Current Position as of 0300UTC: 18.51N, 163.52W
A slower day today but the swells are mellowing out which means good sleeping. I am feeling much better after getting more sleep and getting back in to 'power nap' mode. I ate mostly fruit again today but will pump up the old alcohol stove and make something hot tonight. Speaking of the stove, there were a lot of questions about it a while back. Basically, we thought we would have to replace it until one night back in Marina del Rey, this Aussie guy named JP came down the dock and asked if there was anything he could do to help. Dad set him to work on the stove. He did such a good job and since we had replaced nearly everything else on the boat, we decided to keep it. In fact he did such a good job we put him to work most evenings after that. JP is a top guy and volunteered a ton of time even though he is getting his own boat ready to cruise back to OZ. So the stove story is not really very exciting but that's the story.
More squalls today. I saw at least 15 on the radar throughout the day but only passed through 5-6 of them. They weren't as intense as the squalls yesterday. They had mostly around 20 knots of wind. They do look ominous on the horizon though. Today I saw one that was thick black right down to the water. We never made contact, thank God. The weather is definitely a lot different on this leg. It really does keep me on my toes.
I spoke with Mahana today on the SSB. They are doing hull speed (the fastest your boat is designed to go). They are headed a little further south than me and are still about 200 miles away. Lady Sarah is still in Kauai and must be out of radio range now or is too busy to get on the radio. My forecast looks good for the next few days. The wind should be steady and is building a little even now. The swells have calmed down which makes for a more comfortable ride. I cleaned up after myself today and sorted through some of my winter clothes that I won't be needing for quite awhile. The clothing company Volcom had noticed that I was wearing a Volcom shirt somewhere and generously donated a box of cool clothes. Dad will bring it with him to the Marshalls.
So, not much else today. I know there are some questions I need to answer but will hope to get to them tomorrow. No visitors - no problem.
Cheers,
Zac
Note from Mom:
I thought it might be fun for anyone who is interested to send Zac a letter or postcard from wherever you are to Majuro. I think it takes about 5 days for a letter to get there. He should be there in 2 weeks and stay for about 5 days max. Here is the address:
Yacht Intrepid
Mr. Zac Sunderland
Poste Restante
Majuro, MH 96960
USA
A slower day today but the swells are mellowing out which means good sleeping. I am feeling much better after getting more sleep and getting back in to 'power nap' mode. I ate mostly fruit again today but will pump up the old alcohol stove and make something hot tonight. Speaking of the stove, there were a lot of questions about it a while back. Basically, we thought we would have to replace it until one night back in Marina del Rey, this Aussie guy named JP came down the dock and asked if there was anything he could do to help. Dad set him to work on the stove. He did such a good job and since we had replaced nearly everything else on the boat, we decided to keep it. In fact he did such a good job we put him to work most evenings after that. JP is a top guy and volunteered a ton of time even though he is getting his own boat ready to cruise back to OZ. So the stove story is not really very exciting but that's the story.
More squalls today. I saw at least 15 on the radar throughout the day but only passed through 5-6 of them. They weren't as intense as the squalls yesterday. They had mostly around 20 knots of wind. They do look ominous on the horizon though. Today I saw one that was thick black right down to the water. We never made contact, thank God. The weather is definitely a lot different on this leg. It really does keep me on my toes.
I spoke with Mahana today on the SSB. They are doing hull speed (the fastest your boat is designed to go). They are headed a little further south than me and are still about 200 miles away. Lady Sarah is still in Kauai and must be out of radio range now or is too busy to get on the radio. My forecast looks good for the next few days. The wind should be steady and is building a little even now. The swells have calmed down which makes for a more comfortable ride. I cleaned up after myself today and sorted through some of my winter clothes that I won't be needing for quite awhile. The clothing company Volcom had noticed that I was wearing a Volcom shirt somewhere and generously donated a box of cool clothes. Dad will bring it with him to the Marshalls.
So, not much else today. I know there are some questions I need to answer but will hope to get to them tomorrow. No visitors - no problem.
Cheers,
Zac
Note from Mom:
I thought it might be fun for anyone who is interested to send Zac a letter or postcard from wherever you are to Majuro. I think it takes about 5 days for a letter to get there. He should be there in 2 weeks and stay for about 5 days max. Here is the address:
Yacht Intrepid
Mr. Zac Sunderland
Poste Restante
Majuro, MH 96960
USA
posted by Zac at
9:23 PM
36 Comments:
Well I guess you taught this old geezer something. If I read it correctly, a knot is speed and a nautical mile is the term for distance although they are both the same, 1.15 miles.
