Thursday, July 24, 2008

Current Position as of 0233 UTC: 14.18N, 171.11W

A great day for wind today in fact I tightened some screws holding the wires to the wind generator and am getting a better charge out of them. A good thing since I've had between 17-23 knots for most of today. I was actually moving at 8 knots for awhile! I'm making great time and am hoping to be in Majuro, Marhsall Islands by the end of next week. I can't believe I've only been out here for a week since Hawaii. It is really wild out here today. The sky is grey, the swells are growing, the wind is howling and there are white caps all around the boat. I've been trimming the sails all day to keep the wind but not too much wind. Last night around 2:00am (Hawaii time) I woke up because instead of sleeping on my matress, I was sleeping on the wall. When I realized what was going on, that I was heeling over too far, I jumped out of bed and into the cockpit to reef sails. On my way out I made sure to turn on a few cameras. Later today when I looked at the footage I was amazed to see how far I was heeled over and that I was leaning parallel to the kitchen cabinets as if it were nothing. Because of all the rain and spray I finally came down below and closed up the boat. I've never had to do that before. The Monitor windvane that is steering the boat has been working great. Or should I say that I have finally figured it all out. I have bearly had to touch it since leaving Hawaii. I had heard people say that kind of thing in the past but found it hard to believe until now. I tried to reach Mahana today but wasn't able to get through. Sometimes the storm action makes getting a connection difficult. It is great to have Clearpoint Weather to check in on the weather and see what is going on out there and knowing somewhat to expect. I say somewhat because even with this sophisticated peice of equipment, there are small areas of weather (ie squalls) that are different from the general forecast. I spoke with David Morris (meteorologist) today about the current weather and what to expect as I approach Majuro and on into the southern hemisphere. Looks like the adventure is only beginning!
Cheers,
Zac

41 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOW - the adventure begins (or continues)! Reading your blogs is stressful - I can't even imagine living it! Thank you for your inspiration Zac - we continue to hope the best for you!

Minnesota Family

July 24, 2008 at 8:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,
Was surfing the web this evening and decided to check in on you before logging off. Great days, you're really being challenged out there and you sound so excited to be doing so. The confidence and skills in your craft are clearly evident in your thoughts and words on the blog tonight. Keep on keepin' on! You are a true sailor!
As I drift off to sleep tonight, I keep you in my thoughts and prayers and can't wait to hear of what is to come tomorrow. I hope you're able to connect with Mahana and let us know of their status.
God bless you!
Melanie in Torrance

July 24, 2008 at 9:02 PM  
Blogger Bob said...

Hi There Zac...

AMAZING!! Be sure to never rush out without double checking that lifeline lanyard..Gee now I'm sounding like a parent...oh I am a parent. Each day is a preparation for your future, learn and be alert. What lighting do you run at night? Standard Nav lights, or are you lit up more? Any strobes?

With you in spirit...
Bob in OKC

July 24, 2008 at 9:52 PM  
Blogger administrator said...

Just heard about your journey, sounds sweet. You're way a head of your time, live an amazing life man and goodluck.
Jason Helle
Ibindare.com

July 24, 2008 at 10:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I read your blog everyday and I have to say...You are a brave kid! I wish you luck in your journey and stay safe.....Keep those blogs coming...it keep's us entertained and probably keep you safe because many of us are praying for your safe return.

July 24, 2008 at 10:33 PM  
Blogger Fulgum said...

Zac:
Some very stressful situations. I guess heeling's normal? I can never be a sailor as I'm too much of a worrywart. Well, keep handling yourself like a trooper. You're doing great!

