Squalls, Thunder & Lightning
Latest Position 2:46 UTC 07/31/08: 8.26N, 175.39E
Long night with a few squalls and lightning storms. Thankfully, the lightning didn't get too close to Intrepid. I did put the handhelds in the microwave though! A mast is like a huge lightning rod and does attract the lightning. All boats are grounded to the water below but for some reason it doesn't seem to help in the case of on board electronics. Had more squalls off and on during the day which made sleeping difficult. Someone asked if a squall causes a swell? A squall is a small storm system that comes and goes pretty quickly. It usually brings higher winds and sometimes rain and swells (wave action). I think it depends on how far along the squall has been traveling (something to do with fetch). Usually swells are more affected by larger weather systems.
Looks like I am about 2 days out of Majuro. I should be in on Saturday (Friday in America) afternoon and hopefully Greg and Dad will be there before me. I am planning on staying about a week in Majuro. After that, it is still up in the air. There are a lot of factors involved in planning this part of the route with tides, currents, reefs. My Pacific crossing will seem tame compared to this next leg.
I'm sorry for the delay in getting photos on the site. There are many hours of footage and people are working nights to pull everything together at this stage. Hoping to have something excellent to show to Discovery by the end of this week.
posted by Zac at
9:19 PM
41 Comments:
Hi Zac & every one :
I have been reading your blog almost every day. You are super
sailer. It did not look like my trip to Malaysia across south China Sea that had very rough journey for freedom long time ago.
Any way I am enjoying very much your adventure.
God Bless you and good luck for every thing.
Ex boat people
Zac,
Good to see you're on a westerly bearing, catch those winds.
As for swells and waves in general their height and wave length are a function of wind velocity, duration and fetch. Squalls will generally only produce choppy waves not the big swells from storm systems...as I recollect from oceanography classes in grad school.
Fair winds,
Steve from OC
Hey Zac,
Its been fantastic reading your blog. Absolutely amazing the difference in how you write now compared to when you were in the first leg.
While in the beginning, it seemed you were a 16 year old vulnerable kid. But no longer. You have matured, and it is so beautiful to know in reading, that you truly are enjoying your journey.
Although I still pray for you daily, I rest know you are doing what you love. Its great. You sound great!
I am looking forward to your days ahead.
By the way, I love how you have learned after being in Hawaii, that Spam can be good. It is an island favorite. You truly became a Hawaiian! Can't wait to see what impact your next stop has in your life.
Best,
Peter
Good news, bad news time..The good news the drinking age on Majuro is like 12, the bad news is that from the satellite pics I can't see a brewery anywhere! They got beaches, sunny weather, wind, but no beer. Go figure!
Zac
Have a great day of sailing! How excited you must be that this leg of your adventure has gone so well and that soon you'll meet up with family again.
Fair winds and God speed young man; you have many loyal fans praying for you.
Anita
Waterloo, NY
USA
Hi Zac,
Sounds like you had an interesting night at sea! Thanks for explaining the squall/swell relationship.
Seems you are on schedule to step foot on land tomorrow,Friday (here) or Saturday (there), haha, that's kind of strange to think about.
Hope you have a great stay on Majuro and this next leg sounds like it could keep you on your toes! We will be thinking of you and yours and praying for you!!
Ciao,
Lisa
Hey Zac, you could always sail east to get back that day.....now Mom, I'm only kidding!
In actuality you've gained so much more in the time you've been at Sea. That day lost will be a small part of what you'll sit back in 50 years and remember.
On a personal front my restore of the old wooden sailboat continues, and I lucked into a 25 foot Oday a gentleman in Rhode Island wanted out of his yard. All I have to do is pay to have it put into the water and she's mine. Of course my wife HAD to remind me there is NO such thing as a free sailboat. But thank goodness there is cheap! That fit's me real nicely!
Keep up the strength, enjoy the Marshall's, be careful on the next leg, and we'll check with you as you go.
My two brothers are into stand up paddling, and have organized a 22 mile SUP paddling marathon from Plymouth, MA to Provincetown, MA.
Check it out at www.capecodbaychallenge.org
Hello Zac & Everyone,
Well another night without much sleeping. I'm sure when you arrive on land your going to enjoy a bed that doesn't rock and roll. It will all be over soon since your so close to land.
Thanks for all the great illustrations and explanations your giving us on your daily blog. I'm happy to hear that the microwave came in so handy. I'm sure anyone reading this outside of your blog would be wondering "what is he cooking in that microwave"? Luckily your not cooking the electronics!!! Thanks for giving us that great electronic tip. I never knew that a microwave would protect electronics during a lightning storm. Great information your giving us. I'm learning so much about sailing just by reading your daily blogs.
