Current Position (as of 5:00 UTC July 8, 2008): 21.23N, 153.57W
Note from Mom:
Aloha!
Laurence, Baby Ben and I flew in to beautiful Honolulu last night. We spoke to Zac but were not able to post his blog until now. Sorry to worry you all. He is doing extremely well as you will see below. We are very proud of how Zac has handled his days at sea. We always knew that he would do well but he has far exceeded even our expectations. He is due to arrive in Waikiki, Ala Wai Boat Harbor sometime Thursday afternoon. We are hoping to go out in a chase boat and meet him and follow him in. Should have some interesting photos and video soon.
We are making some changes to the web site. Please be patient while we work throught the kinks.
Another light day of winds but I did make 50 miles in 12 hours so at least I am moving and not becalmed completely. I've had quite a few squalls with dark clouds and rain. The wind comes for awhile but always from the wrong direction!
I cleaned out the V-berth (the forward cabin) today so I can sleep there. I moved everything into the quarter berth (the small berth/bed under the cockpit. I still can't find my fishing tackle box. All the feathers have fallen off the lure that I have been using.
We were talking about what kind of official paperwork I might need to do in Hawaii. Mom and dad had to fill out a form declaring any fresh food or plants that they had. The only fresh food I have left is one apple and one orange that I have been washing and drying to get the rotten banana off of them. Normally, I probably wouldn't have eaten them but today they look great!
It has been really hot here, epecially without the wind. I have been drinking some Propel water during the day, especially today because I was working all afternoon, and it really makes me feel good. I'm not conserving water like I had been, knowing that I can refill my tanks somewhere safe in a few days.
Still reading Joshua Slocum. Interesting how much sailing has changed and how much it has stayed the same.
Cheers,
Zac
Note from Mom:
Aloha!
Laurence, Baby Ben and I flew in to beautiful Honolulu last night. We spoke to Zac but were not able to post his blog until now. Sorry to worry you all. He is doing extremely well as you will see below. We are very proud of how Zac has handled his days at sea. We always knew that he would do well but he has far exceeded even our expectations. He is due to arrive in Waikiki, Ala Wai Boat Harbor sometime Thursday afternoon. We are hoping to go out in a chase boat and meet him and follow him in. Should have some interesting photos and video soon.
We are making some changes to the web site. Please be patient while we work throught the kinks.
Another light day of winds but I did make 50 miles in 12 hours so at least I am moving and not becalmed completely. I've had quite a few squalls with dark clouds and rain. The wind comes for awhile but always from the wrong direction!
I cleaned out the V-berth (the forward cabin) today so I can sleep there. I moved everything into the quarter berth (the small berth/bed under the cockpit. I still can't find my fishing tackle box. All the feathers have fallen off the lure that I have been using.
We were talking about what kind of official paperwork I might need to do in Hawaii. Mom and dad had to fill out a form declaring any fresh food or plants that they had. The only fresh food I have left is one apple and one orange that I have been washing and drying to get the rotten banana off of them. Normally, I probably wouldn't have eaten them but today they look great!
It has been really hot here, epecially without the wind. I have been drinking some Propel water during the day, especially today because I was working all afternoon, and it really makes me feel good. I'm not conserving water like I had been, knowing that I can refill my tanks somewhere safe in a few days.
Still reading Joshua Slocum. Interesting how much sailing has changed and how much it has stayed the same.
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
9:02 AM
34 Comments:
Hello Zac
We were so worried about you. I had no idea that we would be so concerned about someone that we have never met but hanging with you on your blog everyday since you shoved off, we seem to be attached or connected to you, and I for one was worried and checked your blog almost every hour on the hour. I am used to waking up and reading about your life. Anyway, it was good to get an update and the wiping the bannana off the apple was a great touch about your life. Look forward to hearing about your stay in Hawaii and that hot shower and hot food. Charley and Joshua
Zac, Greeting from Cantabria in Northern Spain, I've just been reading your blog, its exceptional and so are you!
Keep them coming please, enjoy the family visit and fresh food!
Hi Marianne,
I think at this point I am more excited for you to be seeing Zac soon. From the words he wrote, it sounds like it was a smart thing to stop in Hawaii. Have a great time with him. Check him over and do what mom's do best. Get him ready for the next leg, and have a quality time in Hawaii.
