I have just lost a day of my life. I have been thinking today about how or if I will ever get it back.
Interesting.
At this position, I am 420 nautical miles from Majuro. As it is already Wedneday here, I am hoping to arrive on Saturday in the early afternoon. Dad and Greg (from Itik Productions) are landing about 10am so hopefully they will be here to see me in. It will be good to get on land again. Some of the locals are organising to see me into the harbor which will be great. Moana is still nearby and we are hoping to be able to enter the harbor together as they don't have any charts of the area. I have a bunch of charts but not much in the way of a detailed cruising guide. They guys in Majuro should be able to guide us in via radio though. The pass seems pretty straight forward with no coral reefs to speak of and deep water all around. Also the channel is very well marked. As long as I make it there during daylight my entry should be relatively easy. If I arrive after dark, I will need to wait untl morning. I will have to pace myself as I get nearer so that I arrive at a good time.
Nothing too exciting today. I did have a squall this morning but it passed next to me. Dave Morris' forecast shows the following:
Satellite imagery shows a larger convective complex developing at 8N 175W,also tracking from east to west, a little faster than the surface flow.Thunderstorms associated with this system are likely to influence Intrepid’sweather over the next 12 hours.
I am a little north of my course anyway so I will beware but looks like Moana, who is further south, will have to be on their guard.
Have been reading Jesse Martin's book Lionheart. This is the book he wrote after his solo, non-stop, unassisted round the world sail. It is a great read. I am also reading several cruising guides and trying to finish Joshua Slocum. I have been eating oatmeal and fruit for breakfast and cooking up a 'linner' in the afternoon of something hot. I'll probably try more rice and either canned chicken or tuna tonight. I have a lot of dired fruit, nuts, beef jerky and power-type bars on board. I do remember that Trader Joe's pineapple though. Have to get mom to get me some!
The winds were light this morning and gradually increasing to about 20 knots. The swells are less steep and I have been able to do a little boat surfing today. The angle is very comfortable so I am able to keep the full genoa out and the main with one reef.
All is well here. Really enjoying covering so much ground. Thanks for all the tips and advice!
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
8:42 PM
46 Comments:
International date line!
Milestone number one, Zac.
Majuro is next!
We wait in eager anticipation!
Scott
:)
It's so cool reading your blog as a 16 year old sailor as well. Good luck!
Cap. ZAC…
Hey why you think that you lost a day?
Think in this way, you are one day younger than when you left MDR…
You are very descriptive in your post, I like that. These thing permits to all non native English speakers understand quite well what are you doing and all comment that you did.
Apart from that you have a GOOD NARRATIVE… CONGRATULATION …
I don’t wan a be annoying and reiterative, but CAN YOU PLEASE up loud somewhere when you arrive at MAJURO some pictures from you in the middle of your trip..
THANK YOU CAP…
Well its time to go sleep, It’s 2 AM here.. See you
Glen
Hey Zac,
So you crossed the international date line... YIPPEE!!!! Once you set the record for youngest solo circumnavigator, you'll have to set out once again but go the other way around and get that lost day back! LOL
You're doing an absolutely terrific job, Zac. Just had to laugh out loud yesterday when I read about the driver's license. If you really do get one, do us all a favor and don't use it!! We don't want anything to happen to you on land that would prevent you from setting sail again.
The "Zac Pac" are all proud of you!
Smooth sailing into port.
--Karl
Colorado Springs, CO
I have a feeling we'll be hearing alot about you in the coming years,My wish is today's youth is paying attention to your journey!
I'm a daily visiter to your blog.
Straight Wakes!
Mike S.
electronic first aid for water damage.
*remove battery
*place in zip lock bag with DRY white rice for 24 hours
*works reliably
Straight Wakes,
Mike S.
Hi Zac
Well done! The Date Line is a significant milestone. Don't worry about the day you've lost, just think of all the twentyfive hour days you've had! Either that or go round the other way next time!
Enjoy Majuro.
Tim
I'll take a Wednesday over a Tuesday any day of the week! Any fish? Birds? Pick up some yeast in Majuro and we'll get U baking fresh bread at sea.
Ok, this might be a stupid question, but now that he has crossed the IDL, when Zac says he will get to Majuro 'Saturday', is that OUR Friday?
Hello Zac & Everyone,
I'm glad you crossed the International Date Line. It looks like your getting ready for some fun and land time on Majuro. I'm sure you'll be happy to see Dad again but I know you'll really miss seeing Mom on the Island also.
