Monday, July 21, 2008

Current Position as of 0300UTC: 18.10N, 165.52W

OK well last night went pretty well as far as sleep goes. I had three small squalls through the night all under 30 knots, one of which brought a really heavy rain for about 20 minutes. This morning around 4:30 I had a pretty bad looking squall pass about half a mile away. After the morning series of 7 squalls within 10 miles had passed I crashed for an hour or so till the wind picked up and I got thrown out of my bunk. That's always a fun wake up call. Yes, Dad, I should have taken care of it earlier. I got up and went to find some screws to hold my new lee cloth in place (this is the piece of canvas that holds you in your bunk when you are in rough seas). I had a new one made in Hawaii but because I wanted to get moving I agreed to install it myself while underway. When I was done fastening the lee cloth I wasn't tired any more so I threw some music on and spent a couple hours cleaning the boat and rearranging all my new provisions. It's amazing how a couple squalls can turn the inside of a boat upside down. Then I hung up a couple of posters that I got in Hawaii and checked email. Halfway through I glanced at the clock and saw I was 10 minutes late for my radio net with Mahana. I shut off the computer and got on the radio and and hailed them. There was a lot of static on the frequency so after the third hail with no response I shut off my wind generator and the static went a way. I finally got through to them. All was well with them; they have had very similar experiences to me with squalls and rain. They also had caught a small wahoo but before they noticed, a shark had come up and bit it in half. I got off the radio and finished getting some emails and did some sail trim to get the boat sailing a bit better. Looks like I'm going to have good wind for the night. But hey who knows what I'll have in an hour - the weather changes pretty fast out hear.
Cheers,
Zac

48 Comments:

Blogger Bob said...

Hi There Zac,

Man, that sounds like some exciting sailing! You da Man!! It's starting to hit the 100's here in OKC, my boat is so hot you can hardly sit in it during the day. I guess that new laptop is working out, and holding up the the rigors of the squalls and rock n roll (music that is) by the way, what is your favorite sailing music while under way? I'll be saying a special prayer for you and your ship as I turn in tonight. May fair winds and a calmer sea be yours soon.
Blessings, Bob in OKC

July 21, 2008 at 10:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Keep the blogs coming Zac. Still hooked and still trying to track your progress, but I'm not very good with Google Earth and the high tech tracking. So for us simple folk, about how far have you gone since departing Hawaii and how far are you from the next stop? Have you determined that you made some improvements on your provisions - foodwise - since beginning the second leg? It must be so wierd traveling in the ocean all night long, in the dark - no street signs or signals... Take care, good sailing and good winds that you keep you safe.

July 21, 2008 at 11:08 PM  
Blogger Scot said...

Enjoying the "daylies" Zac, we certainly feel like we're with you.

Everyone - according to SAIL magazine's website, their July issue has a piece on Zac. When I wrote to the editor a couple of weeks ago, he told me that the next issue has a piece on Zac. I don't know if he meant the August issue did as well, or if he was referring to the July issue. My subscription has run out and I can't buy these where I'm at. Does anyone know more?

Scot
California

July 21, 2008 at 11:23 PM  
Blogger Dave_1 said...

Hi Zac ..
It is great to watch your daily progress and location ... and to learn of any adventure or problem that you might encounter.
The receiver noise that you describe as being associated with the wind generator is a common occurrence, typically associated with automotive alternators ... Sometimes it is possible to be fix this difficulty by using an alternator noise filter. ... This item is probably available at a more populated port or location.
Also, you might inspect and insure the tightness and quality of your wiring connections ... the antenna wire, the power wire from the battery to the receiver, and also any ground wires. It may be that the quality of your wiring connections will gradually deteriorate due to the saltwater and humid conditions, and should be inspected occasionally. I would suggest getting a spray can of electrical contact cleaner, and using it to help clean any electrical connections ... anytime that you disassemble an electrical connection of any sort, radio or otherwise.
...but if you have an amateur radio license, I guess you have heard all this before ....
...

Following from Dallas, TX
Dave

July 21, 2008 at 11:28 PM  
Blogger Melody Y said...

hi zac.

sounds real fun aiye. lol. 1st thg i do aft school today is online. cheers 4 u.. :)


*til nxt tme*
xoxo
mel

July 21, 2008 at 11:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,

Have been following your adventures since you left MDR. I love following your adventures and have prayed for you and your success. I would like to
offer some small financial support for your
trip. Is there an easy way to do that???
Many blessings,
Mary
California

July 22, 2008 at 1:00 AM  
Blogger Peter said...