I'm so surprised at your age with all this bad weather and being out in the middle of the ocean doesn't scare you. I know you must be a very experienced sailor because this I'm sure would scare me. I don't think I could have handled this at your age, no way. I guess your up bringing and always being around boats makes this second nature for you.
I'm sure your getting ready to see Dad and docking Intrepid. Have a safe journey coming in. Hope you'll see my post card from MDR.
Take Care Zac,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hi There Zac...
Man you are the inspiration to so many folks. Have a great time in port, make lots of memories, unwind a little, eat good food, hug dad, give praise. You are doing awesome, and Team Sunderland has too.
Marianne, here is something that might be interesting for Zac and for his followers. It is a pushpin map that allows visitors to put a pushpin on the map of where they are located. It will be a visual of just how widespread Zac's Army really is. Here is the link:
http://pub31.bravenet.com/guestmap/show.php?usernum=2662145323
Take care Zac and I'll catch up with you after you are under way again!!
Blessings,
Bob in OKC
Zac,
Just checking in is reassuring to most of us. I think you will find people in Majuro that have been there, done that concerning your next leg. While you may have an idea right now how you want to go,
flexibility and dodging the weather
will be key for you here. Get lots of sleep in Majuro. Most people your age I know and have known like to sleep 12 hours. You will need some reserves. You are
doing a really physically strenuous and mentally challenging
endeavor, nothing quite restores our batteries like sleep. I look forward to some pictures.
Carry on, we're rooting for you in
Illinois.
Kate
hi zac,
my mom connected me with your blog. i read "maiden voyage" by tania aebi and loved it. can't wait to see what adventures await you.
Zac, I know that S. Calif doesn’t get many “thunderstorms”, in Florida we get them alllll the time…
If you ever think you’ve had a strike, ALWAYS check your thru-hulls / seacocks.
I have a friend that his boat sank in the slip because lightening hit the mast, came down, and arc’d over to his depth-sounded and exited the bottom of his boat via the depth-sounder.
Problem is, when the lightening exited, it took the sounder with it, leaving a 2.5” hole…
Had he been on the boat, he could have plugged it, however, he was comfortably sleeping through the storm in his home…
Good luck man!
Daveh
Hi Zac,
As usual, loved reading about your just about daily encounters with squalls there on the open ocean.
I was out in the York River/Chesapeake Bay ready to start a Wednesday night race when we got surrounded by the usual summer squalls that occur frequently in the area this time of the year. I was thinking about you as we were dealing with the gusty winds, rain and lightning.
But like a typical squall like you described, it quickly passed over us. It was thrilling to watch the advance of the storm, be in the middle of it all, and then a relief to see it pass.
While growing up in MDR as a teen, I did alot of local racing and we never encountered the type of severe weather that we have out here on the Bay. It is definately eye opening and heart pounding at times to say the least.
I just wanted to send greetings to you and best wishes for a great time in Majuro. Enjoy your time on land with your Dad and friends.
In our prayers and hearts,
Terri, Gloucester Virginia
Hi Zac,
I once researched lightning strikes on sailboats and found the topic extremely interesting because, as you said, the mast of a sailboat is essentially a lightning rod (attracts lightning). And, lightning doesn't just come down in one fine, narrow beam of some sort, it scatters a little, as thus might hit the mast directly... but rain down so to speak on the sailor, too, and either killing or injuring the person.
I read that the East Coast sailors can be seen headed into port quickly once electrical storms are in the region while the visiting boaters, and those from the West Coast, sometimes continue sailing out of a misunderstanding of how dangerous lightning is for sailboaters.
Even if it doesn't happen to harm the crew, it has been known to burn holes, as in MANY holes, through the fiberglass hull resulting in many leaks at the same time.
The general rule of thumb is as follows: if you can hear thunder, count to yourself about five seconds. If you see the lightning flash within that five seconds after hearing its introductory thunder, the boat or hiker (etc.) is within striking range of the electricity and thus within danger.
Lightning not only kills people, but sometimes simply disables them for life by harming their central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves) to the point that they can't talk or walk or function well.
So, I only describe these things to help other readers on the blog understand that lightning is yet another risk that sail boaters take.
As for "all boats are grounded in the water," I'm not sure that is stated well. Yes, the high voltage electricity will find its way into the water..... but sometimes right through the boat and/or the crew. There are anti-electrical boat systems out there that were designed with this problem in mind, but last I knew, they were merely better than nothing and the best bet always remains to avoid electrical storms whenever possible.