Hopefully you'll get all the post cards everyone sent your way. Thanks everyone for taking a little time and sending Zac something he can also ready while at sea. Please enjoy your time on Majuro and we'll be waiting for you to start sailing again on Intrepid after some repairs (get busy Dad & help) and some R&R.
Can't wait until tomorrow for yet another blog.
Sail to Majuro,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hi Zac,
Does a squall cause a swell? I think a squall is a wind gust, is that correct? And a swell is a wave right? Just trying to understand the conditions out there a bit better. What ever the case, I am glad to hear the squall passed you at the side, and the swells aren't too bad, hehe.
Gods speed getting to land in a few days for some stretching of the legs!!! Keep on keepin on Zac!!!
Ciao,
Lisa
Zac,
We are a class of 10 learning disabled students and two teachers here in New Hampshire USA. We heard about you on National Public Radio. The kids, who are 11-13 years,attend a summer program to work on their deficits. We enjoyed reviewing your website for the first time today and were excited to hear about your latest progress. We are curious about the greatest challenge you have faced thus far? We wish you the best of luck!
John Potter, Ben Clapp teachers, Exeter NH, USA
I guess once you get back to MDR, you'll just have to start back out sailing in the opposite direction to get that day back! :)
Not that this experience isn't education enough, but do you have regular high school subjects/homework you have to turn into your Mom during your trip? Are certain aspects of your trip "counting" as schoolwork? It certainly is applicable in so many areas - geography, foreign cultures, psychology, your blog writing - just to name a few.
Fair sailing to Majuro!
Brooke
Raleigh NC USA
So exciting that you've passed the international date line and are so close to your next port! Very cool that you might get to sail in with your new friends on the Moana... I'll say again how much I'm enjoying keeping up with your blog and how impressed I continue to be with your strength, courage, and excellent ability to keep us all entertained and informed. So glad you have such a supportive family and friend network. Can't wait for your next entry! Take good care out there, you all stay in my prayers, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
Hey Zac,
Congrats on passing the International date line, big milestone!
Your blog is such a great way to start each day, you're an awesome writer, so much fun to read.
I don't think you should cut your hair, just pick up some hair ties in Majuro and tie it back when it becomes bothersome.
I think it's a great idea to have Bill cut it at the welcome home party. There will be a party won't there? I'm planning on being in MDR when your sails come into view!
Have a great time with your Dad in Majuro.
Mona
Tucson, AZ
Zac,
Just wondering on the fishing thing. Do you keep a lookout for weed patches or other floating stuff that would attract fish? If you saw some you could troll past and likely hook up to something. Nothing would beat having some fresh tuna.
You should get that license in Majuro . It'll give you one more thing to look back on when you return, and in later years when you're old, gray and reading on the net about some 13 year old trying to break your record. Maybe you could get one in the other ports you stop at as well.
Bob
Zac,
What charts did you take with you from the start? You said you have a bunch, but could you be specific? Or, are you mostly going by directions via radio / emails from your hometeam (family, friends, and support crew)?
I know there is a location out there somewhere in the middle of nowhere that it gets shallow & the waves are about 50 foot tall. They have videos on YouTube of people surfing down them. A sailor friend of mine said the area is well known and on "all the charts." That wouldn't be a place to bump into by accident!
C-18
Shouldn't we have a world map on Zac's blog to see where everybody is coming from? Here is a link to Clustr Maps. Works very nice with the Google Blog.
http://www4.clustrmaps.com
Just don't drive over there we need you for the rest of the trip LOL
Axel,AR
Have some fun driving when you get into Majuro. When we sailed to Hawaii the first time on my Dad's boat, we took two foldup bicycles along and they worked pretty good for getting around town. On my second trip back to Hawaii, with my girlfriend, I took a "Honda 50 mini trail" motorcycle. I had a dingy mounted on deck right side up that the Honda fit in. It was a tiny thing but we used the heck out of it in remote places. Susan and I both could squeeze onto it and off we would go. We looked like a human blob going down the road. Driving is fun. Just be really careful. When I got back from my trip, I couldn't wait to get back in my 1965 Mustang GT and roar away.
Hi Zac,
I've been thinking about the time/date thing and it is very interesting. From here on out, as you make your way back to MDR around the earth, you will slowly gain back the time as you chase the sun going west. You will end up right back in the same timezone that you started. So you did age a day in a moment, buy you will slowly gain back your youth!!