Hi Zac, Further to Bob's question on favorite sailing music, nothing beats Bertie Higgins music. All of his stuff involves sailing somewhere. Check it out when you are near a CD store.
I have not heard you mention seeing any ships on radar lately. Are you totally out of any shipping lanes?

Best Regards,

Peter Mercer

July 22, 2008 at 3:32 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

So sorry people sent disparaging remarks to you. Inexcusable. You are my young hero. I had to spend a week or so in the hospital where there was no internet connection for patients.Excuse me, but I dropped your name to the right doctor, who went to the board with my complaint about how bad can I be to want to continue following your journey instead of watching tv.
The doctor agreed and made a proposal to the Board of directors the next day. They instantly approved and hired a company to install a wireless network for patients for the whole huge complex.Think of how many patients cacn now use their laptops in the hospital because of you now.
Sorry to be a name dropper, but I just couldn't wait to get home to check up on you. Darn, I missed your Hawaii stop.Thanks for the new batch of photos.
-old Charlie

July 22, 2008 at 4:19 AM  
Blogger Daryl said...

It's always good to start my day with the Zac Report. I very much enjoy hearing what's happening out there.

From Iowa

July 22, 2008 at 5:36 AM  
Blogger Staci said...

How do you keep from getting so lonely?
Staci

July 22, 2008 at 5:46 AM  
Blogger sgkuhner said...

In response to the posts about pirates, I would like to post a section of my log of our circumnavigation in 1987-1991

In 1989, we were in the Java Sea on our Valiant 40, and were anchored at Serutu Island off the coast of Borneo. The previous night we spent dodging thunderstorms and after the storms passed we talked via VHF to a passing freighter who warned us to keep a constant vigil all the way to Singapore because there had recently been a number of cases of pirates boarding merchant vessels near the Bintan Islands, an area directly on our course.
Kukara, another boat that was sailing with us, talked with me on the VHF about what to do in the event of an attempted boarding and worked ourselves into a state of apprehension that had me on the verge of getting sick. Exhausted and worried, we were trying to get some rest at what we thought was a quiet deserted anchorage. At 2 p.m. I had just finished emptying 40 gallons of diesel fuel into our tanks when I noticed a scruffy fishing boat belching black smoke from the exhaust pipe coming straight at us full throttle. There were three men on board, one in the cuddy cabin but plainly visible and one on the helm and a third man was sitting on the bow. The man on the bow and the one in the cabin were dressed in black pajamas and each had a ski mask.
The boat did not slow down until it was ten feet from us. The helmsman threw it in hard reverse while the bow man fended off with one hand while tying a line to our stern rail with the other. Before I could react, all three men, had clambered aboard TAMURE. I started screaming at them to get off my boat. They started to yell back at me. Of course I couldn't understand a word they said, nor could they understand what I was saying. Just then, my son, Alex, stuck his head out the companionway and I told him to go below and tell Kitty to get on the radio and call Carl on Kukara, who was anchored 50 yards away, and tell him what was going on. Kitty called Carl and then stuck her head out the companionway, smiled and said a pleasant "Hello" and offered three Cokes and a pack of cigarettes to our guests. They immediately pulled off their ski masks, and gave us a big smile. They took the Cokes, sat back in the cockpit and looked everything over, jabbering among themselves. Every once in a while they turned and tried to talk with me. Since I couldn't speak Indonesian and they couldn't speak English, we mostly waved hands and were incomprehensible to each other.
Slowly I realized they were being friendly rather than threatening and I began to relax. Soon we were crudely communicating. They let me know I could get diesel on the other side of the island. I pulled out our chart of the area and asked them to show me where they were from. They were fascinated by the chart and examined it carefully, pointing to places and talking excitedly amongst themselves. The helmsman then turned to me, pointed at the chart and held up two fingers--Did I have two? I did have a copy of another chart of the same area and gave it to them. They were ecstatic.
Just when I was wondering to myself how I was going to end this little visit, they stood up and signaled that I should follow them onto their boat. When I followed them to their boat they opened the hold and loaded my arms with fresh fish. As they pulled away, they waved good-bye and gave the thumbs up signal.
Later we learned that many fishermen and construction workers in that area that is near the equator wear ski masks to protect their faces from the sun. Also many years later I met an Indonesian woman who told me that unfortunately I didn’t know that in that part of Indonesia, people don’t have the same sense of private property we have and that they normally just walk into someone’s house and ask if they are there. Therefore, they couldn’t understand why I was yelling at them when they came aboard. The moral of the story is that not all fishermen who approach your boat are pirates. I will also add that everyone hears of the few boats that are attacked by pirates but never hear of the hundreds, or even thousands, of boats that sail up the Red Sea, like we did, and have no problems with pirates.

