Latest Position 0400 UTC August 1, 2008: 7.54N, 173.31E
Slow night last night. The wind has died down some and the boat speed with it. Woke up to a giant squall on the radar that brought a good 20 knots of wind and buckets full of rain. The trouble is that the squall seems to steal the wind so what little wind I had gets sucked into the squall and leaves me wallowing (and wet)! I've made a list of things to do before I reach Majuro mainly cleaning up and stowing things so she is more liveable. Because of my lower speed, my arrival during daylight is at risk. According to my calculations, I need to make 5.6 knots over the next 31 hours to make into Majuro by 7:00pm (Majuro time). It would be pretty bad to arrive just after sunset and not be able to go util morning. And to think a few days ago we were talking about me slowing down some so I could arrive after Dad!
Had a bit of a scare today. Last night during the net, suddenly Moana went off the air. This morning they weren't on the air either at our scheduled time. I was begining to worry. Dad called them on their sat phone and all is well except for the radio. Still not sure what happened. Glad to know they are alright.
Someone asked what times and frequencies we are meeting. Here is the current radio schedule:
0400Z 4.042
0700Z 4.030
1900Z 8.173 Rag on the Air (organized Net)
The fishing is still pretty dismal. Nothing except 2 massive, dead flying fish on deck this morning.
Someone asked what it is like out here at night. It actually is pretty cool. It is usually very clear and so there are millions of stars. You can pretty much see a shooting star anytime you want. Just look up and within a few minutes there will be a shooting star. The sunsets also are very cool. Sometimes the whole sky turns pink all around me. A typical evening routine is to set the course and the sails. Then I sit in the cockpit for about half an hour to make sure that the boat is balanced and I stay on course. Even 1 degree off course can really mess up your course over time. Even though I have a lee cloth on my bunk now, I still like to sleep on the floor better because I can really wedge myself in down there and I don't roll around so much. I get woken up a lot at night just by rolling around. If the alarms don't wake me, I still get up about 4 -5 times at night to check my course and sail trim. If the alarm goes off like it has been lately with these squalls, I get up sometimes 8 times at night. This means I do have to sleep some during the day. I have become a professional power napper. A 90 minute nap makes me feel pretty well rested. Sometines even my naps are interrupted lately. Looking forward to some good solid sleep when I get in.
My mom was telling me on the phone today about the depth sounder blowing out of a boat after being hit by lightning. I was remembering in Moby Dick that there was this thing called St. Elmo's Fire where the whole boat lit up with light during a lightning storm. I think the conditions have to be just right for it to happen and I don't think it can hurt you. I still don't think I want to find out. Sounds cool though.
Pray for wind!
Zac
Slow night last night. The wind has died down some and the boat speed with it. Woke up to a giant squall on the radar that brought a good 20 knots of wind and buckets full of rain. The trouble is that the squall seems to steal the wind so what little wind I had gets sucked into the squall and leaves me wallowing (and wet)! I've made a list of things to do before I reach Majuro mainly cleaning up and stowing things so she is more liveable. Because of my lower speed, my arrival during daylight is at risk. According to my calculations, I need to make 5.6 knots over the next 31 hours to make into Majuro by 7:00pm (Majuro time). It would be pretty bad to arrive just after sunset and not be able to go util morning. And to think a few days ago we were talking about me slowing down some so I could arrive after Dad!
Had a bit of a scare today. Last night during the net, suddenly Moana went off the air. This morning they weren't on the air either at our scheduled time. I was begining to worry. Dad called them on their sat phone and all is well except for the radio. Still not sure what happened. Glad to know they are alright.
Someone asked what times and frequencies we are meeting. Here is the current radio schedule:
0400Z 4.042
0700Z 4.030
1900Z 8.173 Rag on the Air (organized Net)
The fishing is still pretty dismal. Nothing except 2 massive, dead flying fish on deck this morning.