Maureen
Looking forward to reading about your (and Moana's) arrival in Majuro this weekend! You've made amazing time on this leg of your journey which I'm sure has been a great boost to you,psychologically speaking. You're also eating well which is more good news.
Sorry I can't help you with any restaurant suggestions in Majuro. Maybe I'll do some research and see what I can find for you! You might find that the food on the boat is better, LOL!
Sorry about the suggestion I made that Bill be allowed to cut your hair when you return to MDR. I just thought it would be funny and a great way to welcome you back! Actually, he might even know what he's doing and might surprise all of us. Anyway, I'm sure you could also find that in Majuro you can open a salon as long as you tell your clients that you're a "good" haircutter!
Prayers and best wishes as you reach Majuro!
Melanie in Torrance
Lisa,
You're basically right. A squall is a sudden strong gust which is usually accompanied by heavy rain. And it's the wind that causes the swells or turbulent surface. That's how I have always understood them. Anyone else?
Zac,
So you've lost a day in your life...Haha. It's funny that you contemplated that for a bit. I would have too. Don't worry, my wife came here from Oz (Australia) and gained a day. Technically she took off from Brisbane, flew to Auckland, then on to Los Angeles and arrived at about the same time, same day she took off. Honestly, she doesn't look any different at all. You'd never know it.
By the way, get the driver's license and keep it. Add it to your memorabilia. You're going to get lots of things from all of your ports of call, and you'll hold dear some of the things that were always close to you day in and day out on the boat. Sort of like Wilson, the soccer ball in Castaway. All of these things will have stories attached.
Ride on!
Scot
California
Zac,
Been doing some quick calculations here. Correct me if I am wrong.
Assuming that you arrive at Majuro on Saturday, it will be exactly seven weeks from the day you departed MDR. You spent two nights in Catalina and six nights at Waikiki, and have been making headway for 41 days.
I calculate that your route to Majuro will have taken you roughly 4,520 nautical miles (5200 statute miles). This is based on rough straight-line calculations following your posted waypoints. It does not consider tacks and/or runs off course.
Assuming eight layover days (Catalina and Waikiki)and 41 days en route, your average daily headway has been roughly 120.24 knots per day, at an estimated average of 4.6 knots per hour.
I find this very impressive. Isn't the hull speed of the Islander 36 about 6.25 knots?
(I've had friends that took this long just to cross from MDR to Hawaii!)
I calculate your new route to Thursday Island to be roughly a 2,510 knot leg (2,890 statute miles) from Majuro. At an average of 4.6 knots per hour, this will take you about 23 days.
In just a few short weeks, your blog watchers have seen you grow through the anxiety of your first night alone at sea, into a seasoned single-handing sailor who knows his boat. A 2,510 knot leg doesn't seem that daunting anymore, does it?
Keep up the great work. Be safe!
Continued fair winds,
Lee / MDR
zac --- congrats on crossing the IDL. you are making great progress, young man.
john baker/hollywood/ca/USofA
I really like being apart of the ZAC PAK!!! Im making tshirts!!!
Zac,
Here's a link for restaurant options in Majuro;
http://www.miecobeachyc.com/dining.htm
It gives quite a few names of places and what the menu is like.
Sounds like pizza and burgers are readily available. In the RRE Hotel in Uliga in addition to burgers and pizza, they have mexican food on Tuesday nights which is also called Yachtie's night. Although, Andy's Restaurant has this dish called "stir fry miscellaneous things inside chicken" that sounds REALLY good! Sorry I'm gonna miss that meal and the chicken dissection portion of the program! LOL
Happy Eating!
Melanie in Torrance
Zac,
I find myself anxious to open your report each morning. Very enjoyable. I expect you're already thinking about some of these things, but I'd love to be able to see more of the things you're seeing. Living inland away from the ocean, it would be nice if occasionally throughout your trip another boat could sail along side filming your adventure. You talk about surfing down the swells. Maybe even a view from below the water looking at your boat. It would be a great picture. I'd love to see a panorama of your view with nothing in sight but ocean. Perhaps your welcoming party in Majuro and some of the people you see along the way. I expect that by the time your journey is complete there will be thousands of people reading your blog. Many of them, like me, would be willing to purchase a movie to better enjoy your travels. I know you've got plenty to think about already but I wanted to pass the idea by you. Whats the view like when you climb to the top of the mast to fix something in the middle of the ocean? What does a squall look like from a few miles away? What does it look like while you're passing through it? What does a booby bird look like and why are they so damn stupid? Any dolphin company? Cute island girls in Majuro? (Sorry mom) Anyway, you're living an amazing journey that would be a pleasure to watch more on. Have a great and safe day. Greg.