July 22, 2008 at 6:13 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Zac,

I'm glad to know things are going well with this 2nd leg. It must be rough being thrown out of your bunk while your in a deep sleep. Hopefully the floor isn't too far away. I think installing that cloth was the best remedy for not hitting the floor. I'm sure Dad might be laughing??? Or not.
It's great that you get to speak daily with your new sailing friends that you meet in Oahu. It's amazing at how this world can be so big but sometimes feel so small. I'm sure you look out at the ocean and believe this world is huge. Yet, you have so many people pulling for you all around this world and it actually makes me feel like we're currently surrounded in a small world all wondering "How is Zac's journey going today"?
Take care my friend and keep those great daily blogs going. Your doing a great job sailing and also keeping us informed each and every day.

Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

July 22, 2008 at 6:25 AM  
Blogger Dana said...

Good morning Zac,
Sounds like you had a crazy time with those squalls. Exhausts me just thinking about it!
Carry on!
Dana

July 22, 2008 at 6:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,
Are you planning to sail by Johnston Atoll? I notice you are heading directly toward it.

Andy,
TX

July 22, 2008 at 7:24 AM  
Blogger Glen said...

Hi ZAC..

A copple minutes ago I chat By MSN with a friend that are working to far away fron our contry and I tell Him what are you are doing and HI respond me inmidiately "ES UNA MAZZA"(it's means:Amazing,Fabulous)and hi express me that the thing your are doing is samething contagion wich insite to do things that for one or other reason do not do.. AnD I Think in teh same way that my friend think...
Do you really understand what your adventure do,to the rest of the people who read your blogg.
Whell, your adventure tell to all the readers "HEY Wake UP and do the things tha you allway wan, but for diferent reasons they do not do" or at least this are exactly what I feel right now.

Thank you for sharing your adventure with us.
Bee Good.& cntinue writing.
Glen (AR).

July 22, 2008 at 7:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac
Yeah-- I was wondering what kind of tunes you have on to motivate you? Good sailing. I'll send ya a postcard from Alaska to the Marshalls.
Kodiak Mike

July 22, 2008 at 7:37 AM  
Blogger Donna H. said...

Good Morning, Zach,
Glad to hear you're getting some sleep, even if it is interrupted by the squalls. But thank goodness, no booby birds!

Hey, as a follow up to Bob's previous post, I'm also curious about your choice of "sailing music" - care to share your favorite tunes with us?

I'm also wondering how you're handling the solitude. I know from Robin Graham's book that he had a difficult time with the isolation. I'm sure the technology you have helps a lot, as you are able to talk to someone by radio, and of course send and receive e-mails. But I don't think many of us can comprehend what it's like to go for weeks without seeing another person. I think there are probably thousands of people reading your blog and praying for you every day. Thanks for letting us share your adventure! Part of my morning routine is now "Drink coffee while reading Zach's blog"!

Sounds like you're staying really busy keeping everything shipshape. Today I'll be praying for your safety, squalls that stay in the distance, pleasing winds, more sleep, and e-mails from old and new friends. God's blessings to you, Zach.

Donna
North Richland Hills, TX

July 22, 2008 at 7:43 AM  
Blogger docroh said...

Careful with those wake up calls! :)

J

http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/

July 22, 2008 at 8:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good Morning!

I hope you will, once again, forgive my jealousy. You show a lot of wisdom in taking on this adventure while you're still young and unencumbered by home mortgage, career, offspring, et cetera.

My wife and I had our last sailing class at OCC for a while, and actually made it out to touch the same ocean that you're in, but I'm guessing that you'd hardly notice the 8' swells that I found so challenging. Keep up the good work and the good writing. Until we save up for our next class, you're the link for our daydreams!