The one band-aide approach that I read about and one that might or might not help, was draping an anchor chain around the mast and then overboard with the hopes that any electrical strike hit the mast first and then follow the metal conductor downward, through the chain, and into the water.... rather than punching holes through the hull to get to the water. Sort of reminds me that IF I were to ever do something like what you are doing, I'd probably take along a 25 foot or so light guage type chain for that purpose (lightweight meaning something like a bike lock chain... just something metal that would help create a path for the electricity to follow).
C-18
Excellent report Zac, you've got guts kid. I love the details your providing regards to weather,safe boating etc...
It is really great sailing with you.
Cheers
Wow. Your informative teaching about squalls is just swell!
If you're worried abot being landsick in Majuro, could I suggest rollerblades? If you walk around in them all day, it may feel just like being on board at sea, or walking down the street in Chino Hills.
Still praying for you daily, and more anxious to get back on the water every time I read about you. Did you have any idea that your private adventure would have such an impact in the sport/pastime of sailing? I've heard of a lot of people (some on this blog) newly interested in going sailing because of you!
TTYL and God Bless
-Mouse in Whittier, CA
Hello ZAC...
Is nice to read you comment again and see all you’re advanced in your trip…
Talking about Lightning,
Far away that the dangerous that lightning cud bee, It amazing to see it, and I imagine to see it in the middle of the see, like you see it, more than the huge fright than can catch you if one come down closer, It was a really amazing nature show …
Some of those lightning storm in my ranch, blow up and burn all my radio amateur equipment, and that it happened because I let my ranch for a week and forget disconnect the antenna cables and unplugged the ground wire cable.
Well every body knows that the electrician tray to pass always for the point of less resistance and in those opportunities it was Through my equipment…
Now I don’t have grounded any equipment and nothing it happens at the moment…
I agree that you are to close to arrive at the end of this leg, but this is gone appear a lady’s play compared with the leg that become…
Do not demoralized, the best of your adventure it “just became” just wait and will see it...
Everybody have a huge testimony on you and praying a lot…
Take care boy…
Keep writing
Keep sailing
Glen
Keep this stuff coming. And careful with the weather!
J
http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/
Thanks again Zac for another excellent blog and update. Will your Dad be meeting you in most all of the ports where you stop? It must be reassuring to you to get his approval and trust that Intrepid and you are doing well based on his expertise.
You sound tired today and rightfully so. Thank goodness for power naps!
I'll take a crack at an explanation of the microwave phenomenon. You all get a physics lesson today, but I'll try to keep it understandable. The whole scenario is rooted in an electrical process called induction. When electric current passes through some medium, it creates electromagnetic fields around it. Those fields, in turn, can induce a current in any conductive medium that is affected by the field. The simplest example is that if we string two wires side by side and run a current through one of the wires, a current will also appear in the adjacent wire. If you're skeptical, just trust me on this! That is a well-understood property of electricity.
In our case, we have a lightning bolt (current) striking the mast of a sailboat (hopefully not Intrepid) and traveling down through the mast, through the hull, and into the water. Now, a lightning bolt carries a truly mind-boggling amount of energy. (See the Wikipedia article for some wild numbers.) So you can imagine that it is capable of generating tremendous electromagnetic fields. Those fields, in turn, induce electrical current in any present electrical medium, in this case your electronic gadgets. The fields created by the lightning are so strong they can create circuit-frying current in your devices, even though they are not in the direct path of the lightning.
But the microwave is heavily shielded to keep the microwaves in. I think what is going on in this situation is that the microwave's shielding is also keeping the lightning's fields out, or at least minimizing them enough to protect the equipment being stored inside.
I hope that helps anybody who is curious about this microwave storage technique. If there is some physicist or electrical engineer out there who can correct my theory or assist with the explanation, by all means add your two cents!
Zac, may God continue to bless your journey and may He direct the lightning bolts elsewhere! Better to not test the theory.....
Surely you didn't think you could escape school by sailing around the world!
Hey Zac,
You kind of answered a question that I'd been thinking of asking. That is which part of the route will be the most difficult to navigate? Now I know it wasn't the one you are about to complete, that being the Pacific.
So, Majuro tomorrow? GREAT! Enjoy your time reprovisioning with your Dad and filming more footage with Greg, and most of all checking out that most beautiful island, meeting some locals and perhaps going to Andy's Restaurant to try the "stir fry of miscellancous things inside of a chicken.!" Oh, and then there's the driving! Be safe!
Melanie in Torrance
hang tough zac --you are almost there -- majuro seems like the perfect place (even more so than hawaii) to 'regroup' in mind, body and soul. the ZAC PAC has you in our hearts and our prayers, kiddo.
john baker/hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com
Since lightning is today's topic, I thought it would be okay to post this URL http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnboy2007/838156833/
Check out the caption on the photo!