Scott

July 24, 2008 at 10:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,
When I was young, about 44 years ago~~Hmmmm... seems like yesterday!!Tee Hee! My parents bought a small 18' twin keel sailboat called an Alacrity that was made in England, and they had it shipped to the US. That was in the 1960's, not to date myself!! (And it wasn't a Katamaran either).It was a one of a kind, back then.We hailed from Marina Del Rey too, and spent many a weekend sailing to Catalina on the small little boat. Actually I had no choice as my parents loved to sail! The boat slept 3 people and as you could imagine, it had very tight quarters. If you would have talked to my Dad, you would have thought it was like a 40ft ketch!! His dream was to own a ketch someday before he died, but that never happened. I thought that was an adventure then, leaving in the dark of night and arriving to Catalina by early morning. You are so couragious at the age of 16, and I hardly compare my time at sea to what you are doing, but that was a big deal for me!!

You have me glued to my computer and I can't wait for each morning to come, because I look forward to your blogs! Your adventure has become my adventure, and I pray everyday that you stay safe and accomplish all your goals.

As a Mom, I worry about your safety, but there is no doubt in my mind that you know what you are doing! Your family must be beaming with pride.

Best Wishes!


Debbie in North Hills, CA

July 24, 2008 at 11:18 PM  
Blogger Treva said...

I ask you Jesus to surround Zac with your band of angels and keep him safe as he continues his journey. This is my prayer each day for you. I love reading your blogs. I've not ever been sailing but thru your very detailed blogs I sometimes feel that I'm on the boat.

July 24, 2008 at 11:24 PM  
Blogger Anita said...

Hi Zac,
Sounds like you have some decent air out there!
Will keep you in prayer as you forge ahead to fulfill your dream...we're all there with you in sprit.
God speed young man!
Anita Miracle
Waterloo, NY USA

July 25, 2008 at 2:32 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

Hi Zac!
Sounds like you have some decent air out there!!
Be safe and have a blast! We're all with you in sprit.
God speed young man!
Anita Miracle
Waterloo, NY
USA

July 25, 2008 at 2:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

YEAH BABY YEAH!!!

July 25, 2008 at 2:43 AM  
Blogger LewLeaf said...

Mother of God
Star of the Sea
pray for the wanderer
pray for me

North Carolina

July 25, 2008 at 4:27 AM  
Blogger Melody Y said...

hi ZAC

great that u r okay and hope d best 4 ya. cheers for u.

xoxo
mel

July 25, 2008 at 6:12 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Zac,

So you woke up on the wall today? That was an entry into your blog I haven't heard before. I know you'll be careful while leaving your cabin and going out to the cockpit. It's great to hear your wind prayer have been answered.
I'm sure this leg feels entirely different from your first leg. I'm glad to read that you're figuring things out and becoming an expert with all your high tech equipment on board.
Thanks for the great blog today. It's always great to start the morning with a little Zac.

Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

July 25, 2008 at 6:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,

Wow, I just love your adventures and first thing I do in the morning is "Let's see how Zac is doing today". Your blogs are just as much fun and adventureous as anything you'll catch on TLC or DISCOVERY CHANNEL, speaking of which, I certainly hope TLC or one of those cable networks does a feature on you. You are amazing.
I am equally impressed with your daily blogs, so intelligently written and very informative. Your being "heeled over" sounded scary, to me, but I bet your boat was having lots of fun, proud to serve and perform well for you. Gosh, by end of next week you will be at your next port of call. Bravo!

You are doing good! Keep up the good work and be safe.

Linda Simeone, EMT

July 25, 2008 at 8:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,

Wow, I just love your adventures and first thing I do in the morning is "Let's see how Zac is doing today". Your blogs are just as much fun and adventureous as anything you'll catch on TLC or DISCOVERY CHANNEL, speaking of which, I certainly hope TLC or one of those cable networks does a feature on you. You are amazing.
I am equally impressed with your daily blogs, so intelligently written and very informative. Your being "heeled over" sounded scary, to me, but I bet your boat was having lots of fun, proud to serve and perform well for you. Gosh, by end of next week you will be at your next port of call. Bravo!

You are doing good! Keep up the good work and be safe.