So now this old geezer can go to sleep knowing where you are, how fast you are going, and resting comfortably knowing that no boobie birds tried bombing practice on your solar panels or head today.
However if another boobie lands on your solar panel, grab the washboard and make him or her walk the plank again.
Godspeed. B.M.
Hi Zac
Your post Hawaii blogs are even better than your earlier ones. Thanks for all the effort you put into them.
I'm learning a lot from the comments and researching your ports of call. I have visited Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand but none of the South Sea Islands. Now I know where Bikini Atoll is!
(Least said, soonest mended!)
I am amused by the sugestion that a booby bird that sits tight when pelted with over-ripe oranges might fly off in terror at the sight of an upturned broom.
It's 09:20 BST here in sunny North Wales which I think translates to 0820Z! Keep those informative comments coming.
Must go. I'll try sticking an upturned broom in the cabbages to see if it scares off the pigeons.
Safe, swift and comfortable sailing and a healthy diet.
Tim
bill mann said:
...a knot is speed and a nautical mile is the term for distance although they are both the same, 1.15 miles.
1 knot is 1 nautical mile per hour
A New York Times columnist was accused of being the worst mother of the year for allowing her 10 year old son to ride the subway by himself on a Sunday afternoon. But young men need to take risks and prove something of themselves. We learn so much more from real life than from the 2nd hand experiences of others. Hopefully, your experience, Zac, will encourage others to find ways to challenge themselves and take responsibility for their own growth.
The elder generations have presented yours with a planet at grave risk, and trained most of your peers to be complaisant consumers. I've heard that somewhere in the middle of the Pacific is a swirling mass of plastic refuse. If you see it describe it for us.
Thank you for sharing your adventure with us.
Doug Stowe
This is for Zac's mom...I follow Zac's progress every day. I swear, I think I check his blog before I check my email half the time! I have an almost 17 yr old son of my own who is working hard to establish some distance from his parents. Only, it is metaphorical distance, not an ocean's worth! How are YOU holding up? I guess because I am more in your position in life than Zac's, I find myself wondering about things from your end. How large your worry factor is, how much you are able to stay in touch, etc. Is it just business as usual with the occasional freak out? Or no freak outs at all? I am thinking I would definitely have the occasional freak out. Hopefully I would be stoic about it, but I would be freaking out internally. But to even think about letting Zac do something like this, you are probably a little stouter of heart than I am. I really admire you for recognizing how capable he is.
Anyway, this whole adventure fascinates me from all angles. I wish your entire family well. I am off to get my postcard to send to Zac in Majuro!
Hi Zac,
Here is a quote from Wikipedia about the booby birds. "Their name is possibly based on the Spanish slang term bobo, meaning "dunce", as these tame birds had a habit of landing on-board sailing ships, where they were easily captured and eaten." I thought it was interesting how their name possibly originated. Seems if you bbq'ed a booby you wouldn't be the first, haha!:)
Hope you have a great day out there sailing the Pacific!
Ciao,
Lisa
Go Zac
No boobie birds today! yea ... Just naps and the horizon. What a life. Well, almost. Charley and Joshua
Zac, thanks for your (July 19 reply to my July 17 question comparing your voyage to Robin Lee Graham's. I was interested to see Graham is in contact with you! This is fitting.
Jeff Michals-Brown
Your an inspiration for a future sailor. I plan to circumnavigate in a few years, but I can't compete with an awesome 16 year old who has this awesome opportunity. I wish I had that at 16. At 23 I'm happy just to be able to do it anyways. Love your stories, and you're in my prayers, take plenty pictures!
Safe journey!
Mrs.Rosas
Happy things are going well. Although I genuinely worry sometimes.
Take care zac,
J
http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/
Zac,
One thing has intriqued me since you began your trip. I read your comment were you had used somewhat the same route as Robin Graham. I read a lot about the pirates in asia and the southern waters. How much concern with this problem, if any, played into your route planning.
Steve P
Yuma, AZ
I'll try to post one of these every few days depending on time...
Origin of Sailing Terms #1
Knot – A long story could be written about this term. It has several sources. 1-Anglo-Saxon, knotta, 2-Old Norse, knuta, and 3-Old English, cnotta, all meaning knot.