Someone asked what it is like out here at night. It actually is pretty cool. It is usually very clear and so there are millions of stars. You can pretty much see a shooting star anytime you want. Just look up and within a few minutes there will be a shooting star. The sunsets also are very cool. Sometimes the whole sky turns pink all around me. A typical evening routine is to set the course and the sails. Then I sit in the cockpit for about half an hour to make sure that the boat is balanced and I stay on course. Even 1 degree off course can really mess up your course over time. Even though I have a lee cloth on my bunk now, I still like to sleep on the floor better because I can really wedge myself in down there and I don't roll around so much. I get woken up a lot at night just by rolling around. If the alarms don't wake me, I still get up about 4 -5 times at night to check my course and sail trim. If the alarm goes off like it has been lately with these squalls, I get up sometimes 8 times at night. This means I do have to sleep some during the day. I have become a professional power napper. A 90 minute nap makes me feel pretty well rested. Sometines even my naps are interrupted lately. Looking forward to some good solid sleep when I get in.
My mom was telling me on the phone today about the depth sounder blowing out of a boat after being hit by lightning. I was remembering in Moby Dick that there was this thing called St. Elmo's Fire where the whole boat lit up with light during a lightning storm. I think the conditions have to be just right for it to happen and I don't think it can hurt you. I still don't think I want to find out. Sounds cool though.
Pray for wind!
Zac
posted by Zac at
9:45 PM
40 Comments:
Hi, Zac.
Eight times a night? Boy! You must be really trained by now to be able to do that and not get sick and/or exhausted. That means you're not getting much REM sleep which is what your body needs. Make sure you eat a lot and drink a lot of water. That offsets the effects of less sleep. Well, once you get to Majuro you can sleep to your heart's content and balance yourself out. You're almost there!!!!!
:)
Scott
Hiya Zac,
Glad that the scare wasn't too bad... and to hear that the Moana and her crew is okay! I hope you let them know that we are following them as well as you thanks to your terrific reports. It's been a few days since we've heard anything from or about Lady Sarah as well... any updates on them? Are they underway yet or enjoying being on land?
As I read the blog entry today, I thought about the times that I was camping away from the city lights and the sky was so clear and bright. You never really know just how many stars are up there until you get a good unobstructed view like you have.
So did you make a meal of the flying fish? Don't really know what they are or if they are even safe to eat. I'm just a landlubber here... and the only fishing I've ever done was for rainbow trout about thirty years ago and even then I didn't eat the fish! Guess the flying fish on deck could be rather smelly. But not nearly as smelly as my dog after she was sprayed by a skunk last night!
Well, enough of my ramblings... I really should be in bed. I hope the wind picks up and you can get about 6+ knots to get you in to port before it gets dark! Stay safe Zac!
--Karl
Colorado Springs, CO
Hi zac
great that u r alrite! take ks ok?catch ya nxt tme
xoxo
mel
I know how you feel Zac about waking up in the middle of the night. At 66 years old I do that a lot. I am posting this at 0351 Pacific Time.
There is nothing like being out under the stars when there is no visible light source to obscure the view. I have two questions for you.
The first question: When you look up at the stars at night and see those millions of points of light, do you get a feeling of insignificance? I know that when I climb mountans, especially the Swiss Alps, looking up at that great expanse of heaven makes me feel pretty small indeed.
My other question: Do you ever see the lights of an airplane passing overhead?
You seem to attract all sorts of wierd stuff. Which do you prefer to find, boobie birds on your solar panels or dead flying fish on the deck?
Enjoy your break on Majuro. I hope that you do not have to spend the night at anchor, but if you do, you will have the time to enjoy another celestial show without having to worry about trimming the sails and staying on course.
I am going to try to get another couple of hours sleep before I have to go to the factory.
Godspeed
Bill.
Rock on. I had no idea the Marshall islands were a couple weeks sail from Hawaii. Guess I better brush up on geography. Hope you don't have to wait outside the reef all night. Godspeed with the wind!
Does your satellite phone work pretty well? Does it sound clear and can you pick up a signal anywhere?