Num. 6:24-26

Y'varech'cha Adonai v'yishmarecha
Ya'er Adonai panav elecha vichuneka
Yisa Adonai panav elecha v'yasem l'cha shalom

July 22, 2008 at 8:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac, sounds like you are as focused as ever. I think combining your routines and the sleep when you can get it is the way to go. Interesting to hear that shark taking the wahoo. That is good stuff. I was thinking about that the other day. Would you ever consider jumping in the water for a swim, or is that just not proper to do in the open ocean? It would seem, in a situation with no wind and if it was hot, might be good to take a dip. I guess their are a number of things that could go wrong and also at that point you do become part of the food chain. I was wondering if it was something you ever considered? I would prefer that you NOT do it. But wanted to know your thoughts, and if you had ever done that on any previous sailing trips with your parents. I guess in safe Harbour it would be fun. I was thinking that sometimes it might be fun to just get off the boat for a quick dip. Of course your boat is your life line. ! Happy sailing and keep it up. Hope you get some fish. !

Chris in Alhambra

July 22, 2008 at 8:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac,
Wanted you to know that I'm really enjoying the updates that you provide on Mahana's and Lady Sarah's progress. BTW, have you spoken with the Lady Sarah; was wondering how that Yahoo bite was healing and if they're back in the water?
Anyway, hope your day is filled with good winds and some good naps!
Melanie in Torrance

July 22, 2008 at 9:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog from the beginning. You truly are a tribute to your generation. I have sons your age who don't yet have half your ambition and drive. You give me hope. I will pray for a safe but exciting journey for you. I wish you well!

Liz,
Bay Area (California)

July 22, 2008 at 10:07 AM  
Blogger Daveh said...

PIRATES??? In response to "sgkuhner said..."


Sgkuhner, I by no means mean to disparage you, in fact, I really enjoyed reading every detail of your post as I had similar experiences with Haitians in the Turks, Cacaos, and Hispaniola, where they often are just wanting to trade goods (e.g. a “live” chicken for Campbell’s soup or Beer, or cigarettes, trade for a HH VHF, etc…)

However, (again, no disparagement intended at all), your trip was almost 20 years ago (1987-91) the world was a kinder-gentler place. Today, I can assure you that East Africa, in particular Somalia and the Red Sea area are a REAL problem right now.

I can also assure you that it’s not just small and alone cruising vessels as indicated in the links below… It is now to an extent that the U.S and other Navy’s are starting to get involved…

HOWEVER, this is all a waste of bits and bytes as it relates to Zac because he is going to the S. Africa area, in which he still will be on his toes I’m sure, but is much safer. I’m sure his mom, dad, and their friends and new friends have reviewed all the “procedures” with Zac as well.

AND I don’t think it would be appropriate to share with us on this blog what those “specific” procedures are or what was discussed, sorry, but I don’t, security procedures should never be shared outside of those that need to know, sorry...
AGAIN, Zac isn’t going to East, Northern Africa, OR the Red Sea, which is great news…

However, with that said, here are some clips of the very ugliness of this problem in that region. In fact, US companies are hiring “ARMED protective services” for commercial vessels in E. Africa and parts of Indonesia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFPeJ6XdfFo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfV_7QwUPd8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxZERJ-8PPI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNaAnYLvFQo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4VKe8KVJL0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaDhuEe3C6M

Best regards,
Daveh

July 22, 2008 at 10:17 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

I have been following your blog. It is very interesting how a community of commenters is developing out of the several hundred people that are reading it at any one time. Part of the fun is checking out commenters blogs. I have found some very interesting new ones to follow. So, you not only entertain us, but you also provide an avenue for further expansion of everyone's horizons.

Thank you very much.

Jerry
S Cal, USA

July 22, 2008 at 12:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Really enjoying the blogs, Zac!

I've checked out two of Robin Lee Graham's books today - Dove and Home is the Sailor. Will start Dove this evening... I'm curious to see how it does constrast with your trip, as you've already discussed some. I hope that it's written in a manner as you do that translates all the sail-speak for those of us that are land-locked!

Thanks for letting us share in your adventure - I love reading books and reading your blog is like reading a book in realtime as it's written.

