Ships, hurricanes and flying fish
Finally, something besides Top Ramen to write about!
First, the hurricanes...tropical storm Boris that was not expected to come to much while tropical storm Cristina was one to be watched. Then Boris became a Catagory 1 hurricane (900 miles away) and never heard about Crisitina again. Maybe Boris ate her? They were close together. Mom, Dad, David Morris and I were up late strategizing how to procede since I had little wind and Boris was moving along at 10 knots. The plan was made to continue in a southwest direction, pick up the slowly reestablishing trades and sail west ahead of Boris. Then before bed, Boris became a tropical storm again. By breakfast time he was a hurricane again! But not to worry becasue he is a tropical storm again and appears to be winding down.
Second, the ships...three of them today. All appearing to be on course with me which meant no nap and spending the afternoon watching big ships, who won't answer me on the VHF radio, pass slowly by. Yes, there was one large white smoking ship today that was going 6 knots! The trouble with the ships today was that one of them, an oil tanker, did not activate the AIS ship radar. This device is made specifically to pick up a signal sent through the VHF radio of all commercial shipping vessles. The ship shows up on the screen but more importantly the AIS has an alarm feature that sounds when ships enter a preset range so that you can keep an eye on them. Why this ship didn't activate the AIS alarm I will probably never know but it taught me an invaluable lesson. Though it is tempting to turn off the second radar alarm at night to conserve power, it should never be done.
Lastly, flying fish...a wonderful sight to see. These foot long fish have wings and literally fly through the air at least 100 yards. I think my boat was scaring them because they were flying all around me! My mom mentioned that they can become a pain when they start to land on the deck and die and smell. My dad suggested eating them by I already have plans for anyone of them who dares to fly aboard the Intrepid. Bait. With all the ships and dealing with techinical issues today, I didn't have time to fish.
The wind should be here in a 'few days'. Sound familiar? Many seasoned sailors have told me about the new definition of patience that is learned by long distance sailing. I think I'm getting it. I am excited to have the winds nearby. There is some talk of heading into Hawaii but we'll see how the next few days go.
Thanks for checking in.
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
10:43 PM
48 Comments:
Good to hear your upbeat,the best is yet to come!
Your an inspiration to my grandkids!
Hang tough
Straight Wakes,
Mike S.
Hey Zac,
Oh my gosh! What an exciting blog this one was. Amazing! My biggest wonder is what happens when these large ships bear down on you. What a rush. Do you make contact with them? Have they heard your story? It must be strange to see them when you are out there seemingly alone.
And the flying fish to me are a signal. They were cheering you on. They wanted you to know they are watching out for you :) Maybe one will land on deck to offer itself as bait for your teriyaki tuna!
Yes, I hope you pull into Hawaii for a shower, food stock up and alcohol for cooking. I know I would feel better if you did that. And I'm not your mother! What your journey is doing to my life!
I am sitting here watching the US Olympic tryouts on TV. Michael Phelps is a true athlete who has already broken records, just in the tryouts! He too has a mother who has been there every step of the way in his swim career.
Then I think of you. Not much different then an Olympic athlete. You have trained for your journey since childhood. You are fighting the challenge of your young life. And you have your mother cheering you on. But you have a bigger task at hand than an athlete going for the gold medal.
Your event is life challenging. You will fight the weather, the mind, and your body too, to win your medal. And you too will go down in history, as many great influential people we are encouraged to learn about, and gain strength from. I can't think of a person of influence through my lifetime, that I can actually say I admire, until now. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life at this time of great importance for you.
I caught your link you must have added to July 1 blog of your article in the LA TImes. Thanks for posting it. The author kind of wrapped up all your blogs in one article to give the reader a sense of where you are. I would rather read your words in your blog though. They mean much more.
I never have thought you sound miserable, nor have I thought you seem bored. Tired? Yes, you said so yourself. Maybe the writer was trying to add dramatics into the article. But she didn't need to do that. Your journey alone provides all the drama, and more than any of us could probably handle. But yet you are handling it.
I will read all articles about you, but will prefer t read your own book someday, and see your story on a big screen.
Sail on Zac. Praying for you now more than a few times a day.
Best regards,
Peter
Zac,
I just checked your current position, and on Google Earth, it looks like you traveled further today? Great job man!
Your blog is interesting BUT having reverse (white) type on a dark background is poor graphic design as it is difficult and tiring to read. Have you ever seen a book printed with white type on a dark background?
Maximum legibility for text on a computer screen is black text on a light gray, not white, background. The page on which is comment is displayed is a good example of that.
