Saturday, July 19, 2008

Current Position as of 4:30 UTC: 19.16N, 162.08W

Thank you all for praying...the squalls either passed by me or were light compared to what I had earlier. It was still a rough night with sharp swells and some of the dumbest birds known to mankind. Yes, it was the booby birds again. They circle my boat crashing into it every now and then. One landed on my solar panels. Not wanting to clean my solar panels in these swells and knowing from experience about nesting booby birds I began to scheme a way to get it off my solar panel. The oranges from my parents' hotel room were getting a bit moldy so I threw them at the bird. He would get hit and then right himself and stubbornly stay put. I ended up taking a washboard from my companionway and using it to push the booby right off the end of the panel. Then about 2am another booby ended up in the cockpit, threw up some half digested fish and flew off! Just in case you think I'm cruel, the Aussie guys on Mahana are having a similar problem and are seriously considering getting out their BB gun! For those of you who asked about our radio frequency, we meet at 0200UTC at 8188 on SSB. I'm not very experienced with radios so if I have left out a mega hert or something, let me know and I'll try to figure it out.
I have been making good progress going between 5-6 knots day and night. It has been hard for the windvane to steer on this downwind course. The swells are sort of confused, almost like a swell within a swell but going in different directions. My newly fitted lee clothes around the cockpit have been great at keeping the water out of the cockpit. The winds have settled down to about 17 knots and the swells are some less this evening with the forecast calling for then to die down more and more.
I have heard from some people in Majuro and it looks like they are expecting me which is exciting. I am hoping at this speed to make it to Majuro with in about 2 weeks. Mom is trying to find an easy way to post the articles from their local paper.

Someone asked a while back about the Feedburner reader count on the links section of the blog. Apparently, it is a count of how many people are currently reading the blog not a running total.

Someone also asked what are the similarities and differences between me and Robin Lee Graham. Robin sailed a similar course to mine back in the 1960s. In fact, I based much of my route on his. He left Southern California when he was 16 and returned when he was 21. I think one of the major differences between Robin and I besides him taking 5 years and me taking one, is the equipment we have had on board. Robin left with a VHF radio, sextant and at some point in the trip picked up a transistor radio. That was the extent of his electronics package. Alongside my sextant, which I have already confessed I don't know how to use, I have several GPS units, 2 radars, a chart plotter, 2 computers, a high frequency radio, a sat phone, and a stereo system. This is typical cruising gear now a days. I also have an EPIRB, an electronic emergency beacon, and a life raft. Compared to Robin, my trip seems easy or at least a lot safer! Robin left with the same desire to see some of the world as me. In attempting to be the youngest to ever solo circumnavigate, I will have less time to explore in order to keep to my schedule. I am hoping to be able to come back again and take more time one day.
Things seems to be calming down. I ate mostly fruit today. I'm not seasick but the first few days I just seem to feel weird. The fruit keeps my energy up and tastes great out here!
Until tomorrow,
Zac

42 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

Zac...I know some very friendly people who live in the Marshall Islands where you are headed. If you want some good folks to depend on there who know everyone, let me know.

July 19, 2008 at 11:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

July 20, 2008 at 12:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac

yes. good luck n safe trip!

*till nxt time*
xoxo
mel

July 20, 2008 at 3:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac, Every morning I get up, put the coffee on and check your blog. You are doing a great job and I hope that one day I can be in your position. I have a 1977 swan 37 that I am now trying to buy. It is a great blue water boat that needs alot of T.L.C. So following your storie is giving me alot of ideas on what works and does not work.
Live slow Sail fast.

July 20, 2008 at 4:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

These booby birds are a recurrent theme... I recall a another sailor named Jack that garnered the moniker "Sparrow".... Perhaps from this point forward U will be known as "Zac Booby".

July 20, 2008 at 4:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

I think an BB gun for those birds would be a good thing. I hope that they do not get into your wind generator, that would be a bad thing.

It is nice that you are getting your feet under you after your vacation. Getting back to work after you have had so much fun is hard to do.

Well keep it up, watch out for those birds.

July 20, 2008 at 4:59 AM  
Blogger Axel Heye said...