Will be sending you an Oklahoma postcard to the Marshall Islands today!

July 22, 2008 at 12:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey man great news, i just cut my hair,
SO YOU DON'T HAVE TOO
ya know, just doing whatever i can to help,
thanks again for taking us all on this incredible adventure
rock on Zac

July 22, 2008 at 12:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,
I can't believe I typed "yahoo" instead of "wahoo." LOL! I clearly need to spend less time on the computer, with the exception of your blog of course!
Melanie in Torrance

July 22, 2008 at 12:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac-

I've been thinking about you since you left Honolulu last week and just wanted to encourage you to enjoy this time as much as possible, every day. Sure there's gonna be all kind of different circumstances and situations- some good, some hard (and no Big Macs for awhile)- but this it it. This is your life and you are going for it! God bless you man. Praying for you.

-Craig in Hawaii

July 22, 2008 at 12:46 PM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Mom & Dad, Zac & Everyone!!!

IF YOUR LOOKING FOR SAILING SONGS LOOK NO FURTHER!!!

I noticed many people are blogging about this so I decided to add my two cents.

I'm going to purchase a new sailboat and I have started putting together a CD of sailing songs as well as a DVD of sailing videos. Great for playing or watching while sailing. If anyone's interested here are some of my top picks.

I'm sending You Tube video's so you can see and hear these songs. I really enjoyed them so I decided to share them with everyone in Zac's Sailing World.

Come Sail Away by Styx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgAdSMMdFmI

Southern Cross by Crosby Stills & Nash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNKg8Ex4Xr0

Sloop John B by Beach Boys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNKg8Ex4Xr0

Brandy by Looking Glass
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1P-q_R-cw8

26 Miles by 4 Preps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ouBi1v5Lw8

Kokomo by Beach Boys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rBjpjEAi24

Sail On Sailor by Beach Boys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-2VLV_-SS0

Sail On by Commodores
This was so good I placed 2 videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5GWEGnBk_o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg-ivWxy5KE

Sailing by Christopher Cross
So good I placed 3 different videos of the same song!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqfz1l9s6k0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQeqmNbA2Hs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9NkBxxHxAc

I hope you enjoy them all because I sure did. I have more but didn't want to crowd up Zac's blog any more than I already have.

I hope you enjoy them and hopefully this might get a few of you sailing so you'll know how Zac sometimes feels. Please remember the sailing world is a completely different world and most people don't understand what's going on in conversation when sailor are talking. I'm telling you this from first had experience. Just shopping for a sailboat these last four months have taught me so much and I know absolutely nothing as of yet.

I'm proud of you Zac!!!

Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

July 22, 2008 at 2:14 PM  
Blogger Daveh said...

Oh my gosh! Douglas Pistone, all due respect sir, you are clearly a man of great musical and sailing knowledge, but I can't let you leave out these songs from your list man!

The not so over-played on the radio Buffett ones

* Son of a Son of a Sailor
* Treat Her Like a Lady
* Stranded on a Sandbar
* Tryin' to Reason With Hurricane Season

AND with all the talk of PIRATES these last few days, we've got to add;

* When a Pirate Looks at Forty

Warm Regards,
Daveh

July 22, 2008 at 4:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac :)

I have been following your blog here in Bedfordshire in the UK, and I think you are a very brave guy in your quest to travel around the world!...Your blog is most interesting and informative, and I for one, send you my best wishes for a very safe journey, take care of yourself, and believe in yourself, and you are sure to succeed! Best Wishes, Dave

July 22, 2008 at 5:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey Zac : "your the man"

looks like you're making great time from your posted coordinates
"approx 70 miles per degree" you're destination is
7.7N and 171.4E...
so we'll be counting up to
180 from 165= 15 x 70 miles= 1050 miles...
then 180 down to 171.4= 8.6 x 70miles= 602
1050+602= 1652miles to go...east to west

and down from 18.1 N to 7.7 N
= 10.4 x 70 = 728.0 miles
from north to south so at least those squalls have an upside... you're getting good wind..

and "Intrepid" comes to life, and does what she was designed and loves to do... "sail"...

even if you got bounced on your 'okole'...a little...

like you, she couldn't wait to get back on the open ocean...
unlike you she doesn't get tired but fatigues in other ways as you shared about the "chaffing"

glad that you have some "great tunes", are you playing it through a headset or speakers...if it's through speakers the vibrations are being sent out through the hull and all through the ocean around you...for miles and miles...letting all the "locals" kmow your coming through way long before you arrive... the ocean is a great conductor of sound thats how the dolphins all speak to one another... remember "flipper"...

anyways thanks for the imput and feedback... keep rockin on the rockin ocean... where right there with you....

you're in our prayers and thoughts all day long... stay smilin and focused...

your friend
mark n adino ...Vicksburg, Ms.