Hello Zac & Everyone,
I guess on this leg your going to battle those squalls all the way into port. Loved the description of the night viewing of all those stars and the fabulous sunset you see.
So you enjoy being pinned in sleeping on the floor so you don't roll around. I can understand the rolling part but sleeping on the floor sound a little difficult. I'm sure it's much easier at the age of 16 years old. When your 48 (like me) the floor usually isn't an option. I'm sure it works out much better for you that way. It's great when you can jump right up and get things done.
Question for you? Can you eat the flying fish you find on deck in the morning? It sound like free food without having to work at catching it.
Well I guess Dad will be waiting for you when you reach the Island. Please don't rush to make it in before sunset if it's not safe. One more night is worth your safety. Have fun coming in and I hope you receive a fine reception.
Take Care,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Zac,
We checked the weather and it looks like rain in Majuro over the next 5 days. Hope this won't be a problem for you and your work on the boat. Take care - Majuro looks like a beautiful place!
Minnesota Family
See the July 4 Ocean Watch about St Elmo's Fire.
http://www.susanscott.net/OceanWatch2008/jul-04-08.html
Susan Scott hs a wonderful and searchable web page!
the antique
Morning,
Sounds like that would be an appropriate salutation no matter what time of day it is. It sounds beautiful out there. Hope your wind has picked up, you're almost there.
Soon: sleep, good food, your Dad & friends, a little exercise and a
Driver's License. Are we there yet?
Let us know. Good luck, Kate
Go Zac...
I hope you do get a chance to observe St. Elmo's Fire - a phenomenon I've not yet witnessed... From Melville - Ahab praising the good omen of St. Elmo's Fire:
"Oh! thou clear spirit of clear fire, whom on these seas I as Persian once did worship, till in the sacramental act so burned by thee, that to this hour I bear the scar. I now know that thy right worship is defiance. No fearless fool now fronts thee. Of thy fire thou madest me -- a true child of fire. But thou art but my fiery father; my sweet mother I know not! O cruel! what hast thou done with her? Defyingly I worship thee!"
Here's to wishing you steady winds to take you into Majuro in a timely fashion. Enjoy your rest there and pick up a Nano if able - it'll be more durable than a full IPOD.
Cheers, Zac!
willy
Milford, Ohio
I pray for you young man. GodsSpeed. Gods love.
Almost there Zac. Hang in there. The report of lightning and the comments of some of the bloggers, reminded me that Southern California sailors don't ever have the experiences that other sailors do. Its hard for us to prepare for something out of the sky poking a hole in the boat. When I sailed back to Hawaii to see more of it, I was not prepared for anchoring in tight spots where there was coral everywhere. I had the wrong ground tackle. It was a nightmare. My Dad mailed me out a big plow anchor and it solved the problem. He stamped the name of my boat "Summer Wish" on it. Today, 33 years and two boats later, that anchor still sits in the bow roller of my boat. Sometimes when I look at it and read that name, it reminds me of those difficult days when I couldn't safely anchor the boat.
Having done most of my sailing in books, most recently Chichester (my favorite) and Slocum (great book, but would have liked more technical decriptions), it seems almost as if the single-handed sailor could almost live for the entire circumnavigation on flying fish landing on deck.
Would you catch more if you put a safety net on the lee rail?
Praying for you as always B'shem Yeshua HaMashiach
-Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
Mmm, waking up 8 times at night sounds a bit like having twin babies! I remember those days... however I was not on a boat!
Your description of the stars and ocean at night is incredible -- I hope to see something remotely like that someday!
It does sound like you are anxious to get to port, as you are so close. Keeping you in my prayers for a safe entry and an enjoyable, relaxing stay in Majuro. Good luck reading that stack of mail waiting for you!
Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
Zac,
All this getting up in the night is preparing you for being the parent of a newborn someday.
I was reading your descriptions of the stars and the sunsets, and it sounds so glorious, but then I thought, you don't have a person with you to share them with. That struck me as kind of sad. Does it make you feel lonely?