Don't know if this works but I mirrored the little sailboat in Google map so instead of going backwards it now sails forward. Just right click on the profile image, copy it, safe it somwhere and ad it to your google map icons where the other sailboat is. Don't know how to put a image file into the comment box. If somebody wants the *.png file just e-mail me. Axel

July 20, 2008 at 5:49 AM  
Blogger Willyboy said...

Sounds like things are going well, Zac, that's good to hear. I'll wager a ten spot that you'll master the sextant by the time you return to California...

As for the last booby that came into the cockpit. Consider it a good omen that it was willing to share some of its food with you...

Stay safe,
willyboy
ohio

July 20, 2008 at 5:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great job Zac. I thoroughly enjoy your blog. I also like the comparisons to Robin Graham. Praying that you stay safe and the sea and wind are favorable.

July 20, 2008 at 6:09 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Another great blogging day we liked the gooney bird touch and all the other little details makes for interesting reading and we are praying for you. Charley and Josh

July 20, 2008 at 6:17 AM  
Blogger Heather said...

My kids and I looked at the amazing moon chasing Jupiter last night and said a prayer to speed you through the squalls. Glad to hear all is well. I'll try it again, but this time, we'll ask for a birdless journey! Best Wishes.

July 20, 2008 at 7:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,

Wonderful last two blogs. It is good to hear more of the story. Especially the info you have on the Dove. Just finished reading his book and makes me want to try it myself. However I have 50 years on you. Do you think I could be the oldest to sail arount the world? It is most interestion where all the people who are following you are from. You have contacts around the world. Hope you work out the 'bird' problem. Looking for more info and your thoughts. Keep up your strength, sleep and your dream.

Bill
Minneapolis

July 20, 2008 at 9:22 AM  
Blogger Anonymous said...

Hey Zac,

I hope the booby birds that visited you, are not relatives of the first one you encountered. Maybe that one told the rest, that you would not have a problem with hitch hikers! Seriously though I never thought they could be a danger to your equipment. Do what you must to keep them away.

Glad that the squalls let up on you, but that you are making good progress. It sure is amazing how different this leg of the trip is compared to the LA-Hawaii portion. Sounds like your skills are being tested, and you are doing just fine so far.

It good to hear that your lee clothes are doing a good job. It makes the stop in Hawaii, not only a fun experience for you, but a smart stop as well.

Your last words, that you would like to return again someday, but do it slower is amazing. You really are doing something you want to do. I would think once is enough! You are one of those rare travelers. Maybe when you have your own home someday, that it should have wheels :)

I'll bet you your stomach is suffering the effects of Hawaii smorgasbord! A common ailment similar to Las Vegas smorgasbord. It should pass.

Praying again for you Zac,and a safe day ahead.

Best,
Peter

July 20, 2008 at 9:37 AM  
Blogger Tomi said...

So many boobies must mean your nearing Johnston Atoll - watch the reefs man.

Safe journey!

July 20, 2008 at 9:38 AM  
Blogger qazwsx said...

My girlfriend, who has been on several marine expeditions, said to tie a broom (brush side up) near where they land and it will act as a scarecrow. Seems unlikely you have a broom though.

July 20, 2008 at 10:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac. Just wanted to let you know that I am really enjoying your blog and I am praying for you. Safe sailing... Isaiah 42:1-2

July 20, 2008 at 10:36 AM  
Blogger Toast said...

Another problem with those boobies is that they will strike at anything you troll behind the boat in the way of fishing gear. Argh. They are probably the most aptly named bird on the oceans. Do not feel bad whacking them however and whenever you can. I don't think it hurts them. Getting them off a hook, however, is a trying, frustrating and ultimately horrifying experience.

As for the fruit, so little of it lasts on these long stretches, we have started calling our first week after leaving a provisioning port: Fruit and Salad Week. Then we have Cabbage and Hard Vegies Week. And finally 3rd week is Cured Meat, Beans, and Sprouts Week.

July 20, 2008 at 10:43 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Good to see you making such progress.