gmfjckzhey Zac "your the man"
the salt waters rolling out of my eyes as i thrill with you going over the IDL... it is really a big big thing...even you'll look back and marvel...
my last trip to europe they stole everything out of my rent-a-car in nice,france... airline tickets, passport...money etc...
so now i have a US passport issued from Paris,France it's great when i use it as identification... LOL, always starts a conversation...LOL
getting your liscense is way cool as i was riding my bike yesterday i was thinking about your Majuro liscense and when you get stopped the first time... LOL
we all remember our first ticket...
i can here the officer now...
officer... "drivers liscence please"
zac..."yes sir"
officer.."where is Majuro"
zac... "the marshall islands, sir"
officer... "where's that"
zac... "its a small island in the middle of the pacific ocean"
officer... "i see, you from there"
zac... "no, sir"
officer... "what were you doing there"
zac... "i was sailing around the world by myself"
officer... "dispatch, send me some back-up"...
LOL...
make sure you're smiling in your liscense photo,
smiles open doors where ever you are in the world...
you're best traveling companion besides the LORD is a good sense of humor and especially when you can laugh at yourself...
we're all so so proud of you Zac, and Team Sunderland, for willing to take us on this journey too...
having gone to "WOODSTOCK".. i definetly will be in MDR... at your arrival, you're a modern day Lindberg, or Amelia Earhart, there are a handful of things that happen only once in a lifetime... and Zac you're one of them...
have fun driving something with a motor for a change...LOL, but at the price of fuel you'll be going back to "green" pretty quick...LOL
in our hearts and in our prayers
Mark n adino Vicksburg,Ms...
Exciting news about your coordinates all great stuff Zac!
We're with you in Birmingham, Alabama, Zac. I think of you a lot, pray for your safety and wish you success in your journey.
Zac,
To put your travels so far into another perspective, from New York City to Honolulu is (as the Albatross flies) 4,310 nautical miles (4960 statute miles). Once reaching Majuro you will have traveled 4,520 nautical miles (or 5,200 statute miles).
Alone over the deep blue sea?
I think this qualifies, by definition, as being "Intrepid."
Lee / MDR
Greetings from Diamond Bar, Calif, where yesterday we had a 5.4 earthquake. Almost as exciting as sailing around the world alone, OK, maybe not....
Good winds, to the horizon, and then Home!
how 'bout it friends ---let's select a name --- "zac pack" (ala the "rat pack" -- for those old enuf to remember)--"zac pak" or the "ZAC PAC" -- maybe that's the ticket.
whatever it is ---we're all pulling and praying for zac.
john baker/hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com
Howdy from Deep S Texas next to Mexico. I have been enjoying reading your blog as you have traveled across the Pacific. Wish you the best! Too bad you are not coming by Brownsville, Texas on your way back! GOOD MEXICAN FOOD HERE!
Best wishes!
Tejano
Zac...
Whoo-Hooo!! Good on ya mate!!!
No worries you'll never miss that "lost day"...LOL!!
Fair winds, God speed
Anita ~_/)
Waterloo, NY
USA
oh yes, brush and floss!! :)
Hi again Zac! :)
I continue to check on your blog each day, and your words are always a welcome read, you have such maturity about you in what you write, and I am glad to know that you are safe and well!
It is great to hear that things are going pretty well to plan! My continuing best wishes for the rest of your journey.....I hope you stay safe, and you have a great experience.
