Thursday, July 3, 2008

Hawaii!

Current Position (as of 9:12pm PDT): 19.40N, 143.43W



Well, I guess I'm back to writing about canned soup. No hurricanes, ships or flying fish today. I did have a good night sleep without the ships and with the light winds. It is getting warmer even though it is still overcast. I wore nothing but shorts all day. This is nice after weeks of wearing layers and foul weather gear.
I've had some trouble with my Link 2000 system today. This unit monitors all the power usage and charging on the boat. It isn't registering properly so I'm not sure how much power I'm down. I'm not in any danger. I have a pretty good idea of how much power I have used and how much charge I get each day from the wind and sun. I will try to reset it in the morning and see if that helps.
I did see one small, white bird with a long tail today. Can't seem to find my tackle box. I'll have to dig around tomorrow to find it as I lost my lure today. I did manage to eak out enough alcohol for my stove to heat up a nice dinner tonight.
Dug through the chart desk today looking to see which charts of Hawaii I have. I do have two sets of electronic charts and a good guide book; Charlie's Charts to the Hawaiian Islands. Thanks to a family friend, Rob Jordan, I have been welcomed in to port in the Waikiki area of Oahu. Yes, I will make a much needed stop for some minor repairs, reprovisioning and a hot shower! It will be a very short stay as I need to keep moving but I am looking forward to it all the same. As soon as I set my sails on the new course, Intrepid took off! I think she wants to stop too! My winds are still pretty light at 8-10 knots but with the new wind angle I am doing what seems like howling along at 5 knots!
Have been studying up on Hawaii, especially the Pilot Charts of the area. Pilot Charts show the prevailing weather patterns-- wind, currents, wave heights, visibility, surface pressure, sea surface temperature, etc. for any given area in the worlds oceans by month. You can use these for passage planning to know where there should be wind and should not be storms or counter currents. The ClearPoint forecast shows the winds filling in nicely over the next 2 days. Will speak to meteorologist, David Morris, tomorrow for the bigger picture.
For now, all looks very promising.
Cheers,
Zac

31 Comments:

Blogger Bead said...

Yay Zac! Well done .... HAWAII!!!!


Glenys
New Zealand

July 3, 2008 at 10:41 PM  
Blogger Anonymous said...

Aloha and Mahalo Zac,

On a spiritual level, aloha is an invocation of the Divine, and mahalo is a Divine blessing. Both are acknowledgments of the Divinity that dwells within and without. If you learn just two words in Hawaiian, learn these.

The company I work for is in Honolulu. I have flown to Hawaii to many times to count. You my friend will arrive there as people did before flight! I am so envious of you, and of course very happy for you too! I'm really glad you will stop there.

When I spoke to my office today, they told me it has been very hot there. I hope when you arrive, you will bring the tradewinds with you.

I can feel your excitement in your blog to be going there. When do you think you will arrive? Have a great time, and if you need any help there, let me know, and I can have someone meet you to help you out.

Glad your day was good. You sound very settled in and relaxed.

Aloha kaua! Zac!
(May there be friendship between us! Greetings to you and me!)

July 3, 2008 at 10:42 PM  
Blogger Fulgum said...

Hey, Zac. I assume that you're coming in on the 4th? Oh, how the Hawaiians love their fireworks!

:)

Happy 4th of July!

Scott

July 3, 2008 at 11:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

mahalo Zac!

great job so far! keep up your enthusiasm for your bigger picture! you've done soooo well and should be very proud! love the blogs each day and am also suprised at how much I'm learning through the comments of fishermen, sailors and such... excellent job!

look forward to each and every day along side you in spirit!

Melany.

July 3, 2008 at 11:24 PM  
Blogger Anonymous said...

Zac, I forgot to wish you a happy July 4th. You are feeling more independence than probably any of us ever will. Of course God, and your family, and friends are praying for and looking over you!

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Congress approved the wording of the Declaration on July 4 and then sent it to the printer. Whether John Hancock, as the elected President of the Second Continental Congress, or anyone else signed the document that day is unknown, because that document has been lost — presumably destroyed in the printing process. Hancock's name and that of a witness do appear on the typeset broadside that was published within a few days. On August 2 in the following month, an engrossed document in script form was signed by Hancock and other delegates.
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States, but is often also viewed as simply a summer festival, apart from its patriotic overtones.

The harbor in Newport Beach will be full of people on sailboats and other types of boats, watching the fireworks in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa, and Irvine. They will think that is what you use a boat for. You of course know a boat is used for much more! While it will be a zoo here this weekend, enjoy the solitude, peacefulness, and the Lords fireworks (stars) in the sky.

