Current Position (as of 9:46 PDT): 20.08N, 145.53W
It really is nice to be moving again. I have had good winds for most of the day (of course they are picking up speed this evening). The fog burns off early and it has been very warm and is still 85 degrees at 9:00 tonight. I will sleep in the cockpit because of the nice 15 knot breeze. Just put a few reefs in the main for safety during the night.
I started a new book today, Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer Among the Indians. The book was started by Mark Twain but finished by Lee Nelson after Twain died. Huck Finn was one of my favorite books so I hope this is a good one. So far so good.
I did eat some fish today - canned tuna. It was good though. I found a few oranges rolling around the boat so that was a good find. I'll have to get 50 pounds of these before I leave Hawaii. I am making a list of things I need and a list of jobs to be done in Hawaii. Not too bad. Hopefully there will be time to rest and see a bit of Oahu before I take off for the Marshalls.
I hope you all had a fun 4th. I was remembering my last 4th of July spent with friends at the beach and then back to watch fireworks from the roof. It would be nice to be home but it is really very nice out here. It is quiet and peaceful and Intrepid has become my home at least for now.
Cheers,
Zac
It really is nice to be moving again. I have had good winds for most of the day (of course they are picking up speed this evening). The fog burns off early and it has been very warm and is still 85 degrees at 9:00 tonight. I will sleep in the cockpit because of the nice 15 knot breeze. Just put a few reefs in the main for safety during the night.
I started a new book today, Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer Among the Indians. The book was started by Mark Twain but finished by Lee Nelson after Twain died. Huck Finn was one of my favorite books so I hope this is a good one. So far so good.
I did eat some fish today - canned tuna. It was good though. I found a few oranges rolling around the boat so that was a good find. I'll have to get 50 pounds of these before I leave Hawaii. I am making a list of things I need and a list of jobs to be done in Hawaii. Not too bad. Hopefully there will be time to rest and see a bit of Oahu before I take off for the Marshalls.
I hope you all had a fun 4th. I was remembering my last 4th of July spent with friends at the beach and then back to watch fireworks from the roof. It would be nice to be home but it is really very nice out here. It is quiet and peaceful and Intrepid has become my home at least for now.
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
10:39 PM
24 Comments:
just a short note to say that I have to give you props on what you're doing? I can't even imagine doing something of that magnatude especially at such young age. I wish you well and good luck with the trip. I'll be checking your blog for more updates. Take care man.
Hi Zac,
Sounds like things are going great for you. Please do remember to eat your vitamin C, we don't want you to get scurvy!
You are going to feel so rejuvenated once you get a long hot shower and a really good night's sleep.
Enjoy Hawaii!
Love,
Sandy, Don, Cassie, Roxanne
Hey Zac,
I just returned from a bike ride down through the Upper Newport Back Bay, to watch the fireworks show that started at 8:00 pm.
Its funny but July 4th seemed more meaningful thinking of you as I rode in the dark through the bay. Aside from the noise from all the fireworks, it was a time to reflect on you and say a prayer for your well being.
I'm sure you were thinking of your friends and the fun of the day, but I'm positive they were thinking of you. You have made this day more meaningful. Every day of your journey, that occurs on some special day, will be what you remember forever, after you return on that special day in your future.
I checked your position on Google Earth, and you went much further today. Good job man! You went further and are heading toward the Hawaiian Islands! So awesome.
You found oranges rolling around on the boat? How could that be, with all the tidying up you do? Canned tuna is actually how I prefer tuna. When you catch one, please tell us how to cook it :)
What does it mean "to put a few reefs in the main"?
No doubt that Huck Finn was one of your favorite books. You are Huck Finn to so many of us today. A modern day version named Zac Sunderland.
Happy sailing tomorrow Zac!
Best,
Peter
Hey there Zac,
There's a book entitled "A Man Called Intrepid". Intrepid was the code name given to Sir William Stevenson by Winston Churchill during World War II. Stevenson and his group of spies broke the Enigma Code and altered the course of the war. It was also made into a movie which still occasionally airs on television by the title of the book. The book is an excellent read. If military history interests you, you may want to look for the book sometime. May the Force (winds!) be with you...and Intrepid:)
Hey Zac,
Glad your having a great time so far on your trip. And that you have pretty good weather. Oh and that book sounds good, I might have to buy it and see for myself! :) Me and my friends are always praying for you!
Safe travels,
Rebecca Z
Peter, since Zac may or may not be able to answer your reefing question, I'll take a crack at it. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong.
Reefing is basically making the main sail smaller. Have you ever seen that row of "tassel" like ties that hang 8-12 inches long in a row across the foot of the main sail? Many mains have a couple of rows that run horizontally. In short, lowering the main and tying those off makes for a smaller sail and still keeps it taught. The advantage is, when in higher winds, especially on smaller boats, this helps keep the boat from heeling over too far thus making it perform better. When in auto-pilot, it's safer. One of the rules of thumb is, if you're thinking about reefing, it's best to reef.