Regards, Dave
Hey Zac! This is Guy and Emma now in Washington DC! We think it is so cool you crossed the international date line! We know you will be happy to see your dad in Majuro! We can't wait to see some pictures! Talk to you soon:) Guy and Emma from Charleston
Zac, each day I read your blog, I admire you more…
I’m in my 40’s, a former-Marine, have sailed quite a few miles myself, successful entrepreneur, built and sold many companies, currently outright own 2, and have investments in many…
What I’m TRYING to say here… …is that I’ve done a lot, I’ve seen a lot, I’ve experienced a lot, and I’ve learned a lot…
While I certainly have never had a problem looking up to someone younger than me (e.g. Olympic Athletes, you scientist, etc.. etc.)…
…I never could have imagined that I would look up to someone as young as you…
My hat is off to you my man… In the grandest of ways…
I believe you met my friend Eric in Hawaii, I know he met your mom…
I can only hope that one of my “other” experiences in life is to meet you at one of your leg-layovers and shake your hand…
Hell of a guy in my book, as are your parents and many others that supported your dream and are supporting you LIVING your dream…
A very dedicated and blog reading and follower,
Daveh
hey zac "your the man"...
check it out they have a bowling alley in Majuro...ten shiny lanes.. should be a great place to visit with the locals ..local style... and get the lay of the land
also a billfish tournament once a month... maybe pick up a few tips on how to fish the waters there...and ways to cook fish...local style
and get some "wasabe".. green hot chinese mustard paste... mixed with soy sauce to eat your "sashimi" raw fish...
the islands look beyond spectacular... the diving is gonna be incredible... bring some cheap underwater cameras from walmart with you laurence...
also laurence... pick up a couple of black pearls for marianne and the girls... value is determined by size "mm" and the lack of imperfections (small with no imperfection worth more than large with imperfections.....also if you can find a pair that match close... ps dont forget to barter, example...what if i buy more than three...can i have a better price... the hue (green purple gold etc, no pearl is pure black)... is just personal preference... buy the pearls loose (less expensive) that way your jeweler can mount them,hiding any imperfections... earings, pendant, necklace...etc... they should be about 1/10 th to 1/20th the price of in california... merry christmas ;-) marianne... and abby...
hey by the way what kinds of boats are "Moana" and the "Lady Sarah"
1/6 th of the way gone Zac 5/6th to go...
enjoy your time in Majuro and all the beautiful people there...especially the pizza, (won't be Dominoe's) LOL
especially the gospel hymns...the fellowship...the food... and the time with one another...
we ride the swells with you and Intrepid
mark n adino in vicksburg,ms
ps dont worry about blogging... we know you're out having fun...and we'll be patient...
Zac,
Congrats on crossing the IDL!
Ok for the Zac fanatics:
Zac Pack
Zac Pak
Zac Pac
I'm voting for the last one.
e!
Hey, Zac. Is the reason you cant post any pictures is beacause of licensing of the film documentory you are putting together? Anyway, happy sailing, and catch big Wahoo!!!! Like the previous post said, look for kelps, logs, dead whales, trash, any of that. Often baitfish will be underneath that stuff, and in turn, will attract larger species. Any feather, shiny plug, etc. will work......Automatic. Carry on......Mr. Wahoo
Congratulations Zac!
Minnesota Family
Zac,
We are continuing to watch your journey and pray for you.
We have a few questions: Do you have a watermaker on board? Dad
Have you caught any fish yet? Elise, 6 1/2
Were you freaked out when the baracuda came up half eaten? Caleb, 5
Hey Zac,
This is so much fun! As our family follows your blog and progress, the things you describe and the places you are going, are looked up on the net and explored. I did not know where Majuro was just two weeks ago, but now I know every little beach and coral out-croping, the buildings, (thanks to google-earth), and the history of the area. I did not know so many battles were fought by the Americans and Japanese just in this area. Amazing. I figure that by the time you reach MDR, our family will know the world. (From the comfort of our home, of course.)
Kristi wanted me to tell you that she almost picked up a can of spam at walmart today. I have to admit that I am glad we did not have spam tonight for dinner.
Great job for passing the IDL. I am sure you let out a shout when you realized you had crossed the line.
Jerry
Zac,
Have been following your excellent adventures since we saw you on the sunrise show here in HI. We've enjoyed your comments on your blog since you've left the islands. We look forward to your comments about Majuro. My wife and I were married there over 30 years ago. We were working on the atoll then. At that time, there weren't all that many cars there, and there is only one road that runs the length of the atoll above water. I don't think you'll have much problem with traffic, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. Enjoy your time there, and we look forward to pictures of the place now. A continued safe journey to you. Aloha, Dennis and Marnie
zac,
how do you lose a day? can you find that day? ____________
I LOST DAY I
I I
I REWARD I
I offered I
I call Zac I
I if I
I founed I
I__________I
p.s. i LOVe reading your blog! ever think bout writing a book? lol. may jesus be with you
Taylor(13)
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