Later Zac,
Peter

July 3, 2008 at 11:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac,

Greetings, Ive been following your blog and trek endeavor for several weeks now. Great!

Wow! Spending the 4th close enough to maybe see a light show in Hawaii.. sounds awesome. We ain't talking ship lights either! :)

Do you have or are you by chance into or have interest in Ham Radio /Amateur Radio such for world wide short wave radio communications? Perhaps your father is..? I took interest about your age. Something I would have to have on a trip such as that to pass the time and congregate with others. Amazing the places you can talk to with a long wire and alot of water under you.. then again, I guess you will see them too. So cool.

Yes, most likely the Milky Way in the sky. Lot of water out the... Your stronger then myself friend.

Best of luck and take care. We'll keep a check on you daily. Thanks for sharing your goal and pride. Hard work pays off.. Your doing great! I really had to tell you!

Happy Independence Day to you! Enjoy a weekend break!

Peace & Prayers with you friend.

-Chris
San Clemente,CA

July 3, 2008 at 11:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac Well Done...


Mattia

Italy

July 4, 2008 at 2:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yey! Enjoy your stay in Hawaii. There are a lot of Filipinos there and they are nice people (of course cuz I'm one. haha). Hope you can meet some. Happy 4th of July. Here in the Philippines, we celebration Filipino-American Friendship Day every 4th of July. It started when we gained independence after the Japanese occupation in our country through the help of the American army. Anyway, I'll still follow your endeavor and I'll be praying for you.

Aloha,
- Pearl (Philippines)

July 4, 2008 at 3:10 AM  
Blogger Kate said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

July 4, 2008 at 5:41 AM  
Blogger Kate said...

Congrats on reaching your first land stop! However short your stay is, make sure you get some well-earned R&R onshore and restock before you move on.

Will you be able to unload any of the photos and videos you took?

Safe journey,
~Kate~

July 4, 2008 at 5:42 AM  
Blogger Melody Y said...

hi Zac.

congrats. Hawaii sounds cool. take care..

xoxo
mel

July 4, 2008 at 5:49 AM  
Blogger Amy said...

Hi Zac-
My family has been following your adventure since you left California last month. My son broke his arm at the beginning of this week, and checking in with your blog has given him something to look forward to every day while he heals. We're so excited to follow you around the world. Today we had fun looking up pictures of flying fish and Hawaii. Good luck in your journey!

July 4, 2008 at 6:28 AM  
Blogger Jlynne said...

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!
I hope you get a chance to enjoy a little bit of Hawaii in your rush. My uncle was a helicopter pilot he told me that out of all the places he had flown Hawaii was his favorite, and he had been to some amazing places.
Stay Swift Stay Safe

July 4, 2008 at 7:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

salut zac,

I could hardly believe about your adventure, as I read an article about you...it's amazing what you are doing! perhaps you know Jesse Martin, he has done quite the same as you're doing now...and I belive you will make it as good as him or better :o)...so in this sense I wish you all the best and everytime a good wind! take care...

bye
nicole,
switzerland

July 4, 2008 at 7:11 AM  
Blogger Rob said...

Hello Zac,

I began following your story just recently after having lunch with a business colleague. You my friend are a very special Youngman. I am proud of how you have embraced the desires of your heart and have stepped out courageously in faith. Your life’s experiences gained on this adventure will surely be an encouragement to all.

I am praying for you. “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Enjoy your 4th of July!

Blessings,
Rob

P.S. Having lived aboard a 32’ finnclipper as a child in the CI harbor, your pictures and blog truly brings back vivid memories of my own childhood. Thank you!

July 4, 2008 at 7:43 AM  
Blogger Dana said...

Hi Zac,

A quick stop in Hawaii sounds like a nice emotional and physical half-way pitstop on your way to your first destination.

Enjoy!

Sailor Kylie (7) and Dana (mama)
Santa Monica

July 4, 2008 at 8:45 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy 4th of July!!!! I hope you reach ground and enjoy a short stay in Hawaii! Stock up on fresh food and take in so of the local going's on...take care Dory

July 4, 2008 at 9:05 AM  
Blogger Gleaming Waters said...

Hi Zac,
It's great to be able to read your blog every day, as well as the comments. When I was in high school, living on Catalina, I read Joshua Slocum's 'Sailing Alone Around the World'. That was in 1967, and after getting connected to your adventure, I'm reading the same copy, again. I've also read Robin Graham, Jesse Martin, Naomi James, Pat Henry and Tania Aebi! I always thought I would like to do the same, albeit I have yet to learn how to sail! :O
It's never too late, or early, to go for your dreams (Joshua was 51 when he set sail on his journey). I am praying that you will draw closer to your CREATOR; the One who made the heavens and the earth, and that He blesses you and sends angels to protect you every mile of your journey.
It would be great to be able to set a record, for sure, but...don't miss something memorable for the sake of time.
I want to read all the details in your book!
Love you,
Tamara

July 4, 2008 at 9:59 AM  
Blogger Rusty said...