One last thought: Do you realize that you're a TEACHER? You are teaching those who visit your website and blog so much about sailing and all it entails. And, you are doing a good job of it!
May you have a safe journey to your next destination.
:^)
Zac,
All this getting up in the night is preparing you for being the parent of a newborn someday.
I was reading your descriptions about the stars and the sunsets, which sound glorious, but then I thought, you don't have anyone with you to share them with. That seems kind of sad. Does it make you lonely?
One last thought: Do you realize you are a TEACHER? You are teaching those who visit your website and blog about sailing and all it entails. And, you're doing a good job of it!
Wishing you a safe journey to your next destination.
Hi Zac,
A couple of quick questions.
1. What does the alarm sense about a squall that sets it off?
2. The SSB rig you use for communicating with other ships: how much power does it run?
Man, what a trip you're on. :-)
Frank
Meridian, Idaho
I’ve done some single handing, so I can “somewhat” relate to Zac’s wake-up counts…
Typically, for me anyhow, there’s 2-3 wake ups right away, a sail pop, boom clunk, bigger than normal wave, etc...
But after that, I would typically get on most nights 2-3 solid hours…
However, some of my best sleep would be “powernaps” in the cockpit during the day/afternoon. I tended to relax more during the day and seemed to really recharge during those cockpit naps…
I suspect Zac’s experience is somewhat close to this, plus he’s 16, scheeze… He can do just about anything! [laughing]
Good luck Zac, hope you can make a daylight port entry!
Daveh
Hi Zac, This is Sophia I am Guy and Emma's cousin from Rancho Santa Fe, California! Guy and Emma have told me all about you and how you are sailing around the world by yourself! That's cool and kind of scary at the same time! I think you rock! I would love to see shooting stars! I hope you have a safe trip! Guy, Emma and I are going to see the Capitol today! We will write soon. We hope you make it to Majuro tomorrow! Guy says to get some sleep when you get there! Bye Sophia, Guy and Emma
Hey Zac,
Thanks so much for describing your nightly rituals on Intrepid. I especially enjoyed your colorful description of the sunsets and display of stars that you are blessed to see. Sure beats a movie with popcorn anytime!
At this point are you able to visualize anything on the horizon, island wise? Be patient you're almost there.
It was also great to see Mama Jean back on the blog. I enjoyed her giving us some stats on Louisiana. I could not live without Louisiana hot sauce, i.e. Tabasco!
Melanie in Torrance
Zac,
Your almost there!
The flying fish reminded me of what we use to do with herring. If you carry aboard some pickeling spices, salt, vinegar and a large container with a lid, you can fillet small fish and pickel them. It only takes about four to five days before the fish is ready to eat. This is a good snack on sailer crackers or other crackers. (At least I think so. :)
Have a great time on the island,
Jerry
the pushpin map is a good idea, however if you decide you want to edit your entry, say to add the flag ie. you can't add you name again, so be careful, once you delete it, you're done,,,any tips?
Hi There Zac...
Just a quick note to let you know the pushpin map of your followers is getting a good workout! Not sure if it will become a link on your website, but you can check it out at:
http://pub31.bravenet.com/guestmap/show.php?usernum=2662145323
Thanks everybody that has taken time to put apin in the map!!
May your time ashore be exciting and rewarding..
Bob in OKC
Zac,
It's great that you are almost to Majuro. I hope the winds will cooperate and not make you wait the night off shore.
Be safe and enjoy your stay. Can't wait to hear all about it.
Gods Speed,
Mona
Tucson, AZ
YOU ARE THE MAN -- AND WE ARE THE ZAC PAC.
SAIL ON --BE SAFE -- ENJOY WHAT GOD HAS CREATED.
Thank you to whoever posted the link to Susan Scott's explanation of St Elmo's Fire - really interesting!
Zac, I've been surfing GoogleEarth and looking at a lot of the Atolls around Majuro - wow facinating places. I'm curious, I know the lagoons look really shallow looking down, but when you get there, can you tell us how deep they are? Are they sandy or full of coral? Lots of fish? The pictures just don't tell the whole story.