A vessel’s rate of speed was attained by running-out astern line that was knotted at measured intervals, and timing the run with a timeglass, e.g. “knots per hour”
There was mention of the HUGE swirling mass of floating trash in the Pacific a while back and I thought you'd all like to know about this article in the July issue of Discover Magazine, on that exact topic:
http://discovermagazine.com/2008/jul/10-the-worlds-largest-dump/?searchterm=floating%20trash
Boobie Bird for dinner... not a bad idea!
Smooth Sailing Zac!
rjvista from New Hampshire
Hi Zac, I had fallen a few days behind on your journey. Glad you had a good time in Hawaii.
Wishing you well on your journey until your next stop.
Prayers are with you.
Naomi in Mission Viejo, CA
To Splais – Re: Pirates
I’m sure Zac has done quite a bit of studying about this as a key ingredient to his trip planning… Basically East Africa and the Red Sea are the two most notorious locations, although Indonesia has a few areas that pose challenge now and then, but not as much as East Africa and the Red Sea.
Hence this may be why Zac’s route indicates S Africa with Durban and Cape Town… http://www.zacsunderland.com/map.html While East Africa and the Red Sea / Suez Canal is typically calmer waters than S. Africa and historically had been the preferred route, (for cruisers not racers) the political and economic instability of East African Nations has made that the area to avoid for the last decade or so.
With that said, he will likely be more on his toes in the Torres Straits (between N. Australia and Papa New Guinea) and as he approachs Madagascar...
Basically, the “pirates” get into speed boats topped-off with fuel but also with a bunch of jerry cans full of more fuel. Currently, if you are offshore about 150nm (200nm is even better) you’re generally too far out for them to go “hunting” for vessels that far from land, worrying they won’t have enough fuel to get back.
Hope that helps...
Daveh
Hi Zac et al,
Thought people might be interested in learning something about the Marshall Islands. Marianne...hope this isn't too long to post!
Nancy in Palm Springs
-----------------------------------
Aolepān Aorōkin M̧ajeļ
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Motto: "Jepilpilin ke ejukaan" ("Accomplishment through Joint Effort")
Anthem: Forever Marshall Islands
Capital
(and largest city) Majuro
7°7′N, 171°4′E
Official languages Marshallese, English
Demonym Marshallese
Government Democratic Presidential Republic in Free Association with the USA
- President Litokwa Tomeing
Independence
- from the United States October 21, 1986
Area
- Total 181 km² (213th)
69.8 sq mi
- Water (%) negligible
Population
- July 2005 estimate 61,963 (205th)
- 2003 census 56,429
- Density 326/km² (28th)
846/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2001 estimate
- Total $115 million (220th)
- Per capita $2,900 (2005 est.) (195th)
HDI (n/a) n/a (unranked) (n/a)
Currency United States dollar (USD)
Time zone (UTC+12)
Internet TLD .mh
Calling code +692
The Marshall Islands, officially the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), is a Micronesian island nation in the western Pacific Ocean, located north of Nauru and Kiribati, east of the Federated States of Micronesia and south of the U.S. territory of Wake Island, to which it lays claim.
Main article: History of the Marshall Islands
Although the Marshall Islands were settled by Micronesians in the 2nd millennium BC, little is known of their early history. Spanish explorer Alonso de Salazar was the first European to see the islands in 1526, but they remained virtually unvisited by Europeans until the arrival of British Captain John Marshall in 1788; the islands are now named after him.
Map of the Marshall IslandsA German trading company settled on the islands in 1885, and they became part of the protectorate of German New Guinea some years later. Japan conquered the islands in World War I, and administered them as a League of Nations mandate.
In World War II, the United States invaded and occupied the islands (1944) destroying or isolating the Japanese garrisons, and they were added to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (including several more island groups in the South Sea). From 1946 to 1958 the US tested 66 nuclear weapons in the Marshall Islands,[1] including the largest nuclear test the US ever conducted, Castle Bravo. Nuclear claims between the US and the Marshall Islands are ongoing, and health effects from these tests linger. (See Rongelap.)
In 1979, the Government of the Marshall Islands was officially established and the country became self-governing. In 1986 the Compact of Free Association with the United States entered into force, granting the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) its sovereignty. The Compact provided for aid and US defense of the islands in exchange for continued US military use of the missile testing range at Kwajalein Atoll. The independence was formally completed under international law in 1990, when the UN officially ended the Trusteeship status.