Best,
Peter
Hi Zac. I’m glad all is well and you’re getting close to Waikiki. I’m on chapter 11 of Sailing Alone Around The World. It’s fascinating – thanks for mentioning it ! I hope you have a great stay in Honolulu, and favorable winds when you continue your journey, and may your tackle box magically appear !
Jim - Boulder Creek, CA
Welcome back to US of A ! You have done awesome. It will be great to see Mom and Dad.
Ship Ahoy !
Zac:
We're glad to hear you're almost in Hawaii---just glad to hear anything, actually. The down side to you being so diligent in updating your blog means that when you don't/can't, people start to panic a wee bit.
Would you be willing to share the ages of your brothers and sisters? Our family doesn't know how much you want them to be exposed to all the hoopla.
We hop you find your tackle box soon!
Take care,
Michele, Ernie, Abi, and Greta
I went to Wikipedia to see what they had to say about Booby Birds. (see below) I think it's a good thing that Zac is close to a hot meal...otherwise, look out Booby! You might become soup!
Enjoy dry land and your family, Zac!
Nancy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
For other uses, see Booby (disambiguation).
Booby
Blue-footed Booby displaying by raising a foot
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Sulidae
Genus: Sula
Brisson, 1760
Species
Sula nebouxii
Sula variegata
Sula dactylatra
Sula granti
Sula sula
Sula leucogaster
For fossil species, see text
The boobies are part of the family Sulidae, a group of seabirds, and are closely related to gannets. The true boobies all belong to the genus Sula.
These are large birds with long pointed wings and long bills. They hunt fish by diving from a height into the sea and pursuing their prey underwater. They have facial air sacs under their skin which cushion the impact with the water.
Boobies are colonial breeders on islands and coasts. They normally lay one or more chalky-blue eggs on the ground or sometimes in a tree nest. 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.
Owing to this, boobies are often mentioned as having been caught and eaten by shipwrecked sailors, notably Captain Bligh of the Bounty and his loyalists during their famous voyage after being set adrift by Fletcher Christian and his mutineers.
Good to hear from you again Zak. I think everyone was worried. I did not realize that your Mom did the actual posting. Now that I know that, a missing post will not be so worrisome.
I took my Norwegian and German guests to Tommy's. Change of pace from In n Out. 17 year old Sigborn, the son of my former exchange student downed three of them. I had to stop him from going for a 4th. Too much Chili in a Norwegian kid cannot be too good.
Enjoy Hawaii, don't let your parents bug you too much and rest assured Mom that all of the readers are just as proud of Zak as you are.
Me thinks that you should take a break from blogging for a day or so and simply enjoy yourself. There are only 24 hours in a day and if you are going to be spending 8 of them in a hot shower, 8 of them eating, and 8 of them getting provisions, that does not leave too much time for anything else.
"wunderkind"
wunderkind
that's who is, this kid
sixteen years young
and he knows who he is
worked hard
saved up all his money
bought a 36 foot
calls it intrepid
chorus
zac
we began our lives the same year
you a 55
with me, a new life
that's why
i feel the connection
wind will fly
the earth this wunderkind
california
such a great name to sing
200 days or so
will see zac sunderland
around the world, man
now that's a cool hat
zac followed his dream
say nothing against that
woode wood
7.9.8
HEY ZAC, GLAD TO KNOW EVERYTHING IS ALRIGHT. HAVE A GREAT STAY IN HAWAII AND REST UP. I'VE BEEN SEVERAL TIMES AND IT'S BEAUTIFUL! I KNOW YOUR ARE EXCITED TO SEE YOUR FAMILY. ENJOYING YOUR TRIP SO MUCH CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK ON THE SEA WITH YOU! HOW LONG WILL YOU BE IN HAWAII? STAY SAFE! YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS!
DAVID
I was just thinking, brushing your teeth with CREST,using toilet paper like (what do these bears use?)washing with Dove, drinking Gator aide, running around with Dr Scholls inside your deck shoes, cleaning your windows with Windex, Oh MAN, what a walking advertisment you are!!!!
Even beer, GO FOR THE GUSTO!!!
JUST BE YOURSELF,
I am so enjoying your journey. I look forward to hearing all about your Hawaii stop and being with family. I hope they will be able to escort you into the harbor. WOW! That would be fun.