July 22, 2008 at 5:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,
I have been following your journey since the beginning. Last week we took our boat (power boat, sorry) to Bimini and when we left to come back, we left at 4am. Lucky for me (I hate boating at night) there was a full moon. I couldn't help but think about you and how courageous you are to sail alone.
Praying for you
Robin

July 22, 2008 at 6:30 PM  
Blogger Julia said...

Hi Zac, I have been planning of writing to you since the start of your voyage, but everyone just seems to say what I want to say.
However the other night I was reading Home is the Sailor by Robin Lee Graham, for the umpteenth time and had just read the page where he mentions Psalm 107. He and Patty wrote it in their Christmas cards. The very next day you mentioned it and the fact theat you had heard from Robin in your blog.
I wonder if Robin Lee Graham has any idea how his voyage and books have inspired other. I wonder if he knows how many people have sailed vicariously through his books. I read Dove back in 1976 and still have the copy of it though it is very tattered, and indeed was delighted when I found a new copy a few years ago as well as his book Home is the Sailor. I read and read them, when I feel stressed, or just need to feel like I am keeping in touch with a friend.
Robin and Patty's story has been a source of comfort to me when we went through rough times, we weathered them and we have come out of those bad times.
Maybe if you are in touch with Robin, you or your Mum can tell him how much he has inspired people and he is not in any way forgotten, and now you come along and stir up all those feelings of admiration and awe all over again. And tell him to write again so that his many fans can catch up. I admire his ability to maintain his privacy, some people would be shouting at the top of their lungs "do you know who I am?" but not Robin, and I don't think you will do that either.
You Zac, are a wonderful ambassador for youth. I salute you and your family. You are all very brave people.
Our best regards and admiration. Sail on. J.

July 22, 2008 at 7:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac:

Do you think that we may be compromising this adventure as a "solo"? I am just so much there with you and your blog has me hooked. From the looks of the comments, you're sailing one crowded little boat!

Your writing is excellent and especially appreciated is including parenthetical 'translations' of the mariners' nautical jargon. I'm familiar with most of it, but possibly not everyone on board has been reading and rereading "Captain Horatio Hornblower for many years.

I am impressed with the time you allot to 'clean up the place' and restore order. I think that any organized space enjoys a state of peace and tranquility. Below decks on your own sailboar (and home!), it must be bliss.

Surprised that several are interested in the music you listen to. I think many more would be interested in bits and pieces about your boat as the blog progresses; what modifications and upgrades you and your father determined would make it more seaworthy. I can hear music anytime, but it's Intrepid and Zac that is keeping my vicarious life alive right now.

Continuing to pray for you and your success.

FrodPond

July 22, 2008 at 7:19 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Good Morning Zac:

Been following your most excellent adventure since before day 1. Your stories, sidebars and extra information is great. Your blog is a part of my daily routine. No Zac blog, is like a day without coffee.

May the seas be calm, the winds strong and your memories fond.

Regards
MrBob
SoCal

July 22, 2008 at 8:01 PM  
Blogger Rusty said...

Hi Zac, Glad to hear that you made it in and out of Hawaii ok. Isn't the Hawaii Yacht Club great? I knew that you would meet nice people there. I hope that you stay in contact with some of the cruisers that you meet on this adventure. They can become life long friends.

July 22, 2008 at 8:09 PM  
Blogger Dogger said...

Hi Zac!

I catch your blog every day. Keep on rockin'! Looking at your CMG for the last 24 hrs, it looks like you're gettin' pushed around out there by the squalls! Your 18.10N, 165.52W position was 2nm south of the GC route from Hawaii to Majuro and if continued for another 24 hrs will have you passing north of Johnston Atoll. Bear left a bit for short route south of Johnston Atoll if possible. It looks to be 36 to 48 hours ahead of your latest position report and the highest point, Summit Peak is only 5 meters high. Hard to see, even in the best visibility, and a fair amount of surrounding reef and shoal water. Give it a wide berth!