Be safe, have fun!
Karyn
Zac-
Hopefully you'll work it out so you won't have to anchor off Majuro
for another night. I'll pray for winds. Hey, NPR had a story on Herman Melville this morning, the dude that wrote Moby Dick. And "Morning Edition" (NPR) was when I first heard of your mission.
Cool. Enjoy the salmon jerky. Kodiak Mike
Hey Zac followers: I don't get the push-pin map! I've tried coping and pasting the address given, I've tried some of the address.. the closest I get is a page telling me how to sign up for bravenet.com Any suggestions?
Zac, you are amazing! This is so fun to following along with you. I kick my kids off the computer now..."it's my turn, I want to check on Zac"!!!!
from: British Columbia!
hey Zac... "your the man"
gee Zac you were worried about "Moana", now you know how we feel when we don't here from you for a bit...LOL...
i was reflecting on you going over the IDL as a singlehanded sailor... how many do you think have done that? how many have done it that are still living?...
you're in rare air, my friend... and all of the "Zac Pac" is coming to know and love you and your family as "our family"...
i love the idea about the t-shirts and have been thinking of that for a long time... i know we would all buy them and wear them, with great joy and pride and spread the word...
you've come to learn so much about "yourself" on this leg... the "power naps"... "wedging" yourself in the cockpit... "SPAM"... all these things out of necessitity...
even as your wind dies and plans have to change... you come to realize, "patience and adaptability", those lessons will serve you well in the upcoming legs... believe me they will...
even the the heavy squalls and waking up on the wall...LOL all lessons... it's a different type of school, but all lessons to be learned, and primarily how you react to things... and even being proactive... ie shortening sail.. the dangers very real...as in "Moana" blowing out her staysail
one saying i'll always remember..."if you think you have to much sail up...it's already to late"
not only are we getting the joy of traveling with you to distant and foreign lands that many can only dream of ever seeing
but we see you,"becoming a man" in the process...
thanks Zac and Team Sunderland for allowing us the "Zac Pac" ...to come along, we too worry and we too pray, and we to rejoice with you in all your success
there's a great verse in 1st thessalonians 5:17... "pray with out ceasing" ... i never really understood that verse till you came along Mr.Zac Sunderland, now i not only understand... but practise it... thanks for stretching us in our growing too, Zac, you're already teaching us...
when i think back to "16"... it was driving the karman ghia up and down the drive way of my grand parents (on my learners permit...LOL)... i'm so happy you're getting your Majuro drivers liscense... that is way cool..
having to do a five minute speech in front of my peers in 10th grade english, yuch!!! worried about that for weeks ahead of time...
getting my first "d" in spanish and having my dad go ballistic...LOL... yeah i can laugh now
and here you are "sailing around the world"... i marvel when i think about that...Laurence and Marianne..."your the bomb"
the x games were on last night...'incredible skate boarding' YOU WOULD HAVE LOVED IT... i'm sure someone vhs it there in majuro... hey the local kids are gonna flip over your board...
patience Zac patience...
see if you can hear the beautiful gospel singing as you and Intrepid glide into your haven of rest
your friends mark n adino
vicksburg,ms...
in our prayers and joyous thought
how do you get the link for the pushpin map? the address doesn't work??
Hey Zac, i've been following your progress for some time. I'm not sure if you have yet acquired a theme song, but I think this one is fitting, and really epitomizes what you're doing...including the video involved: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUmO-ELaR_o
Good Luck.
P.S. If you ever have a chance to read Louis LaMour's The Walking Drum, I highly recommend it. Its an adventure story like none other, a historical novel to boot. I'm a pretty good judge of character, and from the little I know about you, this book will be one of your top 5 favorite books of all-time. I do not exaggerate.