Zac,
Your blogs are just amazing. Your quest is amazing. I so enjoy your adventures and start my day at work reading your blog. You are an amazing fellow and your parents are more amazing for raising you so well! God speed
Traumamama
Toluca Lake, CA
Hi Zac,
I love to watch lightning and, like most, I don't often think of its dangers. I appreciated the blogger's info about the chain from the mast to the water. It sounded like a good idea, and very reasonable. Maybe you would consider it.
When I use to take my son out of school, sometimes for a month at a time, and go camping or traveling, I never worried about him missing anything at school. He would have missed more if I hadn't! I think we are all aware our education isn't just found in a textbook; your life is a grand example of that! Thank you and God continue to bless your journey,
Tamara
Hi Zac,
Wow, Majuro soon. That is great.
You seem to be doing much better this leg of the trip.
Whatever was messing up your boat between MDR and Hawaii must have stayed in Hawaii...or you have gotten better at "housekeeping".
This blog is certainly a good form of education in so many ways. A great education for all.
Enjoy your week long stay in Majuro. I guess that means that the blog will be on vacation as well. How sad for us.
Have a safe trip into harbor and enjoy your stay. Driving will be more treacherous than a bad storm at sea.
Stay safe.
Bill and Linda, Washington DC
Zac, In case you have to study about a few facts or want to hear something about no navigating or sailing I have a few interesting facts about my state of Louisiana. I live near the Atchafalaya basin in a little town called Breaux Bridge. As I told you before I am a 75 year great grandmother. Good sailing on your fearless Intripid.A Little Louisiana history lesson
Some cool information about the state we live in.
If Hurricane Katrina causing the levees to break in New Orleans is the only thing you know about Louisiana , here are a few more interesting facts about the Bayou State :
* Louisiana has the tallest state capitol building in the nation at 450 feet.
* The Louisiana SuperDome in New Orleans is the largest enclosed stadium in the world.
* The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the longest over-water bridge in the world at 23.87 miles.
* Louisiana 's 6.5 million acres of wetlands are the greatest wetland area in America .
* The oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase Territory is Natchitoches , Louisiana founded in 1714.
* The first bottler of Coca-Cola, Joseph Bie denharn, lived in Monroe , Louisiana and was one of the founders of Delta Air Lines, initially called Delta Air Service.
* Delta Airlines got its start in Monroe , Louisiana when Parish Agent, C.E. Woolman, decided to try dusting the Boll Weevil that was destroying the cotton crops in the Mississippi River Delta from an airplane. It was the first crop dusting service in the world.
* Southern University in Baton Roug e , Louisiana is the largest predominantly black university in Ame rica.
* Baton Rouge was the site of the only American Revolution battle outside the original 13 colonies.
* The formal transfer of the Louisiana Purchase was made at the Cabildo building in New Orleans on December 20, 1803.
* The staircase at Chrétien Point, in Sunset, Louisiana was copied for Tara in "Gone with the Wind." Connie and Kelly- take note!!
* Louisiana is the No. 1 producer of crawfish, alligators and shallots in America .
* Louisiana produces 24 percent of the nation's salt, the most in America .
* Much of the world's food, coffee and oil pass through the Port of New Orleans .
* Tabasco , a Louisiana product, holds the second oldest food trademark in the U.S. Patent Office.
* Steen's Syrup Mill in Abbeville , Louisiana is the world's largest syrup plant producing sugar cane syrup.
* America 's oldest rice mill is in New Iberia , Louisiana at KONRIKO
* The International Joke Telling Contest is held annually in Opelousas , Louisiana .
* LSU (The Ole War Skule) in Baton Rouge has the distinction of contributing the most officers to WW II after the U.S. Military academies.
* The Louisiana Hayride radio show helped Hank Williams, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash achieve stardom. It was broadcast from KWKH Radio in Shreveport , Louisiana from 1948 to 1960.
* The term Uncle Sam was coined on the wharfs of New Orleans before Louisiana was a U.S. Territory as goods labeled U.S. Were from "Uncle Sam."
* The game of craps was invented in New Orleans in 1813 as betting was a common activity on the wharves.
* When states had their own currency, the Louisiana Dix (French for ten) was a favored currency for trade. English speakers called them Dixies and coined the term Dixieland.
* New Orleans is the home of the oldest pharmacy in America at 514 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. These early medical mi xture s became known as cocktails (guess they were good for what ails ya?),
Coining yet another term.
* New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz, the only true American art form.
Jazz gave birth to the Blues and Rock and Roll music.