Regards,

Wayne - KQ6WG

July 22, 2008 at 8:29 PM  
Blogger Scott said...

Hi Zac,

you may remember me i am an friend of your dad's from work.

i think you have spent some time in the hot tub of my sailboat "seabrook" in Emerald bay.

i saw your dad yesterday and it reminded me that i saw you were out there on a morning show a day or so after you left.

i think your trip is really great i also went to sea when i was 17 not quite as young as you and not such a grand goal.

keep it up and be safe.


scott

July 22, 2008 at 11:47 PM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Zac,

I hope all is going well. I didn't see a post this morning 5:30 am MDR, California time. Hopefully your busy doing stuff and everything is going just great. If your really busy just drop a few lines so everyone here doesn't worry about you.


Good Luck & Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

July 23, 2008 at 6:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac.
11:09 am Dallas time. Kinda worried cos you haven't checked in for more than 24 hours. drop us a line mate, so we know u r ok.

Casey in dallas

July 23, 2008 at 9:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anyone else going into Zac withdrawal??

Zac you have proven to be a very seasoned sailor so I'm not going to get worried just yet... just missing my daily 'fix'. Looking forward to a really wonderful blog where you'll maybe tell us the story of the big fish that got away or something equally exciting.

July 23, 2008 at 9:42 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi Zac,
We are all thinking about you and praying for you.

According to Douglas Pistone, you may be in some "weather".
Please stay safe.

We are all anxiously awaiting your next post.

You are an inspiration to all who reads this blog.

Linda and Bill
Washington DC

July 23, 2008 at 11:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Okay Zac, where are you?
Phone (blog) home okay?
Marianne, please provide us with a post and tell us that you've spoken with Zac.
Thanks-
Melanie in Torrance

July 23, 2008 at 12:03 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Going through Zac withdrawal here! Are you OK? Hope all is going well and will look forward to hearing from you.

You're in my prayers!

Blessings,

Jennifer
Sherman Oaks

July 23, 2008 at 3:04 PM  
Blogger Glen said...

Hey ZAC.. It was pass towdays without any news from YOU. If you are to busy to write a long post, write to all that you are fine an have a lot job to do...

To EVERYONE...
IF any body Know something aboute ZAC.. can you please share the information? Thanks...
Glen (AR).

July 23, 2008 at 3:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Daveh:

Thanks for posting your comments on current day pirates. I posted yesterday, I think it was, that one thing sailors are advised NOT to do is to be chattering on the VHF & giving away the fact they are in the area. If one must use radio communication, the hand held, short distance devices easily purchased at Costco, etc, only go a few miles. I have a set that pretty much maxes out at 2 miles.

Not long ago, China was forced to respond when a commercial ship was boarded by pirates & each crewmember was murdered. The Chinese, being a communist country, didn't have to worry about legal details as we do.... and promptly interrogated suspects until they tracked down the killers.... and then executed them in public.

Piracy is a dangerous thing these days. They don't always kill, but they will strip your boat of electronics, food, and equipment.... leaving you, if you're lucky, with your life and a shell of a boat.

Zac's family and advisors no doubt understand the current precautions needed to be as safe as possible.

C-18

July 25, 2008 at 12:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Daveh:

Thanks for posting your comments on current day pirates. I posted yesterday, I think it was, that one thing sailors are advised NOT to do is to be chattering on the VHF & giving away the fact they are in the area. If one must use radio communication, the hand held, short distance devices easily purchased at Costco, etc, only go a few miles. I have a set that pretty much maxes out at 2 miles.

Not long ago, China was forced to respond when a commercial ship was boarded by pirates & each crewmember was murdered. The Chinese, being a communist country, didn't have to worry about legal details as we do.... and promptly interrogated suspects until they tracked down the killers.... and then executed them in public.

Piracy is a dangerous thing these days. They don't always kill, but they will strip your boat of electronics, food, and equipment.... leaving you, if you're lucky, with your life and a shell of a boat.

Zac's family and advisors no doubt understand the current precautions needed to be as safe as possible.

C-18

July 25, 2008 at 12:12 PM  

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