Hi Zac, Glad to hear that you are making the stop in Hawaii. The channels between the islands are terrible. Nothing like the Catalina channel you used to. You mentioned Waikii as the stopping point. We stayed at the Hawaii Yacht club for a couple of weeks each time. They are very friendly to cruisers. My parents are still members of the club. Please do consider Hilo though. It is a straight shot in and out with no dangerous channel approach. Which ever, the hula girls have ahold of the tow rope now. Enjoy the ride in. You may see the tall green mountains from along way out.

July 4, 2008 at 10:18 AM  
Blogger Leewest said...

Zac,

Pick up a sealife identification book in Hawaii, so you can look up and name what you see. It might help you ride out the doldrums.

Best of luck,

Lee

July 4, 2008 at 11:17 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Independence Day, Zac. Don't forget your sunscreen!

July 4, 2008 at 12:04 PM  
Blogger Gordon Brimhall said...

Hi Zac
Your gaining now, Looks like another 4 to 5 days to Hawaii if the wind keeps up. In the right conditions you should be able to get your boat up to 8 knts but probably not comfy. My Yorkie "Tina" loves to sail and is looking forward to our upcoming trip next year if all goes well.

Gordon and Tina
www.aroundinten.org

July 4, 2008 at 12:09 PM  
Blogger Michele said...

Zac:

Happy 4th of July to you! You truly are celebrating not just your independence, but all your God-given gifts, cultivated by your parents and yourself.

How odd is it to read these posts and hear the thoughts of the many people who respond to your blogs? There are those that you know, we're sure, but what of those of us whom you don't know? How weird is it? (Because I'm thinking there are times when it would be surreal.)

Enjoy your stop in Hawaii and all that comes with it...like a shower, hot food, and sand between your toes!

Take care,

Michele, Abi (11), and Greta (9)
Sacramento, CA

July 4, 2008 at 12:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yeah...about 5 days out by the look of it. I think both you and Intrepid will feel a little of what sailors of centuries past felt when the call came down ....Land HO!

Roll on!

Scot
California

By the way can I make a request to the other posters? I know many are already doing it but can you put your state or country on your post? I find the mounting global interest quite fun and I'd be interested to see where everyone is.

July 4, 2008 at 2:04 PM  
Blogger hannah144 said...

Hey Zac,
glad to hear you`re doing well!
Congrats on reaching Hawaii!
God bless and Happy 4th oj July!
Love the Coyles

July 4, 2008 at 2:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,

Congratz on your progress!

Hope you can get some more alcohol for your stove in Hawaii.

You are a very strong and brave young man.

I hope for enough wind to speed your journey but not too much. Your journey is touching so many people around the whole world so quickly. Imagine how many people will have read your blog by the time your are home again!!!

Good sailing, Zac!

Mary

July 4, 2008 at 4:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy 4th Zac!

Glad to see that you are moving a bit faster!

Take care

July 4, 2008 at 4:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy 4th of July!!!! You and your dreams are what makes me proud to be an American. You are someone I, at 37 years old, look up to. Sail safe. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lori

July 4, 2008 at 4:57 PM  
Blogger Beetlejuice said...

hi Zac,As fulcum said the fireworks are awesome.Aloha,Barry

July 4, 2008 at 5:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

HI Zac,
I met you two days before you left MDR and helped you pull your boat back into the slip. I was down at the boat show with my daughter. I just got back from 10 days bringing a boat up from La Paz and was very interested in where you were. I'm glad to hear you are stopping in Hawaii. I know it's been rough out there and not having stove fuel for a hot meal can be a bummer. It looks as if the weather is turning for you and you will be able to get some well deserved rest. God speed anf fair winds.

Mark

July 4, 2008 at 8:24 PM  
Blogger bova said...

Hi again Zac: from the Kirby family in Canada & Cal, hope our small donation helped & will send more soon. We've been to Hawaii & loved it & hope you will rest & stock up & have a little time to enjoy it too. Keep well - we're all so proud & slightly envious of you! Love & Cheers from the Kirby's 80 year old Great Gramma Betty & Sister-in-law of Bruce Kirby, who sailed in 3 Olympics; designed the Laser; America's Cup "Canada 1" & recently the "Pixel". My son Dave & family likely went to Marina del Ray to say "Bon Voyage" to you! We're all following your adventure!
Fair winds & great navigating, Zac
Bless you & your Family
-

July 12, 2008 at 9:33 AM  

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