If the point of publishing information on your blog is so that people will read it, then why not make it easy for them to read by changing the design of the blog to black text on a light background?
I was waiting to go to bed, but couldn't.. you hadn't added your blog yet! So, I waited! I just love hearing all your stories... every bit is sooooo interesting. It reminds me a little bit of the ongoing radio shows years ago except real... it's the ongoing part that is so interesting, what's next? what's happening now, what's new today? Are you suprised at all the attentive readers out here?? I kind of am... I thought it was only me that loved these kind of stories - but there are many of us and I'm glad!! What a day you've had! You sound so mature for a 16 year old!~ Great story! Great guy! Great winds to come!
CHEERS ZAC!!
j.
You sound like you're doing great. I took my 79 year old grandfather around Vancouver Island last summer (he's an old salt), and he'd just laugh when I complained about the wind, and my desire to get moving so we could "do some sailing". He reminded me that.....waiting for the wind is sailing, (or least a very large part of it). I know that doesn't help much, but it's something to ponder.
I also have question: What type of main sheet traveler set up are you using? I just upgraded to a windward sheeting traveler and I highly recommend it.
Your daily updates are awesome, keep 'em coming.
love your stories! glad you are keeping SAFE! thanks for keeping us up to date with all your interesting stories! There are so many people out there reading and loving your bog each day and routing for you!!!!!
Take care from Vancouver Island!
ps... your blog is just fine - what ever color it is... you have more important things to worry about! :-)
to anonymous above
1
adjust your screen resolution
2
update your glasses/contacts prescription
3
stop whining
Zac, you're doing an unbelievable job, this is so exciting
j
I agree, the blog typeface is just fine and easy to read. I'm guessing the guy who made those comments has a very tidy boat, with easy to read black and white labels on everything. "WINCH HANDLE HOLDER", "COMPASS", etc.
And just so you know, I think all your blog posts are great. It's all very exciting to me, even without boats and flying fish.
bahahaaa comments are hilarious! Can't imagine scolding a 16yr old kid in the middle of the pacific while he's alone with cold soup for dinner and commenting on the color of his blog!
love ya uncle hectic! YOU TOO ZAC!
Happy sailing! be safe! and know we all think of you and pray for your safe travels! not to mention our admiration and respect!
love from
b.
Those flying fish mean Mahi Mahi are in hot pursuit giving chase. Even if you're busy fixing other things try and have a your fishing line in the water at sunrise and sunset. I'm not sure if it's the angle of the sunlight as it hits the lures or it's just plain hunger but the fish seem to be quite aggressive at those times.
It would have been nice if one of those ships dropped a care package of fresh food. But hey it's early days yet. Alot of the crew on those ships are filipinos. So if U say, "mabuhay", ("hello" in Tagalog) they should respond. Picture this..Sunset,July 4th,sails full,kicking back,eating a big fat cheeseburger courstesy of a passing ship. It's almost spiritual!!
Hello Zac - this is Moody Blue, a single handed sailor from years ago. I knew your dad from when I had my boat in C Basin 12 years ago in Marina Del Rey.
Congratulations on your trip. Your concern with ships is a common problem with single handed sailors. The ships always look as if they are coming directly at you - even if they are not. At night - you can figure it out with the running lights. In the day, it is nearly impossible.
If they are really close - and will not respond to a general call - I have used the Securite (French pronunciation - Securite') warning. It is an official designation below May Day and Pan Pan used mainly for serious Navigation dangers. Commercial ships are required to log these calls (at least they were years ago - lol).
So - I would broadcast Securite', Securite', Securite'. This is the sailing vessel Intrepid. My location is X, Y, - My velocity is 5 knots - 240 degrees. I see a large vessel on a collision course with me. I have very limited maneuverability. Please respond with your location, velocity, and direction. Securite', Securite', Securite' - this is the sailing vessel Intrepid - standing by on Channel 16.
Usually they would then come back and respond.
Best of Luck,
Moody Blue
Zac-
I have been following your blog since I saw your departure on Good Morning America.You are an amazing young man! I know your parents are so proud.
I homeschool my 3 children, ages 7, 6, and 4.5. We will be following your trip and researching on the internet the places you stop at. You are in our prayers!
My husband took a trip in his 20's (he is 51 now) sailing down by El Salvador, Guatemala and all over the place down there for 10 months with his brother and two friends. He has shared a lot with me about his trip, and he is enjoying reading your blog as well. He doesn't read ANY other blogs, so you must be special to grab his attention. Lol.