When my boys were 16 they soloed and airplane for the first time as I did many years before. We thought that was exciting to see them up there alone the first time. That gives us some GREAT appreciation for what you are doing.
We will be looking forward to the posts as you continue to the South Pacific.
Grat job good wind and come sea
To Mom-Zac - I an feel your excitement, I've done 1,000's of miles on the sea, and even I was a bit worried about that TS Zac's south and I didn't give birth, or should I say berth... Anyhow, we are absolutely loving folling this...
Zac, you are THE MAN! This was a huge leg of the trip for you dude, huge...
I so much laughed at your comments about the orange and bananna, dang, I'm still laughing... I have many friend in Hawaii, a few had said they are going down to the docks to shake your hand. I'm in FL, so can't make it, but don't be suprised if we show up on one of these legs...
We are all VERY proud of you, your parents are bursting with pride for sure...
Dave
Hi Zac!
I just sent you some money for your first hot meal. I'm sure you can't wait, and what a place to have it! I can smell the plumerias (lei flowers) just thinking about it.
Everyone is so proud of your accomplishment! You've crossed the Pacific to Hawaii! The rest is cake right? ;)
Safe winds,
Scott
Rocklin, CA
I’ sorry, but I MUST retype my post after all those rushed and embarrassing typo’s while sailing…
To Mom-Zac - I can feel your excitement, I've done 1,000's of miles on the sea, and even I was a bit worried about that TS to Zac's south and I didn't give birth, or should I say berth... Anyhow, we are absolutely loving following this...
Zac, you are THE MAN! This was a huge leg of the trip for you dude, huge...
I so much laughed at your comments about the orange and banana, dang, I'm still laughing... I have many friends in Hawaii, a few had said they are going down to the docks to shake your hand. I'm in FL, so can't make it, but don't be surprised if we show up on one of these legs...
We are all VERY proud of you, your parents are bursting with pride for sure...
Dave
Good luck sailor,enjoy Hawaii
Rob
HAWAII!!! Whoo-hoo! This is so exciting. Time to put another pin on the map! Have fun with your loved ones, Zac. How much more you will treasure them now.
Zac, thrilled for you and your family ...it's going to be a sweet landfall for you. Well done! what a feat ...and just know your blogger community hangs on your every word! Fishing is probably the last thing on your mind now but if you have lost all your feathers try aluminium cooking foil, folded into a flat shape ...these spin and glitter on the line. Otherwise for feathers you could try the booby bird!
Awesome Zac
Glenys
Auckland, New Zealand
Well, Zac. You can use your arrival in Waikiki as a test run for when you hit the Marshalls--a dry run for your first scheduled destination.
I'm glad to hear that things have been going along so well. I hope that at some point we'll get to see a few pics. These squalls you keep talking about sound amazing but I'm having a hard time visualizing them. Anyway, glad you're getting through them ok.
Aloha!
Scott
:)
Hi Zac
i missed your blog for a day yesterday. and ive been thinking about ur updates. well, great that you are okay and doing fine. hope to see some pics at ur blog here...
till next time
xoxo
mel
You're almost there!
Oh, and I've got a question:
How are you going to handle arrivals in other countries when you get there?
I'm really not sure how that would work if you come by boat (as oppose to plane, car, etc.) so it'd be nice to know.
Safe journey,
~Kate~
Hello Zac & Marianne,
I'm so happy to hear that everything is fine. We all had a little scare but we should have known better.
I'm so excited about you reaching Oahu. It's such a beautiful island full of wonderful things to see and do.
If you have the time stop off and visit pearl harbor because it will give you a new meaning of seeing a sunken ship still spilling it's oil after all these years. I belive it's been 66 years and counting. Like I said before You must visit Hanauma Bay!!! It's truly amazing and shouldn't be missed. Please try and take a few days and just see the sights. Oahu is such an amazing island. It's so diverse because you can go from major city full of high rise buildings all over the place and within a few minutes enter into calm island living and amazing island beauty. As you can tell I just came back from there and totally loved it. Please take advantage of your time in Oahu. It will be a great family outing all of you can enjoy together.
Get all stocked up after a little R&R and head back into sea. Enjoy your time in Oahu but don't forget about Intrepid, only kidding LOL.
