Current Position 21:14 UTC: 20.49N, 150.32W
Good sailing day today. Spent quite a bit of the day close hauled which is a point of sail where the wind is on the forward quarter where you are sialing as close to the wind as possible. The sails are pulled in tight and the boat really goes. I am now about 400 miles from Waikiki. I spent the day cleaning and organizing for my stay in Hawaii. I've got a bag of laundry and a bag of trash and a few lists of supplies needed.
Dad will go over the boat and check the rigging for chafing. Chafing is when things rub against each other while under sail. This can be dangerous if things wear too thin and break. For example, halyards rubbing over the shives (wheel at the top of the mast that holds the halyards) at the top of the mast or sails on the spreaders, etc. Imagine the amount of continual wearing 24 hours a day, day in and day out. It may not seem like much contact but it can often end up with serious damage. I have been checking it but it will be good to check it in the slip.
Mom and I will reprovision. I have a better idea of what is good at sea. I alrady mentioned the oranges. Beef jerky is really good and Cliff and Lara bars. I'll probably pick up some more Top Ramen so I have something to write about on quiet days.
A few guys from Itik Productions are coming out to do some filming. Not sure what we'll get up to yet. You'll have to watch the show to find out!
The forecast calls for winds to lighten some as I near the islands. Hoping to keep up the pace here and get into Ala Wai Boat Harbor by Wednesday sometime.
Some interesting news - a school friend is spending the summer working with his uncle in Oahu for the summer (poor guy!) and will be able to come over to Waikiki to see me. Very cool.
Hoping for a quiet night. Winds are calming down.
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
9:45 PM
40 Comments:
Zac,
Good to hear that the wind is kind to you. Hope you can reprovision properly now that you have an idea of what you want.
See ya when you get here,
Will
Aloha Zac!
While you are in Hawaii pick up some music by IZ. He is the most famous Hawaiian singer. (though no longer with us) He is known for his rendition of somewhere over the rainbow. But his other stuff is amazing! We listen to it all the time while we hang on our Catalina 30, The Illusion, in Santa Barbara. Perfect sailing music!
We're with you all the way!
Aloha! Shauna
Zac,
It's great to hear that you got some wind behind you on Sunday, and that you will be heading into port for some reprovisioning and inspections by your Dad.
Enjoy the time with family and your school friend. (The poor guy, what a terrible summer job! LOL).
Vasyl
Reprovision time! U must be pschyed. Just an idea but maybe U can get someone(MOM) to do some home canning. Canning allows U to have a nice meal of meat anytime U want. Homemade Bolognaise sauce, baked beans, etc. U only have to refridgerate once U open the jar. Now I think about it I know U can get chicken in the can in most stores. If U can find asian grocery store in HI U can pick up small cartons of UHT milk. (U probably know all this already) Anyway U will be catching fish soon. Don't forget to pick up some spare lures, gaff, and a small bat. Do U have an address to send some loot to in HI or a PayPal account.
Yee Haw! It looks like you broke a record today, averaging 7.5 knots!
Must be rough, though. How's the self steering working at that point of sail?
Rory.. there is a donate button on his website in the sponsorship area. i sent a small donation by paypal.. goes to msunderland@roadrunner.com
Hey Zac,
Great sailing day for you! I would say the best day you have had since you left. Amazing how far you can go with good wind.
Your stay in Hawaii is going to be a real pick me up for you. Mom, Dad, and your buddy. I think what Itik will be able to be put on film will be your determination to succeed, and the incredible support you have from your loved ones.
This is how you will thrive throughout your journey. I picture your dad making sure the boat is working well,and in tip top shape, and your mom making sure you are doing well, and in tip top shape. You are quite the blessed individual to have such loving parents.
Have a great day on the water Monday, Zac. As you can see from the blogs, you have the support of your blogging community, and our hopes that you thrive, and that we can do our part to give you a feeling of support, since we can't be physically a part of your journey.
We will all be at Ala Wai Boat Harbor to cheer you in, at least in our hearts. Praying for you always,
Peter
You are fortunate to have all the modern communication devices ... Image doing this trip without phone or e-mail. That would be very lonely.
You have many well wisher as myself you greatly enjoy following your journey.
Wishing you clear sailing,
Rob Marshall
Fountain Valley, CA
Hi Zac from Tom in Scotland...
What an adventure...
It's great to follow yr progress. What super kind parents u have...
Tom in Edinburgh
Hey Zac,
this is really awesome. All the best. I think you proved to the world that teenagers can do great things. (:
Natalie
Singapore
Hi Zac
I'm really happy to hear that things are going so well for you. Your determination to stick with the project and tremendous achievements so far are inspirational.
It's heart-warming to hear of all the support you're getting from family, friends and well wishers. There's so much good news about it's sad that the media don't focus on it more and less on the gloom and doom stuff.
I'm sure you'll soon be giving Mum and Dad huge hugs in Hawaii to thank them for their wonderful ongoing support of your world record attempt.
Keep safe, keep smiling and sleep well in the knowledge that you're in the thoughts of folk from all around the world.