Viva La Louisiane!!!
P S We are also known for our southern hospitality and our joie de vie!!!!
come visit us!!!
Mama Jean
Hi Zac,
I am a 63 year old almost retired geologist and business owner who has long dreamt of owning a sailboat but never did. I read your progress daily and admire your courage, drive and sense of adventure. Maybe I should have followed my dream. Keep it up, you're well on your way to bigger and better things.
Ralph
Zac Nation
Zaconians
Zac Addicts
Zactoids
The Zac 360 Club(actually i guess he would be the only one in that group)
i think Zac Pac will probably stick, but i never heard any other ideas
Rock on Zac
THIS IS JUST THE START. WATCH THE ZAC PAC GROW AND GROW AND GROW.
SAIL ON, MIGHTY ONE!!!!!
I shy towards Zacarator or The Zacarator Club.
I am not sure who first called him that but it has a nice ring and a lot of symbolism to it. If one thinks of "arator", "I'll be back" comes to mind and that is what Zac probably said when he left MDR to terminate the old record.
Of course Macarthur said that when he was driven from the Philippines too.
Just as The Terminator and Macarthur did, Zac will make his triumphial return to MDR as well.
He'll have to as his hug and the scissors will be waiting.
Before someone calls me on it, Macarthur actually said "I Shall Return" but it means the same thing.
As a historian, I guess I should be accurate.
Hi Zac,
We have been riding along with you and enjoying your adventure. Each day, we look forward to reading your blog and all the wonderful comments. You are a great inspiration! Have fun in Majuro and stay safe.
Dick & Gin
Upland
Why don't we make up some t-shirts. With cut going to finance some of Zac's cost and the rest to cover the shirt and the printing?
ZAC's Circumnavigation 2008
I hope Bob in OKC's idea works out! It would be great fun to see where Zac's fans are from.
From Iowa
Hello Zac,
As you get closer to Majuro, I'm sure your anxious to get together with family and friends again. Majuro is a low atoll, not many feet above sea level. It does have a long road, and if you like snorkling - you'll find the best coral formations at the end of the road in Laura on the lagoon side. Hope your time on land is rewarding. We continue to look forward to your enlightening logs. Aloha, Dennis and Marnie.
Hi Zac,
I try to read your blog daily and catch up if I miss a day. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to go on this journey with you! I admire your determination, drive and independence.
To your parents... thank you for being so supportive of Zac, you are an inspiration. You are teaching me, as a parent, to give my child the space and love to live his dream. Good on ya!
Zac - enjoy your time in Majuro - ahh, life's little luxuries, a comfy bed, warm food and a great shower! Have fun!
Lori
Encino, CA
Hi Zac,
Thanks for your comments about the squalls and how you handle them. Very interesting.
As a pilot I have seen "St. Elmo's fire many times. It usually forms on the windshield of an airplane flying through light dry snow or rain. It can look like a sort of tree branching out across the windshield. Very very occasionally the old timers tell us that a "ball of fire (light)" will come inside the aircraft and move rearward to eventually exit the tail or wing tips. We don't see that type in modern jets much as they usually climb or descend through the area so fast. St. Elmo's fire never seems to hurt anything, but once in a while the charge will exit the aircraft with a loud discharge that sounds like a gun. On inspection they sometimes find a small (less than 1/4") exit hole. That has pretty much been elliminated today due to static discharge wicks mounted on the sharp trailing edges of the aircraft.
Your light phenomenon on the boat will probably be different from aircraft due to speed and weather conditions. Just don't be too alarmed if you see some of it. I once was quite alarmed flying at night to see my first Northern Lights from the air.
We love to hear your experiences. Enjoy as you go.
God Bless
Denny Finke
Hey Zac (and all ocean lovers),
I've been following your blog daily since you left SoCal. I just wanted to let you know that what you're doing is awe-inspiring, a journey worthy of Captain Nemo (I hope you avoid giant squids or have a good harpoon).
Of course, because I'm an oceanographer, I'd love to hear more about ocean conditions, color of the sea, plankton, sea life, that kind of thing. But I'm guessing if you're not fiddling with the boat then you're sleeping!
Anyways, I plan to have my online oceanography course follow your journey when classes start up in a couple weeks. You (and anyone reading your blog) are welcome to join us and earn college credit (through Fullerton College). Feel free to contact me at schamberlin@fullcoll.edu.
Happy trails. You're an inspiration to young people (and old oceanographers!) everywhere.
Hey Zac
I am a 11 year old british school kid learning about survival
Just asking how you avoid being hit by lightning and stop intrepid being hit by storm.Also how do you sleep at night.
Thanks
Alex
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home