 25, 2008 at 12:22 PM  
Blogger NEWSGUY said...

Zac, this is fascinating, and I will be following your journey every day. This comes from a substitute teacher. I am wondering how you are going to get around Africa. I am assuming that in the Atlantic, you will be going through the Panama Canal.

Also, I have read that in the Pacific, there is a kind of slow whirlpool the size of Texas that contains billions and billions of plastic bags. I am wondering if you are seeing evidence of pollution out there.

June 25, 2008 at 12:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You mentioned not really getting enough exercise here is just a couple idea's...15 min a day...I hope these work on a boat!

* situps
* grab something that weighs a couple pounds and do bicept curls and tricept curls
* squats
* push-ups
* leg lifts
** Don't forget to stretch**

Aloha

June 25, 2008 at 12:54 PM  
Blogger Fantana said...

'there is a kind of slow whirlpool the size of Texas that contains billions and billions of plastic bags.'

It is Texas.......

June 25, 2008 at 12:55 PM  
Blogger Wheat said...

willy wombat...

I live in Texas....
and it's true!

June 25, 2008 at 1:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

Several bloggers have asked about wild life and whether you have had any encounters?

If I recall correctly, sea birds range out to a couple hundred miles depending on the species. When in the Gulf of Alaska, I would have Shearwaters and Albatross all around the boat out past 120 miles. Boy, those Albatross are Huge and they are awkward when not flying, but once in the air they are gracefull to behold. You are probably out past most birds by now?

Are you off your lessons for the summer, or are you getting a jump on next fall's school?

Thanks for sticking with your writing. You are doing a great job and the world is enjoying every word of it!

Love, the Nashes.

June 25, 2008 at 3:11 PM  
Blogger Jim said...

Hi Zac,
Sorry if this was already asked but are you fishing along the way. There are some cool ways to set out a meat line with an alarm to let you know when you are hooked up.

I truly admire what you are doing.

Jim

June 25, 2008 at 3:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ever heard this one?

A Sailor's Song
Oh for the breath of the briny deep,
And the tug of a bellying sail,
With the sea-gull’s cry across the sky
And a passing boatman’s hail.
For, be she fierce or be she gay,
The sea is a famous friend alway.

Ho! For the plains where the dolphins play,
And the bend of the mast and spars,
And a fight at night with the wild sea-sprite
When the foam has drowned the stars.
And, pray, what joy can the landsman feel
Like the rise and fall of a sliding keel?

Fair is the mead; the lawn is fair
And the birds sing sweet on the lea;
But echo soft of a song aloft
Is the strain that pleases me;
And swish of rope and ring of chain
Are music to men who sail the main.

Then, if you love me, let me sail
While a vessel dares the deep;
For the ship’s wife, and the breath of life
Are the raging gales that sweep;
And when I’m done with the calm and blast,
A slide o’er the side, and rest at las

xoxo
Your biggest fans

June 25, 2008 at 3:20 PM  
Blogger Glenys said...

Zac, we just picked up your story from Scuttlebutt. We'll be keeping tabs on you from now on! Well done mate, you are an inspiration.

All the Best from New Zealand
Glenys

June 25, 2008 at 4:12 PM  
Blogger harkz28 said...

Hi Zac,
It is very cool to here of such a together 16 year old. Man when I was 16 is was just happy to get my car drivers license and drive around town. I look at you and your sailing around the world. You seem to have a great outlook on life. Keep your head high and be safe.

Steve H

June 25, 2008 at 4:18 PM  
Blogger harkz28 said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

June 25, 2008 at 4:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac: Like everyone else, my husband and I start looking for your updated blog around 9:00 p.m. We enjoy following your adventure and look to see your course. We are anxious to see that part of your site that will show your intended course. You seem to be doing quite well - the phone contact, lots of tasks, chores and activities and everything else. You have a tremendous support system both familial and strangers. What an amazing experience. Keep it up - happy sailing and good winds to you...

June 25, 2008 at 4:27 PM  
Blogger Kate said...

So that's how the days go out there. I kept meaning to ask, but with everything else going on I forgot. If it's not too much trouble, could I ask what you've been reading lately? =)

And just for the record, that is one awesome life jacket.

Safe journey,
~Kate~

June 25, 2008 at 5:52 PM  
Blogger Glenys said...

Zac, I have to ask ...what happens if you get a wave over you and the jacket gets wet ...does it inflate then?

Glenys

June 25, 2008 at 6:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac - Roberta and I first found out about you and your quest a few weeks before you sailed. As avid travellers ourselves (sometimes by sea, mostly on ships just a little bit bigger than yours - OK, cruise ships), we resonate with your spirit of adventure, and we admire your fortitude. As you see from these many fine postings, you have a lot of folks around the world who admire you and are pulling for you. Roberta and I are just two of them. Keep going - and fulfill the dream. We will check in as often as we can. See Ya - Ed and Roberta

June 25, 2008 at 6:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Its great that things are going good. I make it a point to check your blog daily. I dont know alot about sailing, but reading your blog kinda takes me away from here and puts me on a boat in the middle of the Pacific. How many miles out are you? Anyways, hope you a have a good night and may the wind be on your side.

June 25, 2008 at 6:44 PM  
Blogger jim_g_fla said...

Zac,

A few more days and you will be half way to below Hawaii.

The Marshall Islands look like a sailor's paradise. I hope you have find lots of good food, fun, and rest there.

Jim...Florida

June 25, 2008 at 9:06 PM  
Blogger davejb851 said...

Zac,
It's not only the quantity of food, it's the caloric count. But even more important than that is keeping well hydrated. Not knowing about your H2O stores, but drink lots of fluids/water.

I'm an older retired guy here on the East Coast restoring a 22' handmade wooden sailboat. Hoping to have it in the water for the first time in 15 year, later this summer

June 25, 2008 at 9:09 PM  
Blogger Daveh said...

Man, for those of you that are following Zac, you NEED to use the Google Tracking. Can be found here - http://www.zacsunderland.com/map.html

Zac - Noticed Boris today... I've sailed those waters, calm, windy, and crazy... Be safe!

Dave & Skipper in Florida

July 1, 2008 at 3:23 PM  

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