I had a question for you. Are you having to do any academic studies right now on your trip (not like your trip alone is all of the education you would need), are you taking the summer off, or will you start up with some things in the Fall along on your trip? I understand you are homeschooled, so I was just curious how that is fitting in.
What a wonderful and amazing opportunity you have to see different cultures, creatures at sea, and to meet new people. You are taking along so many people with you on your journey, that we will be getting an education as well. Thank you. :-D
Take care and God Bless You! We will be praying for you and please, no matter how tired you are, don't forget to blog because you make us worry when we don't hear from you.
In Christ,
Frances P.
in Northern (not central...but really northern) California
Hey, Zac. Geez! How arrogant are these ship captains or what? Is it so hard to believe that there are going to be other sailing vessels in the proximity of their ships??? It's almost like drivers driving without their headlights on.
Be careful, dude!
Scott
Since Zac's time zone is too far west for me to stay up and wait, I now roll over, do that classic where-are-my-glasses maneuver, pry open my laptop and before my eyes are really open go straight to this blog to see what's new... And I can read it just fine! Blue is a LOVELY color, especially for a nautical blog! The only technical change I *might* like is for the RSS feed to work (something about the blog is telling the world that it hasn't been updated in three weeks), but since I check it MYSELF, before my eyes are focussing properly, it doesn't matter!
Peter (your second commenter) usually says everything I might like to, so I'll just chime in with "ditto!" You're doing GREAT and I'm riveted!
Hey Zac,
I've been reading your blog since Monday. I just learned about your journey when your story was featured in Teen Times (newspaper that we used in ESL class). By the way, I teach English to Koreans. So your story was featured in Amazing News of Teen Times. From then on, I've been checking your blog everyday. I admire your courage and spirit in achieving your dreams. When I discuss your story with my students, I tell them to make you as their inspiration in following their dreams. I've been praying for you too. AJA! (good luck in Korean)
- Pearl from the Philippines
Zac,
Sounds like you are doing well. I am sure your journey will pick up when the wind comes. You are such an inspiration. I check your blog daily. I am 3 hours ahead of your time zone so I check it first thing every morning. Your writing is so interesting and I can't wait for you to write your book when you complete your journey.
My kids like tracking your progress on Google Earth. We will continue to watch your journey unfold and pray for safe travels.
Best Wishes,
The England Family
Zac,
Good to hear that you're seeing life, bad that some of it is BIG ships moving along without thought.
With your slower than expected progress and more southerly route than planned, Hawaii sounds like a great place to catch ones breath so to speak.
A couple days around humans, some good food, and better sleep should see you well on your way to the Marshall's. I'm sure you can adjust timing along the way to make the Indian Ocean passage as planned.
Remember what you're Mom said, "Age doesn't matter as long as your safe" Besides, there will be days when you'll catch lots of wind and be ahead of schedule....bank on that.
Hi Zac,
I check your blog every day but only comment occasionally.
I am amazed that someone can read your blog and not be impressed by your ambitious goal and tremendous achievement to date. To only comment on the choice of type colour and nothing else is mind bogglingly sad but hey, it takes all sorts! Just smile and leave anonymous to his black on light grey world.
Actually I am hugely impressed by your command of English and your ability to keep us all in the picture and enthralled. Top marks to your home school tutors! Mum and Dad I guess.
Three cheers for Team Sunderland!!!
Oh, by the way, I guess that you have got good reasons for planning your first stop at Majuro and that your back up team are up to speed with the energy situation there. If not it might be worth them checking if it will impact on your visit.
No matter what, keep smiling!
Tim
Zac,
Your blog colors are perfect. Anonymous needs to adjust his computer screen. We have never had a problem with your site. Flying fish? Would loved to have seen that. Charley and Joshua
Uncle Hectic....What boat? I doubt anonymous is a sailor. I think a sailor would find something else to comment on.
Zac- If you stop in Hawaii, do you run the risk of losing your weather window further in the trip? And what is the risk involved if you did? I mean, are you talking about trying to avoid hurricane/typhoon season or does it have something to do with the wind?
Zac,
I know its still early in your trip but my friends and I are already planning a trip to Cali for your home coming next year!
Aloha Mate
W
zac- keep your spirits up and your eyes open, we are praying for you.
Zac,
Like all the other folks, I am tracking your blog daily. Your daily entries are like a breath of fresh air and inspire each of us with your wanderlust spirit. Unlike you, many of us did not the guts to have gone through with our dreams like you are doing and are living out our dreams through your journey. We are all so proud of you and the progress you have made so far, not just in miles but in experience as time goes on. Its amazing the impact that your trip is making on people around the world! Do you feel the love????