As far as the sextant goes, in today's world, that is akin to me using my old slide rule. The world does have a way of making progress every day, so unless you think you are Captain Bligh or Amelia Earhart, do not worry too much about learning how to use it. Unless all those satellites fall out of the sky tomorrow morning, the chances of using a sextant in 2008 are pretty slim.

Watch out for those boobie birds and hopefully you got a haircut in case they use your head for bombing practice.

Stay well, leave the seasickness for me to suffer and keep us posted on how you are doing and more importantly, how you are feeling. It is good to bare your emotions when you are surrounded by nothing but blue water. It is that sharing that is making this adventure so real for us sitting in our comfortable chairs and dreaming of being where you are.

Godspeed. Bill Mann, South Pasadena

July 20, 2008 at 11:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

NO! NO! NO! Do not wish the birds gone. Look at it as God's way of sending you some company so you aren't so lonely. ;-)
Maybe they are weary and need a place to rest for a short while.
The presents they leave you are only temporary and are easily washed away.

xoxo
DZ

July 20, 2008 at 11:56 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

It sounds like you're making wonderful progress! Glad that the squalls have lessened and the swells are smaller!

Like I said before....maybe Booby soup should be on your menu! You woulnd't be the first sailor to indulge! :)

Peter is probably right; you have had tremendous dietary changes in the past couple of weeks...that and getting your sea legs back under you are probably the reasons for "feeling funny." It will pass!

Here's to more good wind to speed you on your way!

Nancy in Palm Springs, CA

July 20, 2008 at 12:28 PM  
Blogger Scot said...

I had to laugh at Tomi's comment. It reads a few different ways.

At any rate, you're making great time now, and I suspect the "boobies" will diminish as you get farther from land.

July 20, 2008 at 12:49 PM  
Blogger Marilyn said...

Zac, Do you have some sort of depth monitor to make sure you don't run into a reef, when you get near shallow waters?

Your progress yesterday was terrific!

Marilyn
Woodland Hills, CA

July 20, 2008 at 1:44 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praises for another safe night at sea.

Interesting bird stories.

What music are you listening to ?

Stay safe and have fun, Zac.

I'm praying. Kathy from Bend Oregon

July 20, 2008 at 2:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

just a bit of advice about storing your fruit.. keep the bananas away from all the other fruit (and veggies). bananas release a gas as they ripen that causes other fruits to ripen faster.

Rich B - Georgia

July 20, 2008 at 4:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,
Enjoyed your post today as usual. Sorry to hear of the pesky booby's. The uprighted broom sounded like a good solution. Perhaps, if you don't have a broom you could rig something else to use instead. Maybe a towel or plastic bag tied to something that it's movement or sound will keep the booby at bay. This may be a completely ridiculous suggestion as I'm not completely familiar with sailing, but just sharing some thoughts.
In any event, it sounds like your making some great progress on your journey to the Marshall's. May the winds be your friend and the water stay out of your cockpit.
God be with you!
Melanie in Torrance

July 20, 2008 at 4:30 PM  
Blogger Barb said...

Zac

Just had to tell you, that I can't log off the computer each night without checking your blog. You and your family are incredible. My prayers are with all of you, not to mention what an inspiration you are to everyone.

God Bless
Barb

July 20, 2008 at 4:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,
I have been reading your blogs since before you started. As a mom I would be worried everyday, but also I would support you in your dream to complete this. Best of luck and I will pray for you every day.
Karen Wagner
Manitou Beach, MI

July 20, 2008 at 4:56 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Lets see if this landlubber has it right. You are making about 5.5 knots an hour which would be a little over 6 mph x 24 hours would be about 144 miles a day. That seems like a lot and extremly good time. Two weeks at that speed would mean that you are roughly 2000 miles from your stop in the Marshalls. Does this landlubber have that correct? If not, Pete, you have the expertise to tell me where I went wrong. I am figuring 1.1 miles per knot. I think I read that somewhere.

It is difficult to admit in front of the world that I am an idiot when it comes to things nautical. It is also difficult to admit how much more a 16 year old kid who needs a haircut knows than a 66 year old geezer like me. You shame me Zac and I shall have to open the textbooks to keep up with you.

Bill M.