On March 21, 2007, the government of the Marshall Islands declared a state of emergency due to a prolonged drought.
On July 3, 2008, the government of the Marshall Islands declared a state of emergency related to energy shortages due to a lack of financial reserves and unusually high energy costs.
Main article: Politics of the Marshall Islands
Marshall Islands Capitol buildingThe government of the Marshall Islands operates under a mixed parliamentary-presidential system. Elections are held every four years in universal suffrage (for all citizens above 18 years of age) with each of the twenty-four constituencies (see below) electing one or more representatives (senators) to the lower house of RMI’s bicameral legislature, the Nitijela. (Majuro, the capital atoll, elects five senators.) The President, who is head of state as well as head of government, is elected by the 33 senators of the Nitijela.
Legislative power lies with the Nitijela. The upper house of Parliament, called the Council of Iroij, is an advisory body comprising twelve tribal chiefs.
The executive branch consists of the President and the Presidential Cabinet (ten ministers appointed by the President with the approval of the Nitijela.)
The twenty-four electoral districts into which the country is divided correspond to the inhabited islands and atolls: There are currently three political parties in the Marshall Islands: AKA, UPP & UDP. The ruling party is combined of both the AKA and UPP.
Mushroom cloud from the largest nuclear test the United States ever conducted, Castle Bravo.Majuro Atoll - Senator Alik Alik (UDP), Senator Wilfred I. Kendall (UDP), Senator David Kramer (IND), Senator Brenson S. Wase (UDP), Senator Jurelang Zedkaia (AKA)
The country consists of 29 atolls and 5 isolated islands. The most important atolls and islands form two groups: the Ratak Chain and the Ralik Chain (meaning "sunrise" and "sunset" chains). Two-thirds of the nation's population lives on Majuro (the capital) and Ebeye. The outer islands are sparsely populated due to lack of employment opportunities and economic development. Life on the outer atolls is generally still fairly traditional, and the nutrition of the rural population, consuming food that is either grown or caught, is superior to that of most of the urban residents, who rely considerably on white rice. A majority of the islands' land mass is at sea level.
The climate is hot and humid, with a wet season from May to November. The islands occasionally suffer from typhoons. Many Pacific typhoons start in the Marshall Islands region and grow stronger as they move west toward the Mariana Islands and the Philippines.
The Marshall Islands also lays claim to Wake Island, administered by the United States, under the name Enen-kio.
Main article: Economy of the Marshall Islands
United States government assistance is the mainstay of the economy. Agricultural production is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercial crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The tourist industry, now a small source of foreign exchange employing less than 10% of the labor force, remains the best hope for future added income. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports.
In 1999, a private company built a tuna loining plant with more than 400 employees, mostly women. But the plant closed in 2005, after a failed attempt to convert it to produce tuna steaks, a process that requires half as many employees. Operating costs exceeded revenue, and the plant's owners tried to partner with the government to prevent closure. But government officials personally interested in an economic stake in the plant refused to help. After the plant closed, it was taken over by the government, which had been the guarantor of a $2 million loan to the business. The government effectively shut down the only viable industry to ever exist in the Marshall Islands.
In 2005 Aloha Airlines canceled its flight services to the Marshall Islands as part of its withdrawal from several markets in the region. Though other international airlines still serve Majuro, the Aloha decision was a setback in the country's hopes of increased revenues from tourism.
Under the terms of the Amended Compact of Free Association, the US will provide millions of dollars per year to the Marshall Islands (RMI) through 2023, at which time a trust fund made up of US and RMI contributions will begin perpetual annual payouts. Over the past decade, GDP growth averaged only 1% due to government downsizing, drought, a drop in construction, the decline in tourism and foreign investment due to Asian financial difficulties, and less income from the renewal of fishing vessel licenses.
The 2007 edition of "Doing Business," prepared by the World Bank's private sector development department, declared the Marshall Islands to be the world's "Best Performer" for its ease and low expense in hiring and firing employees. But the study gave the Marshall Islands extremely low ratings for its protection of investors and contract enforcement.
In 2007 the Marshall Islands joined the International Labor Organization, which means its labor laws will comply with international benchmarks, which will impact business conditions in the islands. [2]
The United States Army maintains its Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll. It is important for the local economy, as the Marshallese land owners receive rent for the base, and a large number of Marshallese work there. Majuro Atoll also benefited from foreign assistance. The main airport was built by the Japanese during World War II, and the only tarmac road of the capital was built partly by the Taiwanese and partly by the Americans.