Keep up the great blog entries, we all love them.
You are never alone, we are with you and God is watching over you.
God Bless
Terri
Hi again! Still following your journey every day and watching your progress Google Earth. Thought I'd share a sweet story with you...
My 3 year-old is just coming to understand the concept of dreaming at night. We've talked about it once a few weeks ago and I wasn't sure he really understood what I was saying. About a week ago, Connor was talking about the things he would do when we was my age (37) while we got ready for bed, and I told him he wouldn't have that long to wait! I knew about a boy (no offense - if I'd said a man that means Daddy's age) who is "sailing all around the world right now by himself and he is only 13 years older than you are." Maybe a minute long conversation at most until the Backyardigans stole back his attention.
Well, this morning (a week later) I woke him up to get ready for school. He rolled over and rubbed his eyes and said "Mommy, I was dreaming" with a pout - he didn't want to be awoken. I said "What were you dreaming about?" and he replied "I was dreaming about the boy on the sailboat in the ocean." It's the first time he's ever told me he dreamt about anything, and it was of you and your journey! I hope your and your parents' example helps me teach and help him to follow his dreams.
Does anybody know of any good websites that would give us watchers a better picture of what the winds are like where Zac is?
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Zac,
What an amazing adventure you have embarked on. The wisdom and depth that this journey will gift to you will be priceless. We all hope you meet your deadline but I don’t think that’s what holds the greatest intrigue for us. It’s being able to come a long for the ride in some sense. Physically you may be alone floating in a boat out there in the great blue wonder, but you have all of us with you in some way or another.
On another note here is something to ponder over.
What goes around the world but stays in a corner?
This comment has been removed by the author.
Zac,
I once heard that commercial ships refuse to chatter on the radio because they are then required to make log entries that they engaged in a communication which is just another step in the work day their crew would rather avoid. Might be true.
The really critical part of your story today was the failure of your equipment to identify the presence of a large commercial ship. Your family should ask the manufacturer to immediately provide feedback on that issue for your own safety...... and of course, so you could teach us!
On the flip side, I know that commercial ships are supposed to now have some type of transponder which identifies themselves to other shipping... and maybe theirs was malfunctioning or turned off in violation of law. Maybe this has something to do with your lack of warning?
As for the suggestion above to improve your web page, I know it was directed toward your family & not you. Don't let that bother you. And don't let the following comments from the "party" boys distract you into thinking its faulty thinking to have everything in its place on board a small craft. Its VERY important to know where everything is and labeling is one tactic that helps keep everything in its place.
There are always those around who spew faulty advice ( i.e. "time to party" ) and those who suggest helpful, perhaps life saving, advice such as keeping everything in its place. I'm glad for you that you left the "party" boys behind and undertook an endeavor that will give you memories for life. Leave the "party boys" to their reality TV fixation & stuffing their gut with beer.
I'm still following. Over here in Maine we are getting great noisy thunderstorms every afternoon. I love to be out in them and get soaked in the warm summer months, checking for rainbows. Every one of them reminds me of you, and I run in to check your progress.
-oldtimer Charlie. Doctor says I need to raise my heartrate every day...I'd say reading your check ins does it pretty well for me.
Wow Zac, it is fun to watch you live your dream! Do you read? Surf the web to pass time? I always wondered what I would do if I had time on my hands. Take care sail safe. Dory
See Zac
I told you the flying fish would start coming aboard. You can cook them and you can dry them for good chewie things later. Serge Testa dried lots of them on his trip around the world in his 12 Foot Boat. Keep up the good spirit.
Gordon & Little Dog Tina
In a 9 Foot Boat Around the World www.aroundinten.org
Hello Zac,
Did you see the same flying fish they have on a night time tour in Catalina? Most people won't believe that fish can fly but we know better.
Thank goodness you left your second alarm on. I'm sure those large tankers can look quite intimidating compared to your 36'.
Hopefully you'll be able to port in Hawaii if this won't disrupt your schedule too much. Need to get some alcohol for cooking, shower, and some well cooked Hawaiian food.
Look forward to your next blog.
Take care and sail safe,
Douglas Pistone
Brooke - Here's a diagram of the global wind patterns.
He is in the northeasterly trades right now above the equator at about 19º N latitude. These are prevailing wind directions but as with any winds...sometimes they are strong and sometimes they aren't. You can find out more by googling "Trade Winds" or "global wind patterns," etc.
Irene - you asked about his weather window. We can let him answer what his plans are but my wife can tell you in the meantime, since she's from Australia, he doesn't want to be around there during their monsoon season in January.