I'm in rural North Wales (UK) where rain showers are keeping the trees looking magnificent.
Life is grand!
Tim
hey Zac.
great that doing fine. i envy you alot.. you didnt need to go school?? but its awesome to be you aiye? well,till next time..
xoxo
mel
Hi Zac, great to hear you are about to make your first landfall.
I hope all in this blog community make your boat and journey a little less lonely.
Glenys
Auckland, New Zealand
Ooh, sounds like it was a nice day. I wonder when what the Itik Productions people film will be shown? I don't watch a lot of TV, so it's not like I'll bump into it that way.
Great that you'll be able to see a friend when you get to Hawaii, that's always a good thing.
Safe journey,
~Kate~
Yeah, it's interesting watching the blog develop, as u sail across the worlds oceans...
some thoughts about the blog...
its very dark and dull looking... no pics, or video, or audio... and as the archive grows, it will become a big job to manage it well...
i think it cud do with the full multimedia treatment, and wud be much more interesting than simple text...
some of us sitting safe by the fireside cud probably help with pic and video editing...
its just a thought, i'm not complaining, just suggesting things, as the readership grows...
tom in edinburgh...
Hey Zac- enjoy your first landfall. Three hots and a cot will be a pleasant change I'd imagine, not to mention a hot shower. I enjoy watching your progress every day, and we're all cheering for you!
Paul from Baltimore
Hello Zac,
It's great to know you advanced so much on Sunday. Hopefully you'll make it to Waikiki on Wednesday as planned. It's so cool your friend has a summer job in Hawaii. I bet neither of your thought you would ever meet under these circumstances!!!
Keep up the good work, sail on, and hit that slip as soon as possible. Mom & Dad will be waiting and very anxious to see you.
It's great to know that we have parents who love us and care for us so much. I work with some guys who don't have good parents and they don't even care what they do or where they are each and every day. I have found out after so many years that I took my parents for granted. They were always there for me no matter what. Your parents are just the same and you must cherish this because very few people can say this about there parents, we are truly blessed in having such loving parents. As you get older (just turned 48 a few days ago) you will realize how much it takes to care for, nurture, and be an important positive role in your children's lives. It's very hard work but they do it without asking for anything in return.
Remember, never take your parents for granted. They love you so much and I know they would do anything for you. Make them proud to say Zac's our son and we love him dearly and we're so happy at the way he turned out.
Mom & Dad, you have done an incredible job with Zac. Thanks for supporting his dreams and letting him take this journey. You are his pillars and I can tell you are both very special parents. We have so few of you left in this world today. Hopefully this exposure will show parents how they should love and support there children with there individual dreams.
I'm sure you'll all be very happy to see each other again in a few day.
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
I stopped by and visited with your Mom last night. She is so proud of you!! I am so glad that you are stopping in Hawaii and will be able to connect with your Mom and Dad and little Ben. Anything special you would like us to send with your folks? We would love to send something along!!
Take care, have a great night and we will pray for peaceful and restful sleep.
The Nash family
You should be able to pick up Hawaiian music on the radio soon. Also the jet contrails high above you pointing the way. Your weather is not typical. Usually the trade winds blow constant and this part of the trip is a real sleigh ride. Be careful of the lee shores on your portside and be ready for turbulent water going through the Molakai channel. You are going to love Hawaii Zac. Aloha
I am amazed at the constant thread running through the bloggers: how important, how blessed, to have parents that love and support you!
Thank God you do have such parents.
It makes me sad to know it is somewhat rare these days.
I saw in the news that Hawaii's active volcano is putting on quite a show. Can you see anything of the smoke from your spot on the deep-blue sea, Zac? The video I have seen is just awesome; new land is being formed just off the coast.
I would say you and your family are in for a real treat meeting up in Hawaii!
God bless all of you,
Tamara
Just to let how many different people read your blog. I am a 75 year old cajun grandma living in the heart of Louisiana. Young people like you give me hope for our world after all.
I pray for you to be safe, honorable, and healthy all your life.
Good luck,As my great great grands call me,
Mama Jean
Zac,
You are going to LOVE Hawaii even if it is a short visit. Get some R&R and know we all pray for you daily.
California
xoxo
Zac,
When I plot your positions on Google Earth it shows you made about 156 miles in 17 hours. That converts to a little under 136 knots. When you divide the 136 by 17 hours that is an average of 7.98 knots per hour. That is GREAT progress. That sure helps to make up for some of the slow days a ways back. Following your course everyday and wishing you the best. Your an inspiration.
Aloha from southern Arizona
Clinton
Capt. Ron Hi, and while you are shopping, don't forget the Spam. Actually, as you know already there are many different kinds of canned meats out there. My wife and I have cruised on our boat for several years and while doing so we have tried them all. Be safe. Also, for your info. there is another guy out ther sailing around trying to set a record for spending the most days at sea without stopping for supplies or setting foot on land?? He is shooting for 1000 days at sea.
1000 days at sea without stopping or setting foot on land? That's about 2 1/2 years. I don't think I'd even want to try that one.