Good Luck & Have Fun,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Since some of you are reading nautical and or stories of the sea, you might be interested in a book titled, " And the Sea Will Tell" that begins and flows through the marina where Zac will be stopping. It was a true event that happened in the 1970's where a couple sailed from San Diego to a small island way South of Hawaii, and where another couple sailed from Hawaii South to the same island. The whereabouts of the San Diego couple went unknown.... while the Hawaii couple returned to the marina in Hawaii using the missing couple's boat. Its a true murder-mystery that was solved years later. The boat that was stolen from the San Diego couple was eventually scuttled on the opposite side of Oahu after years of neglect. But,,,,, the marina where Zac will be stopping was where the story centered. Sailing alone in an open ocean leaves more than just sharks and storms to be wary of.
Way to go, zac
palm trees and real food....
aloha
Mike in Kodiak
I wanted to say 'thank you' to the Blogger who let us know about the site that has Joshua Slocum's book, Sailing Alone...printed out to easily read on my computer! I have my original copy of the book, that I first read in 1967, but to be able to read it over my computer too, is great. Sorry I didn't back track to find your name. Here is the website again:
http://www.archive.org/details/sailingalonearou00slocuoft
Zac, you are allowing us to go with you around the world, as well as connect in lots of different ways! Thanks!
God Speed,
Tamara
After one commenter posted a place to download the whole of Joshua Slocum's book, I'm on page 21 (amidst doing a few other things)... This immediately grabbed me because his starting point of Cape Ann is where I call home...
Glad you're so close -- it'll be exciting to see the updates after your quick overhaul and restocking in Hawaii... And of course to hear what your mom has to say after she sees you. We're ALL proud of you.
Zac, Shower up, re-stock, and sail on. Many adventures ahead. Catch some fish. Exciting!!!!! MR. WAHOO
Zac, read your blog daily. exciting stuff. shower up, re-stock, and sail on. catch some fish. Many adventures ahead. Mr. WAHOO
Many, many blessings on your time with family Zac and when you're back on Intrepid again, just remember that your Heavenly Father will be with you. You are never alone out there!
(and stay away from the poi!! ugh!)
Praying for you,
Ginger - Colorado
Zac and family,
Glad to hear all is well. You've become such a part of my day that when I didn't see your post on the blog I began to worry just a bit as mom's will do. In my mind, I just kept thinking he's just busy cleaning up (again) and organizing the boat before he pulls into port. In any event, I eventually saw your mom's post and knew all was well. Please let us know your thoughts once you are able to visualize the islands. I imagine there will be lots of hoots and hollers when you folks usher you into port. Enjoy your brief stay as you prepare for the second leg of "Zac's Excellent Adventure."
Hugs and prayers-
Melanie in Torrance
To Tamara (gleaming h2o), and to ptolemy:
I’m glad you both liked the link I put up previously for Sailing Alone Around The World. Just before I found the site I posted, I’d found one that had the text of the book, but without all the great illustrations. I think you’ll agree that the many, many illustrations really add to Joshua’s tale. By the way, ptolemy, I’m sure you know this, but wanted to clarify your point to others that may be interested, that, when you view the book online, you are not downloading it, you are just viewing it, so your hard drive is not being robbed of space in order to read the book.
Thanks for posting the link again, Tamara !
Here's the link one more time:
www.archive.org/details/sailingalonearou00slocuoft
Jim – Boulder Creek, CA
Zac,
You need a backup stove. Get to the nearest sporting goods shop and buy a butane single burner camp stove. I bought one two months ago at Walmart for $25.00!
Also buy two cases of butane fuel ($2.00 a can) and a cheap aluminum tea kettle. Trust me on this!
A pressurized one gallon garden sprayer painted black makes a great portable shower.
Getting my 73' Pearson 36 ft. ready to do what you're doing.
Luck all the way!
Slingshot bob
Hello zac,happy to see all is well.I have been reading your blog every day,I wish it was me! Enjoy this because you will remember it forever.I always thought that people that were home schooled were missing alot about people both good & bad.I can still remember some real jerks but I think looking back it made me stronger,(no fun then).I would like to know what you think about that.I think your family must be GREAT, what a support group!! Maybe someday I will do it!I bet that shower was good! AH FOOD!!I spent a week on a 30 ft going to the keys in cold & bad weather & we could not cook with what we had & I was HUNGRY when we got there,I think that was the best shrimp ever. Have fun,stay safe & fair winds!!LUCK
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