Linda Simeone, EMT

July 25, 2008 at 8:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Man I thought I had a rough nights sleep! You know it's funny Zac, sometimes before I go to bed I stand on my balcony facing directly west towards Catalins and look out at the Moon. I think of the connection that all of humans, from every walk of life have to it. Also the dynamic of the moon with the sea and gravitaional pull. It certainly has an hypnotic effect on everyone of us. And I think of you out there in the South Pacific staring up at it. It's amazing to see what can happen over a few hundred or thousands of miles with weather. I guess that definitely gets the blood pumping and makes the trip interesting huh? Hope you land the elusive tuna. Are you keeping out a trolling line at all? Cheers mate.

Chris, Alhambra CA

July 25, 2008 at 9:04 AM  
Blogger johnnyBgood said...

we are all so proud of you zac!
"the canvas can do miracles...just you wait and see"
john baker/hollywood/ca/USofA
kbaker1226@aol.com

July 25, 2008 at 9:19 AM  
Blogger Glen said...

Hey Zac's

Good Morning, at least for me, I just wake Up at 1:35 PM...(AR: Time)

What a fright you have got eh!!! I can't stop to laugh... I imagine the situation that you are slepping in the wall Like BUT's and jump out from your wall (sory), bed and run out to solve the situation...

Thouse are very funy, but not for the person that pass for these situation in this moment... but at the end when you remember it you gona laugh TO...

New Day NEW ADVENTURE...

What`s is gona come in the rest of the jorney,until arrive Majuro you'll gona know soon.
Jus keep your Smile on in your face, and you see that everything are more easily. BE positive.. ++++.

Well See you., Its time to do samething with my stomach...
I go breckfast...

Good Luk,
Good Sailing.
God Bless you.
keep ON...

Glen (AR)

July 25, 2008 at 10:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac - I hope you don't mind me living vicariously through you! Your voyage has been so impressive to date. I can't wait to read your daily blogs. Keep up the great work, be careful, and have a great time!!

Bob in Pennsylvania

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

Inspiring as always!

I had read somewhere that single-handed sailors can carry two red light upon the mast, one three feet or so above the other, to denote "vessel not under helmsman control" while they're sleeping. Is this still a standard signal, and do you use it? Or, in these days of Radar and GPS, do you just depend on your reflector to point you out to other vessels?

Praying daily for you. B'Shem Yeshua HaMashiach

-Mouse in Whittier, CA

July 25, 2008 at 10:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nice to see "Intrepid" is living up to its name!

July 25, 2008 at 11:08 AM  
Blogger Donna H. said...

How does the distance of this leg of the voyage compare to the distance from Marina Del Rey to Hawaii? On the map it looks much farther. Sounds like you're making much better time than you expected! Maybe someone else on the blog can answer this -- we all know you're staying really busy right now. Our prayers are with you daily.

Donna H.
North Richland Hills, TX

July 25, 2008 at 11:18 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,
Leaving you this comment from landlocked Boise, ID. Our family has so enjoyed reading you're daily blogs. It is better than any book - because it is reality and defines the word "adventure." We have a 16 y/o son and can understand what you're parents must feel. They are just as brave as you are and I commend them. What great folks!

We feel like we are taking this adventure with you and are along for the ride by reading about it. You are out there, hundreds of miles from anyone, testing you're abilities. I think what you are doing defines the secret desire of every human soul. Godspeed and stay safe sailor !!

The Fuller's of Boise

July 25, 2008 at 11:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac. I just love the last line of your comment. "The adventure is only beginning!" You sound so excited to be out there and it makes all of your fans excited as well. Safe journey, keep an eye on the sky and don't sleep on the walls!!!

Caleb
St. Paul, MN, USA

July 25, 2008 at 11:37 AM  
Blogger Evan Hanson said...

Zac,

I'm sailing with you around the world. The experience will shape you in ways none of will imagine. Living on the edge has a way of keeping your attention. Press on---with God's Speed

July 25, 2008 at 1:25 PM  
Blogger River Lover said...