At any rate, I've alerted the media. The Honolulu NBC, CBS and ABC affiliates. I'm assuming I'm not the first so I guess if they hear it more than once that's not a bad thing. Now it'll be interesting to see if they show up.
Roll on Zac
Scot
California
I couldn't help myself, I'm so impressed with what you are doing just gave you a small donation through Paypal. Folks it was easy.
steve P
Yuma, AZ
Zac,
Great going! If this stop in Hawaii is your first time there, you'll love it and the people.
Got a question, if you were to lose power from your solar panels will you still be able to run your radar and navigation devices? What back up do you have for electrical power and recharging your batteries, I think you mentioned a wind generator, is that enough?
Fair winds!
Aloha,
Steve from OC
I would also suggest picking up some dried fruit. It is pretty good and has a good shelf life. Great Job keep up the good work.
Good on ya mate!!!
Keep on sailing, you are an inspiration to all of us.
God speed,
Anita
Waterloo, NY USA
Zac I've been following your progress since I saw the story about you on ABC news. How exciting, and also very scary to me. I have 4 grandsons around your age, and can't imagine them being where you are. You are so mature, and a good teacher for those of us who don't know anything about sailing. I know you are so looking forward to seeing your parents. Please tell me that you have some way to secure yourself when you climb up to work on the sails. You are in my prayers.
Zac,
I've been reading for about three weeks now. Glad to hear about the good wind. Try and have some fun in Hawaii while you're there. Enjoy the Top Ramen! XD Keeping you in my thoughts...
- Shoshna S., Southern California
Hi Zac. It is really fun reading/watching your blog. Reminds me a bit of the book: "Canoing with the Cree". (Two guys on a long canoe adventure from Mid Minnesota way up into Canada). Question: what radio stations, if any, are you listening to, or what kind of music and artists are you listening to? -Thanks! And, Good luck! -Greg, Minneapolis, MN.
P.S.
I'm loving all the links that fellow bloggers are posting! Especially Honolulu's Star Bulletin! The volcano pictures are amazing! Thanks Zac, for making this possible, also thanks *bloggers!
Tamara
Hi Zac,
You don't know me, but I am a homeschool mom who is teaching 200 cub scouts all about you and your trip! I am teaching a learning station about weather at a day camp that has the theme of "Anchor's Away". I can't wait to show the boys your blog so that they can follow you for the next year! I just thought that you would like to know what an inspiration you are to the world. Good winds, our prayers are with you!
Brenda - Spokane, Washington
you are adorable. haha.
it's amazing what you are doing, especially at 16. i am 16 as well, and i could only dream of doing something so ambitious. i wish you the best of luck. lol.
Zac,
You commented that your friend was invited to work for his relative on Oahu for the summer and you uttered, "poor guy."
I think what you meant is that the work you are doing, in sailing solo, is more rewarding than what you think he is doing.
But I can't believe, after observing your world tour efforts, that you feel "work" is a bad thing.
Every human gets one chance in youth to set a course through life. Those, like you, who seek to achieve something big continue onward through life with further aspirations that usually cause success. People, like your friend, who also "work" for a relative finish the summer with great memories, job experience, and a motivation to succeed in life at some level.
Unfortunately, there are those in youth who don't recognize the importance of investing their life in some type of effort. They falsely think that the "party" life is for them. And, as most of us know, youth doesn't last long and those who choose to "party" rather than set a successful course through life early..... find themselves in the doldrums and unable to escape by mid life.
You, and your friend who is working with his relative on Oahu, are doing the right thing. Work of any kind is a part of life. Nobody can escape it... the trick is to make it worthwhile and gain from it. The alternative is a miserable life where a person looks back with regret at having wasted so many years that could have been invested for the future through some activity.
You don't need to think your friend is a "poor guy" for working. He is doing what needs to be done to stay on course in life.
Consider my comments here next time you see some "homeless" guy or "homeless" woman. They were the ones who chose to "party" when they were young.
RE: Friday, July 11, 2008 posting
FYI: What you got was a "lei", the customary Plumeria-flowered necklace...
...not to be confused with another kind of "lay" (also widely available in Hawaii...and other places along the voyage!)
Know the differance! You may be suprised by the other if you don't....
Both are about $20
“To be truly challenging, a voyage, like a life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest. Otherwise you are doomed to a routine traverse, the kind known to yachtsmen, who play with their boats at sea - "cruising," it is called. Voyaging belongs to seamen, and to the wanderers of the world who cannot, or will not, fit in. If you are contemplating a voyage and you have the means, abandon the venture until your fortunes change. Only then will you know what the sea is all about.”
Sterling Hayden quote
Zac. Looks like you're out to break a record...hope you enjoy the voyage along the way!
Aloha Zac,
My favorite place - the Hawaiian Islands. Eat, sleep and breath deep. Pack up some dried pineapple for the next leg of your journey. I'm proud of you kiddo. You a hero to me.
Love, Julie and Shane
Hey Zac,
My name is Spenser I am 16 also. I was wondering what do you find to do for fun, on a boat all by yourself?
Spenser Williams
(spenser_025@yahoo.com)
Hanford, CA
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