Roll on Zac. How amazing it must have been to watch the flying fish all around you. I will never forget having the honor to crew on the Bill of Rights. We moved towards one harbor being escorted by leaping, prancing dolphins all around the bow. That was quite a rush.
And remember, we in California can no longer hold a cell phone while driving. The "hands free" law.
Scot,
California
Busy day, huh? If you can, get some pictures of the flying fish for us!
Boris will never tire of being a confusion, will it? Just keeps going back and forth from storm to hurricane again and again.
Make sure to get some extra sleep when you get the chance, okay?
Safe journey,
~Kate~
I can not tell you how admirable it is what your doing Zac! I check in every morning to read about the adventures you had the previous day; it's like reading an adventure book in progress.
I hope you get some wind soon and get to stop in Hawaii!
Kindest Regards,
Lisa
Greeting from the top of the pacific. This is Mike in Kodiak, Zac....hang in there. Hope ya catch a tuna to teryaki! Catch some zzzz's in Hilo, dude.
Hey Zac, what great advise from Moody Blue above and I just love the little boy's dream about you on the ocean. We have a lovely community here of bloggers all inspired by your quest ...you're doing great mate!
Cheers from New Zealand
Glenys
zac
do not worry about the screen and the color at this time. It is some what difficult to read for me only becasue I am color blind. Black on while would be best for me. But I would not worry about it. Your job is to have fun and sail, fish and teach others. Keep those great stories coming.
Bill
Minneapolis
Hi Zac!
You can add my name to your growing list of fans. I've been following your blogs since you left, and I can't even begin to tell you (like so many other followers here) how excited I am for you, and how much I look forward to hearing about your next day's adventure.
I was mesmerized for hours the first time I came across flying fish. I love them!
Have a wonderful and safe journey Zac, and remember you really aren't alone out there!
Hi Zac,
You sound so happy and energetic - that's wonderful! Keep it up.
- Jessica
Flying fish make better meals than bait!!
really, if a flying fish lands on your deck at night, have him for breakfast. they are good eating and just the right size for a singlehanders meal.
Zac:
I am finding your adventure to be exciting and am enjoying living it through you. You must know that's working for many people and you are bringing excitement.
Your posts are great! Keep the details and descriptions real and it will allow us all to live your adventure with you. Blessings, Steve S.
M/M Sunderland -
I'm sure most of us know you're the ones reading & checking on Zac's blog comments. Please let us know what we can provide IF y'all & he decide he needs to port in Hilo for a day so that all of us may assist in providing what Zac needs.
To Zac -
Keep up the great work man - you're doing GREAT!
HUGS!
Tomi
HEY ZAC, WHAT GREAT INFO TODAY, THANKS! SOUNDS LIKE THINGS ARE GOING GREAT AND YOU SOUND GOOD IN YOUR WRITINGS! WANTED TO TELL YOU "HAPPY 4TH OF JULY" AND TELL YOU STILL KEEPING YOU IN MY PRAYERS AND ASKING GOD FOR WIND. KEEP UP YOU HARD WORK AND STAY SAFE! THE FLYING FISH ARE COOL, HAVE SEEN THEM ON CRUISES BEFORE. THE BOAT DOES SCARE THEM AND CAUSE THEM TO FLY AWAY FROM IT. I HOPE TOMORROW IS YOUR LUCKY DAY FOR FISHING.
DAVID
Hi There Zac...
Happy Independence Day!!!
Freedom to do what one wants - So many have given so much for us to be able to enjoy such freedom. You continue to be an inspiration to all of us, and you are a bright light on the horizon, a shining example of the freedom Americans enjoy. We are proud that you are an American, we send you a Red, White, and Blue salute!!
I will be in the backwoods for about four days, and can't hardly stand that I will have to wait until I'm back to see what you have been up to. Stay safe, and fair winds!
Bob.
zac,
I am an art teacher at an intercity school. i am always telling my students that they have to think out of the box, You certainly are doing that. i am going to use your route to teach a little geography, when schools takes in again.Have you made any skecthes along the way? I have found out that even if they are quick drawings, I remember the day or whatever, with better detail. Maybe I will be the oldest person to attempt what you are doing. God bless and keep you.
jbp
I am so glad you have made the Islands and can get some hot food again. Hope you have some time to enjoy yourself it is a great place....lived there a couple years in the 70's.
Having raised two teenagers I can't believe you ever even thought about leaving your friends for all this time.
I am enjoying the post. Rooting for you all the way!
Later.
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