Hi zac,
I think that it's great that you have that courage to sail around the world on your own. Your parents must be so proud of you. I enjoy reading your blogs which I have learned something new things about sailing. Keep up the good work and I will be praying for your safety. Have fun on your journey.
Hi Zac,
I've heard about you from a relative of mine and thought it would be interesting to read about you. I have enjoyed every blog that you have written about your journey and have learn alot from it. Hope you have fun sailing and be safe throughout your journey. Your parents must be very proud of you!
zac --- here's hoping you get a grand welcome into majuro. so many of the ZAC PAC will be with you in spirit. enjoy. rest. eat. DRIVE SAFELY (if you must drive). enjoy the time with your dad and embrace the people and culture of majuro. you remain in our prayers---as always.
john baker/hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com
Pickled Fish Recipe
Ingredients
•2 lbs salt fish fillets (herring or smelt have great results-see the note below)
Salt the fresh fish with a visible dusting of salt on both sides of the fillet and seal in a lidded container. This step is to firm up the fillet and slightly ‘cook’ it. Add the remaining ingredients after 24 hours’
•3/4 cup water
•3/4 cup white vinegar
You may substitute the next 5 ingredients with a ¼ cup of pickling spice.
•1 broken up bay leaf
•2 cloves garlic
•1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
•1/4 teaspoon whole allspice
•1/4 teaspoon dill seed
I substitute the sugar with 1/3 cup brown sugar, which gives the pickled fish a darker color and a richer taste.
•1/3 cup granulated sugar
•1 large onion
Directions
1.Soak the fillets in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator overnight. This will firm up the fillets.
2.Change water twice.
3.To make the pickling solution, combine water, vinegar, seasonings and sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil.
4.Stir to dissolve sugar; let cool.
5.Rinse the fillets.
6.Cut fish in 2-inch pieces removing bones.
7.Peel and dice onion.
8.Arrange fish and diced onion in alternate layers in container.
9.Cover with pickling solution and secure top on container.
10.Store in coolest location on boat, (preferably in cooler), before serving.
11.The fish will keep up to 3 weeks refrigerated.
Note. If not refrigerated, but stored in coolest spot on board, consume before 10 days. Non cured iced fish can be kept without spoiling up to a ten day shelf life. Salted or pickled fish will equal this duration. If you want to experiment with preserving fish with salt, adjust the amount of salt in the batch to lengthen how long the pickled fish will keep. For heavier salted fish, prior to eating, you can soak the pieces in fresh cool water to remove a lot of the saltiness.
I have successfully used this recipe with the following fish, but have not tried it on fish in the South Pacific. Salmon, Herring, Cod, Halibut, Smelt.
Zac,
Sail On!!!!
Went sailing today on Seneca Lake and thought of you several times! My sailing club buddies are all following your progress, we even had an article in our monthly news letter "Tell Tales"
Such an awesome adventure, as the kids like to say "you rock"!
Good on ya mate, stay safe, brush and floss!!
Anita ~_/)
Waterloo, NY
USA
I saw St. Elmo's Fire one night while flying around thunderheads in a small airplane. The antenna and wings were glowing in a hazy violet/pink. Very eery. Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, it faded into a memory.
Of course, you will see different constellations in the night sky when you cross into the Southern Hemisphere. Have you made out the Southern Cross yet?
Lee / MDR
Don't get Tshirts made just yet.
I'm sure they still have some from the boat show send off.
I don't know how they will handle the sale of the shirts but I am sure Marianne will post something.
To the Zac Followers Having Trouble With The Pin Map:
You may have a firewall or blocker that is keeping it from opening, I have checked the link:
http://pub31.bravenet.com/guestmap/show.php?usernum=2662145323
And it is working from here.
I'm checking with Bravenet.Com to see if they will sponsor a premium Guestmap for Zac rather than just the free version currently being used. It would have more features, better zoom and more pin capacity, which I think we will be needing!
Bob in OKC
Zac,
Greg, Leanne and Travis are praying for wind, protection and a safe return home. Enjoy the journey!
God bless you and keep you,
The Key's
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