July 20, 2008 at 5:07 PM  
Blogger Daryl said...

Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated on your progress. I think we also get a peek into who you really are by the words you use. Thanks!

From Iowa

July 20, 2008 at 5:49 PM  
Blogger Jack said...

Sounds like you are still having a great time. Good luck zac!

J

http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/

July 20, 2008 at 6:57 PM  
Blogger Uncle Hectic said...

I sailed solo all day today, (on my little 27 footer), and I thought about you and your adventure. I've always dreamed of doing what you're doing, but I honestly can't fathom how difficult it really must be out there. You are truly an inspiration.

July 20, 2008 at 7:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

I'm from PETA and I'd like you to know something about those Boobies you keep having a problem with...

They taste like chicken....

PETA-Please Eat Tasty Animals.

July 20, 2008 at 7:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,

You did such a great job explaining UTC time a while back, I thought you might want to consider this.

Do you know what the difference is between 9:30 UTC and 0930Z?

One form is used by professionals and looks that way, the other is not. The later ####Z (Zulu) is also the way time is indicated on most government weather reports and notices to mariners and airmen.

By using the correct 4 digit time reference you also eliminate others having to guess if you're meaning a.m - p.m. or are truly using 24 hour time. The colon (:)causes further guessing as it usually only appears with a.m. - p.m formats.

July 20, 2008 at 8:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

Good to hear the swells died down and you have good wind today. I was cracking up thinking about you throwing oranges at the booby-birds. What is up with those birds, weird, Im going to have to Google this booby bird and see why do they do what they do...oh well, if you got real hungry I read somewhere they taste like chicken. :)

Keep on keepin' on Zac, a lot of people are praying for you and keeping you in our thoughts!

Ciao,
Lisa

July 20, 2008 at 8:35 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Hi zac...doin great job. Robin was great. U r doing greater job..good luck.

July 20, 2008 at 9:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So glad you are doing well readjusting to sea life, squalls and booby's! I always start my day reading your blog and checking where you are on Google Earth. You remain in my prayers. I love reading your blog and the comments from your mom. You are both great writers. Wishing you only the best!

Jennifer

July 20, 2008 at 9:02 PM  
Blogger Becky said...

Zac~~as usual, we are enjoying your blogs, as well as the comments they bring; the swells, the lee clothes(wonderful addition), the moon, wahoo, and even the boobie birds!

Your Mom's idea of sending you letters and postcards (fan mail~WOO-HOO!) is wonderful! Thanks 'Mom!'

May the wind be always at your back!

Safe Voyage
by Margaret Traina

Be your sail always full of the breath of the Lord
To take you to places both here and abroad,
With your hand at the helm and sea mist on your lips
And a chorus of Angels as mates of your ship.
When a lusty wind turns life into rough seas
Cursing, creaks in the mast, and you drop to your knees
With a glance to the heavens, jibe-ho head low.
Though your vessel drinks water and heels to and fro
Bear away my friend, raise up from your kneel
For the Lord holds on tightly while guiding your keel.

July 20, 2008 at 11:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,

Thanks for posting the radio frequency you will be using during your trip.

Good Luck and have a safe cruise

July 21, 2008 at 5:13 AM  
Blogger Fulgum said...

Zac:
Boobies are sea birds. They won't drown. Just push them off the boat.

Scott

July 21, 2008 at 1:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac!
Thanks for being an inspiration to many! I so love your spirit of adventure! I also love your parents ok'ing this dream of your life! I really enjoy your blog.I am following along from land locked Iowa. Smile!
I count it a privelege to know about you and to pray for you, as you pursue the dream of your life! Sail on young man, sail on!

July 24, 2008 at 11:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,

You mention Robin Graham who sailed, as you are, when he was in his teens and spent 5 years sailing before returning to the USA.

You probably know this, but he also is a Christian as you are.

C-18

July 25, 2008 at 10:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,

Please disregard the suggestion I just read here that you abandon your plans to learn the Sextant. That was very dangerous advice. You really would have been safer learning that before you even left. It is the Plan "B" of your navigating skills.

C-18

July 25, 2008 at 10:58 AM  

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