Zac, sounds like you are making great progess on your journey. I am a little behind on reading all your blogs because I took a bit of a vacation myself. I must say it is not as interesting as yours is!! I will read up over the weekend and continue to check on your safety!! As always....Please sail safe!!

July 25, 2008 at 5:19 PM  
Blogger johnnyBgood said...

thank you, gordon for your inspirational post. it's simply amazing how a world of people have all climbed on board the INTREPID and how together our spirit will guide young zac.
john baker/hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com

July 25, 2008 at 5:20 PM  
Blogger Dogger said...

Hi Zac.

Sounds like "Mr. Toads Wild Ride"! Do you not, as a matter of habit, shorten sail at sundown just for for the sake of safety? With squalls blowing through on a regular if unpredictable basis, it seem like it would be easier on your boat, rig, sails and you. One reef at darkness can't affect your average speed that much. Working on deck in big seas is dangerous enough in broad daylight and even more so at night, even with a safety harness on short clip. If you are clipped on long tether and go over the side at 8 knots you may still be attached to the boat but being dragged along under overwhelming force. By the way, what's your backup plan if you blow out the main or get it ripped on a spreader?

Wayne - KQ6WG

July 25, 2008 at 6:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,

Thank you thank you. Your reports are great. You mentioned the other day you were reading on how to enter your next port of call. Is this in a book or what. How do you know about a visa. Do you get these before you depart the USA?

Just questions I would be interested in.

Bill
Minneapolis

July 25, 2008 at 9:03 PM  
Blogger Tomi said...

As noted in several blog comments, many of us are concerned for Zac's on deck safety. When Captain Zac or Lady Marianne has a spare few minutes, would you detail how you take care to ensure Captain Zac is staying safe while on deck or in the reefs/sails?

Noting that at any given time there are 400+ viewers of the blog (there sure are a lot of peeps listening to Zac's circumnavigation!), many of us are concerned for your safety, maybe you could show a vid' or write what steps you're taking to ensure your continued survival on blue water.

Captain Zac -
YOU are so much of an inspiration to many of us. Keep the faith man & please, please take care to ensure your movements/actions on deck are safely pursued. While many of us may not post on a regular basis (or not at all), ALL of us care for your safety.

Lady Marianne -
If any of us blog readers may do anything to assist Captain Zac's journey, please post the request - I'm quite sure we'll find a way to assist in the circumnavigation/endeavor/meeting y'all's request.

HUGS!

PS-
sorry if this posted more than once-bad 'net connection does that :(
Tomi/ATL

July 25, 2008 at 10:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ok Zac,
What do you have on your Ipod?
Or only using digital files in your laptop for music?
...We wanna know!
Straight Wakes,
Mike S.

July 26, 2008 at 1:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

I have two question for you. First one now that you are getting close to the date line, are you going to do anything to remember it. That is important milestone. You will also lose a day in your life if you don't go back the other direction, so what do you think of a 364 day year.

Being from a Navy back ground when you sail across the equator you are instructed by the sea gods that you do what they instruct you to do. You are a Polywog right now, going across the equator and do what the gods tell you - you will be an Shellback.

If you would like to find more information on this, Google it.

Well Zac it sounds like you are finding that it is a adventure and hard work. But you are doing a great job when things come up. Keep using your head, think out of the box, your doing fine.

Until next time.
Gary - Houston

July 26, 2008 at 4:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,
Been following your adventure since the beginning. What a great experience! Be safe!
Watching from Kentucky!!
Lisa

July 26, 2008 at 7:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,

It is great to hear that you are having good wind. Your Dad says he is already preparing to leave for the Marshal Islands. Wow! You have been making good time on this leg.

Kristi and I have missed your last few days because of a camping trip; so have been severely in withdrawals from not keeping up with you.