Taxes are low, the income tax has 2 brackets with small rates (8% and 14%), corporate tax is 11.5% and general sales tax is 6%. There are no property taxes.
Coconut oil
On September 15, 2007, Witon Barry, of the Tobolar Copra processing plant in the Marshall Islands capital of Majuro said power authorities, private companies and entrepreneurs had been experimenting with coconut oil as alternative to diesel fuel for vehicles, power generators and ships. Coconut trees abound in the Pacific's tropical islands. Copra, from 6 to 10 coconuts makes 1 litre oil.[3]
Main article: Demographics of the Marshall Islands
The Marshallese are of Micronesian origin and migrated from Asia several thousand years ago. Although English is an official language and is spoken widely, though not fluently, Marshallese is used by the government. Japanese is also occasionally spoken in some areas.
Virtually all Marshallese are Christian, most of them Protestant.
The Marshall Islands has the highest rate of leprosy in the world.[4]
Main article: Culture of the Marshall Islands
Although now in decline, the Marshallese were once able navigators, using the stars and stick and shell charts. They are also experienced in canoe building and still hold annual competitions involving the unique oceanic sailing canoe, the proa.
I am also very worried about Zac and the pirates. I saw a something on the History Channel last night and it freaked me out for obvious reasons. Zac do you have a way to defend yourself out there if need be?!?! Seems as though these pirates (although everywhere, mostly within 200 miles off the coast of Somalia)are pretty no holds barred! I think I would take the freakish weather off Cape of Good Hope than go through the Suez Canal any day!! Please Zac be careful!!
For all those enjoying learning aspects of sailing through Zac's adventure, I've got another one for you. With the talk of nautical miles and knot speed going on, I wanted to throw in my favorite aspect. The origin of how "knots" became a measure of speed on water. I'll quote wikipedia since they're better at explaining it:
Until the mid-19th century vessel speed at sea was measured using a chip log. This consisted of a wooden panel, weighted on one edge to float upright and thus have substantial water resistance, attached by line to a reel. The chip log was "cast" over the stern of the moving vessel and the line allowed to pay out. Knots placed at a distance of 47 feet 3 inches (14.4018 m) passed through a sailor's fingers, while another sailor used a 30 second sandglass (28 second sandglass is the current accepted timing) to time the operation.[6] The knot count would be reported and used in the sailing master's dead reckoning and navigation.
Knot on Zac
Scot
California
Zac's Mom:
This is a note to you since I don't know where to email. I wanted to send Zac the book the Old Man and the Sea. I don't know if he has it, but I found it to be a great read when I was young.
Thanks for everything you are doing. What a great opportunity for him and a great example of great parenting. Not many kids at 16 could attempt this and be this successful.
Jerry LaPointe
jerrylapointe@cox.net
Hi Zac,
Along with Steve in Yuma, I've also wondered about the pirate issue and how you're prepared to deal with that god forbid. Also, I know you fly the American flag from you boat; are you required to fly a flag from your boat identifying your country of origin, or is it just something that you (and other sailors) choose to do. I do have some concerns about your safety when in foreign waters where others may not look too kindly on Americans.
Note to my fellow bloggers: My comments are not intended to be unpatriotic. Am merely interested in the "customs" flag display on the open seas and utmost for Zac's safety while navigating them.
Melanie in Torrance
zac ---- crank up the stove and get a hot meal in your belly (even if it's just 'ramen noodles').
john baker/hollywood/ca/USof A
Hello Zac,
I'm glad those nasty swells are out of the way. Fire up that stove tonight and eat something good. It looks like your doing great progress on Google Earth. Keep with it and aim for the Marshall Islands.
Take Care,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
It was fun reading about your experience with the booby birds. Our kids saw a photograph in a museum once and instantly thought they were hilarious more for their name than anything. It gives them another reason to laugh at them.
Cheers!
I came across your site by chance, enjoyed reading your blog, admire your challenge. I imagine being there where you are when you blog.
How do the Marshall Islands have a "USA" address and zip code? I skimmed the article posted, but other than a close association, they seemed like their own country...
To Ptolemy - The Marshals are a US Territory, just as is Guam, Peurto Rico, USVI, Diego Garcia, Midway, American Somoa FS of Micronesia.. etc..