Scot
California
hi Zac,
sounds like a nice trip for ya..
so,take caree....
till then,
xoxo
mel
Doing great there Zac. It sounds like you have gotten over the pangs of lonliness and have settled in for the long run. As an old teacher I was thrilled to hear that you enjoy reading. The more you read, the better you will be writing. I have two of my former exchange students visitng me. Pal from Norway and his family and Rolf from Germany and his girl friend. [ http://www.barstools4u.com/Newsletters/Jan08.htm ] We went to the Rose Bowl to watch the fireworks. Although they were great, they do not hold a candle to the show you are seeing every night when you stretch out on that deck and gaze up to see the great celestial display that is shown not just on the 4th of July, but on every night of the year for the past few billion years. Enjoy Hawaii, relax, enjoy your parents company and get ready for the next stretch.
Hey Zac,
I thought about you last night as we here on the Massachusetts southcoast celebrated the 4th. We live literally with the Atlantic as our backyard....across the grass, down four steps to the beach and the warm waters here in Clarks Cove.
So every year all the families on the water have big parties up and down the street. We celebrate and as soon as the sun begins to go down the fireworks start all around the Cove, with the City of New Bedford shooting off theirs at 9:30. The private shows continue until around midnight.
All this in order for me to tell you I lit mine off as a special tribute to what you're doing. I told a little story to all who would listen about a sixteen year old young man, sailing around the world solo, and would they please think about you, pray for your safety, and pause for a moment to think about you alone, but joined by the thoughts of your friends and especially your family as you sailed with Gods own fireworks show in the skies over your head.
Hope you had a great night, and many more days and nights on your journey.
I'm glad you're pulling into Hawaii, it's the recharging, restockng, and the relaxation you need to begin the next part of your incredible quest.
You'll meet new pwople and have friends from around the world, that will soon be part of your life forever.
Keep strong, keep safe, and above all keep going.
Dave Babcock
When you get that 50 pounds of oranges make sure to get some greener than the others and they will last a lot longer before they get ripe :)
steve Plaisance
Yuma, Ariszona
Zac, On one of my long trips home from Hawaii I read 9 books. Once in a while I look at those books, that are still on my the book shelf, and remember when I read them. In the personal log book that I kept, I sometimes recorded the happenings of the day by what I was reading in a book.
Hey Zak.
Yesterday, beautiful 4th of July celebration under the stars and fireworks, sitting exactely at your point of departure at Burton Chace park, thinking of you in the night and sending you courage, endurance and happiness.
Hi Scot,
Thanks much for the definition of "reefing". Obviously you know you sailing!
Zac:
Similar idea to Rusty's: write a few sentences in the margin of the books you are reading describing the what and when of your surroundings, and in the future when you pick up the book, you'll be easily transported back to where you were the first time you read the passages..
Take care,
Michele
Sacramento, CA
Sounds like an overall great 4th for you. Mine went pretty good as well, got to see fireworks from a local harbor. =)
Thanks for the book info! I personally haven't gotten around to reading any of Mark Twain's books yet, but it's still great to know what you're reading.
Wonder if Hawaii knows what's coming.
Safe journey,
~Kate~
Hello Zac
Yeah with all the cleaning that you've done on the boat I would also like to know how did those oranges get away from you? (lol) Also got excited when I figured out that I could include the weather and cloud cover on the Google Earth site that is tracking you. I thought it was pretty neat the way it displayed the weather info right on top of your position. Looks like you might get a few rain showers in Hawaii. The internet still amazes me. Charley and Joshua.
Zac,
I forgot there is a real good series of books written by John Flanagan, they are called the, "Ranger's Apprentice." He has 4 books in the series and they are a really good read. In fact Flanagan just signed a movie deal a few months ago. I am a carnavor when it comes to books. And I hear there is another great author coming out with two unique series of books in a few months, and the only hold up is the publisher and the artist. His name is Charley Hasker. I wonder who that could be? Got to go, I am heading to the store. I've had this weird craving for an orange all morning. One day it's cherries the next- who knows. Charley and Joshua
Zac, My husband and I are behind you 110% and look forward to reading your blogs to our 15 year old son. For years we sent him to camps in California for sailing but now he has high school sports in the summer. You are an amazing young man and that must mean you have amazing parents too! I applaud you all! Be well!
Hi Zac, I'am a landlubber in Omaha, Nebraska. I have often dreamed of circumnavigating the globe, but it never came to fruition. I'am very proud of you young man, you have inspired me to try this myself. Carry on sailor!
zac-
Just wondering if you did anyhting for the 4th? Any firecrackers or sparklers? I watched the fireworks from my boat in the cove where that fire department was setting tham off; very fun!! :)
Hi Zac,
I was born in Hawaii and grew up near where I think you may have put in; Ala Moana Harbor maybe? Anyway I hope you were greeted with the fanfare that you deserve! Did any friends or family meet up with you there?
Wishing you safe winds,
Scott in Rocklin, CA
To Charley: I found the weather button too! and then equally as exciting... the SUN button! It shades in the sunlight as it sets over the timezones!!!! Very cool as my kids would say!
Great sailing Zac!! you made such great distance yesterday! love keeping in contact with your site!
Take Care
Barb
Happy belated Independence Day to a VERY independent young man. You're doing great Zac! I absolutely love reading your blog every day! Keep up the good work.
God Bless!
Mark
Years ago I read Kon Tiki, about the raft anthropologists made to prove S America could have been populated from the East. There were long impressive descriptions of what the man saw at sea...especially at night. He talks of flourescent schools of fish and all sorts of phenomenon, of the occasional large unidentifiable fish swimming alongside and watching him, flying fish, etc.
Oranges and tuna fish discourage me about such a journey.
best of best wishes to you.
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