We are sorry to hear you had tangled fishing lines-when I read about that, I laughed. Sorry. It reminded me of my power troll days in Southeast Alaska. The general idea that comes to mind is if you add more lines you have a greater chance of catching fish. You found out the problem with this idea. If you can spread the lines out on poles to get a wider spread, it can work. But, if you are just trailing lines off the stern as you are, with no spread it is just a matter of time before you are tangled.

Thanks to your Mom for posting your address for your next stop. I sent a letter out with some electrical management ideas that I have learned over the years. The main idea to remember is this – Keep it Simple. Fewer things can go wrong and with boat wiring, we all know things will go wrong. This happens usually when it is dark, the wind is blowing 30+, the waves are breaking on a reef just off your bow, and the engine will not start. I am glad your Dad has been so faithful to teach you to take care of the little things during the calm. You have more than likely learned first hand how not taking care of the little things can turn into a Big problem at the most inconvenient time.

You are doing a great job with how you sailing, keeping a positive attitude, and keeping us all on the edge of our seats. Sail on!

Jerry
Simi Valley, CA

July 26, 2008 at 9:41 AM  
Blogger Glen said...

Hey ZAC, Cach this....

Es increible la cantidad de Navegantes, Amigos/as, Veleristas, Curiosos, Chistosos, y Demás que caben en el INTRPID, Parecería ser que el "INTREPID" es de goma, por la forma que se agranda y se achica segun la cantidad de visitas Virtuales que estan abordo cada día.
Yo,claro esta, soy uno de ellos...

Sigue escribiendo y haciendonos participes de tus adventuras...

Alguien lo traducira, sino , lo hare mas adelante...

Glen (AR)

July 26, 2008 at 10:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Okay, where are you? Hoping that you are well and doing what you're best at, navigating Intrepid confidently and skillfully and are too busy to post.
Marianne;
Please update us on Zac's status.
Much thanks.
Melanie in Torrance

July 26, 2008 at 10:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Now I'm starting to worry! It's been 2 days since you have posted and no word from Marianne either. Please let us all hear from one of you as to what's going on! There must be some rough weather or squalls going on or something. Prayers as always!

Nancy in Palm Springs

July 26, 2008 at 2:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey Zac... "your the man"

what great time your making... thanks for posting the coordinates...your "flying"...
Majuro right around the corner...

the moon is waning ...getting smaller and smaller... darler n darker

do you see alot of phospherence from the planktin... kinda looks like gagillions of fireflies in the ocean...

the stars must be incredible...

hope you'll be able to spend a "Sunday" there in Majuro... the singing in the choir ... unbelieveable...

not only are you traversing in miles across the oceans but also like a time capsul in time as you come upon these little islands...
almost untouched by man over time... you'll be chuckling to yourself...
it sure isn't "waikiki"...LOL... way more laid back and gracious, humble and kind...

you're in our prayers constantly..

mark n adino Vicksburg Ms

great verse... acts:18:11

July 26, 2008 at 2:52 PM  
Blogger Barb said...

Hi Zac

Just wanted to share with you, that yesterday I rode a Ferry Boat over to Bald Head Island, NC on vacation. I couldn't help but think how brave you are to pursue such an adventure and how incredible your parents are, to be so supportive of you. (By the way, my friend and I climbed all 108 steps up and down of the Bald Head Island Lighthouse..just a little sore!)
Praying for a safe journey.
Barb

July 26, 2008 at 5:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,
It is good to hear how well your Islander Freeport is doing out there in the blue.
I have a 36 Freeport and have been working on it for some time. Knowing how small it really is and hearing your success gives me heart in sailing it further than from Monterey to Moss Landing.
My Son, Brad, and I are planning a passage from Monterey to LA in September. The way we think of it you would think we were sailing right behind you.

It is said a man's life is the sum of his decisions. It is clear you will have a great life from the sum of yours.

Fair wind and a following sea,

Mike Glenn
SV Lucy Girl.
Monterey, CA

July 28, 2008 at 9:56 AM  

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