Mail is treated domestic for "Freely Associated State" in which Marshall Islands is one of them.
http://kolonia.usembassy.gov/2007-10.html
Hey ZAC, I wan a know if you have the intention to take sam photos or film yourself in your trip, If you do that, where and when you gona share or up-load?, where everybady can see you, living your ADVENTURE. I hoppe you are living the most and greatest adventure at your yung age... Good Lok and quip forward. See you arraound Glen
thanks for sharing that Psalm. Very cool! Will confine to follow your story and pray for your safe and wonderful passage! As I sailed my boat the little four foot swells Satursay with sight of land all around I thought of what you're epeeiencing! Enjoy every minute. Gods speed!
Hi Zac,
In the next couple of weeks I will be following your journey and introducing new things I have learned from your journey to my Oceanography classmates at Los Angeles Valley College. I am extremely amazed with your courage and motivation and I pray that you will continue to have a wonderful and smooth sailing. To begin my understanding of your journey on a more personal level, I was wondering how and what keeps you motivated to continue your solo expedition considering the fact that you are 16 which I think is absolutely incredible. I am looking forward to reading your blogs daily and reading your progress. I hope to hear from you soon. Keep up the excellent work and spirit!
Take care!
Best Regards,
Arpine
Leg 2 / Planned waypoint #1 crossed "spot on!" Way to go Zac!
I miss the deep blue sea, I was in the USN in my 20's and wish I would have the guts to be out there on my own too, The quite time you spend out there between destinations, you will look back in your years to come and smile to know that was blissfully peace, a peace hard to come by in your grown-up years, I envy your youth but I cheer you on as a spectator, fair winds brother, please post some vid's of moments of that peace to share with us.
Hey Zac, I came across your story in Soundings magazine. As a father of two young boys I hope they grow up to have the courage and most importantly the passion to challenge themselves as you have. Sitting here at my desk I often dream of sailing off to a distant land. For now though I will live vicariously through you.
Best of luck.
Larry
Dear Zac and Zac's Mom,
I am so happy to read these posts everyday!! I wish Mom had a blog, too, as I am sure her side of Zac's great trip would be very interesting reading, too!!
I am also sure I am not the only one that whenever I am sad or depressed or feeling ovewhelmed, I just access the blog and my mind wanders and I feel better. You see, Robin Lee Graham's book "Dove" was a huge part of my teen years, but that was already 30+ years ago and, and travelling along with Zac makes me feel like a teen again that I still had my whole life ahead of me, minus all the mistakes I made.
I don't have children (mistake #1) but I feel like a concerned albeit distant relative, sending a prayer to God every day that Zac is safe and that he makes his dream come true. He brings back that spirit of adventure that is pretty much gone from today's world, and the impact that has on some of us is profound.
Thank you Zac and thank you to Zac's family for bravely trusting us to be part of this magnificent adventure.
Always,
Mona Lisa in Canada
(I will be sending a postcard!!)
Hi Zac,
It's great to read this and I think it's wonderful that you make time to document. Not only has it been an adventure for the collective "us" to read, but I'm sure you and your family will enjoy it years from now.
Post card is en-route.
Be well.
Zac,
Interesting to see that some of your readers have discovered that, yes, there is more than severe weather and vicious animals such as sharks to worry about: pirates.
For those of you who think that sailing alone is something you'd like to do, be sure to research this problem.
They usually operate from small power boats, sometimes totally junkish boats, but with real military style weapons. Not long ago, a small group attacked a cruise ship and fired upon it with some type of rockets... one of which embedded in the side of the ship without exploding.
Currently, the US Navy is even engaged (is this a surprise?) on anti-pirate patrols off of Africa.
Sailors like Zac are usually advised to travel in groups of boats, well away from shore (i.e. 60 miles) and in radio-silence mode so as to not alert listeners awaiting victims. Certain areas are much, much worse than others.
In fact, a piece of trivia for you all. The Marine Corps Official Hymm, "From the Shores of Tripoli" ...... that verse indicates the time of history when US sailing ships were being attacked and boarded by pirates in the early 1800's I think it was.... and the US Navy, along with US Marines, was dispatched to do battle with the pirates off of what is today the Country of Libya. The US Military presence actually worked in getting the attention of the pirates who wern't used to be chased by military ships who could shoot back. The Country of Libya, today, is still holding off on payment to victims of an civilian airliner that went down, killing all on board, due to a bomb placed by a Libyan group. They have acknowledge responsibility, but have yet to pay damages.
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