A Visitor
Current Position (as of 5:00 UTC): 21.35N, 155.22W
Hey All!
Sorry for the scare yesterday. I think it would have been pretty hard to have had a tradegy at sea yesterday with the light winds and calm seas that I had. Thank you for all the concerned emails and comments.
You may have heard already that I had a visitor last night! In the middle of the night a Booby bird (not a blue-footed) crashed into my main sail and landed in the cockpit. I went up to see what the noise was and noticed the poor stunned thing crouching in the corner of the cockpit. Being half asleep and not realizing how many times a Booby bird can poop in 6 hours, I decided to let him rest there for awhile. When I woke up in the morning he was sitting on my tiller having a ride with the wind vane steering! I thought he would leave when he saw me but he just acted kind of bored with me and kept grooming himself. After awhile, I began to make threatening motions at the stubborn thing. He just screached at me like it was his boat. Not knowing what else to do I went below and grabbed my fog horn. You know the canned compressed air that pops your eardrums when you sound it? I shot theat thing of and no more Booby bird. Made for some great photos though.
After cleaning up after my guest I got to work with my boat chores and tried to take a nap. There are so many squalls that my radar alarm is constantly going off. I can't turn the radar off and sleep, so, no sleep. Have been reading Josh Slocum. I'm still in the part where he is preparing the boat for sea. I skipped ahead to the sailing part and read that he was trying to design a self steering device. In the end he learned how to balance his sails just right so the boat would keep itself on course. I wonder how often he still had to steer himself?
I made 55 miles today In 12 hours). That puts me about 150 miles from port. At this speed I probably won't make it in tomorrow but Friday for sure. Mom and Dad met with the Vice Commodor of the Hawaii Yacht Club today. He and the powers that be will welcome me as their guest for a few days when I arrive. Many thanks to everyone there who are preparing for my arrival. I am really looking forward to seeing Hawaii as I have never been there. Not sure what we will do there besides eat, sleep, laundry, shop and film but I'd be pretty happy to just do that.
Cheers,
Zac
Hey All!
Sorry for the scare yesterday. I think it would have been pretty hard to have had a tradegy at sea yesterday with the light winds and calm seas that I had. Thank you for all the concerned emails and comments.
You may have heard already that I had a visitor last night! In the middle of the night a Booby bird (not a blue-footed) crashed into my main sail and landed in the cockpit. I went up to see what the noise was and noticed the poor stunned thing crouching in the corner of the cockpit. Being half asleep and not realizing how many times a Booby bird can poop in 6 hours, I decided to let him rest there for awhile. When I woke up in the morning he was sitting on my tiller having a ride with the wind vane steering! I thought he would leave when he saw me but he just acted kind of bored with me and kept grooming himself. After awhile, I began to make threatening motions at the stubborn thing. He just screached at me like it was his boat. Not knowing what else to do I went below and grabbed my fog horn. You know the canned compressed air that pops your eardrums when you sound it? I shot theat thing of and no more Booby bird. Made for some great photos though.
After cleaning up after my guest I got to work with my boat chores and tried to take a nap. There are so many squalls that my radar alarm is constantly going off. I can't turn the radar off and sleep, so, no sleep. Have been reading Josh Slocum. I'm still in the part where he is preparing the boat for sea. I skipped ahead to the sailing part and read that he was trying to design a self steering device. In the end he learned how to balance his sails just right so the boat would keep itself on course. I wonder how often he still had to steer himself?
I made 55 miles today In 12 hours). That puts me about 150 miles from port. At this speed I probably won't make it in tomorrow but Friday for sure. Mom and Dad met with the Vice Commodor of the Hawaii Yacht Club today. He and the powers that be will welcome me as their guest for a few days when I arrive. Many thanks to everyone there who are preparing for my arrival. I am really looking forward to seeing Hawaii as I have never been there. Not sure what we will do there besides eat, sleep, laundry, shop and film but I'd be pretty happy to just do that.
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
10:38 PM
31 Comments:
Hey Zac
What an exciting voyage you are undertaking. When I was much younger and in college, I read a lot of books about sailing but I especially liked Joshua Slocum's books. They just fascinated me and took me into another world.
I will be keeping an eye on your adventure and look forward to your updates.
Very best,
Marc
Los Angeles
Hey Zac,
Too bad you can't make it to Hawaii today. I'm sure you're excited to see your family. Hang in there and know that you have tons of fans the world over following your trip and sending thoughts and prayers.
Caleb (Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN)
Zac-
My children and I have been watching your journey daily. We plan on watching you every day until you accomplish your dream and are home safe and sound. Enjoy your time in Hawaii with your family. Eat up and get some much needed, alarm free, motion free sleep. As I said in a prior comment, YOU are someone I look up to. I can only hope that my children learn from you and follow their dreams. I tell them all the time that they can do ANYTHING they put their minds and hearts to. They are only 11 (Megan turned 11 on July 2) and 12 so they are at an age that they don't listen to me all the time. So through watching you reach for the stars I am hoping they realize they can do anything. YOU are an inspiration not only to me and my children but to SO many others. THANK YOU!!!!
Lori Love
So close now! How long do you think you'll be able to stay in Hawaii before setting sail again? Time to get some banana-free oranges.
If there's anything that needs checking with some of the specialized electronics you have on your boat, do any of those sponsors have plans to send someone? Maybe not this landfall since it was just recently planned, but at any of the other stops? How do you handle tech support for those things?
Brooke
Raleigh NC
Zac:
Woohoo! So close, so far.
I can't believe how excited we are for you! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
By the way, as others have mentioned, thanks for sharing your sailboat knowledge with us, or I'd be lost. We're boaters ("boaterists"?)in the ski/wakeboard sense--not a lot of ocean where we live.
Take care,
Michele, Abi, Greta
Sacramento, CA
Well, I'm further along in Mr. Slocum's book -- first coming across the map of his course and wondering why on earth go all the way over to Spain only to head west again towards the coast of South America... But it turns out it was the real threat of pirates -- I really, really, really hope you don't meet up with any pirates!
Knowing little of sailing, I'll admit to skimming over the technical jargon (as long as YOU don't!) and soaking up the story itself...
How amazing to read this passage, dating back to this time period of the late 1800s:
"The time was when ships passing one another at sea backed their topsails and had a "gam," and on
parting fired guns; but those good old days have
gone. People have hardly time nowadays to speak
even on the broad ocean, where news is news, and
as for a salute of guns, they cannot afford the
powder. There are no poetry-enshrined freighters
on the sea now ; it is a prosy life when we have no
time to bid one another good morning."
He thought things were all rush-rush-rush back THEN!
Hey Zac,
Great story about your visitor. I think it is a good sign that you mind is still strong. If it was me I would have been happy for the company, and would be talking to it, and trying to make it a pet!
Seeing that you wanted it off your boat shows you are doing just great. I wish the wind would cooperate so you could get to port. I can't wait for you to arrive, so you can be with your family, and get all you need (mostly sleep).
Praying for you daily,
Peter
Good on ya, lad! One day (and night) at a time. I am...a septuagenarian with blue water in my blood. Last sail was in 2005 from Cape Cod to Bermuda aboard KATY, a 28' wooden classic cutter owned by an old friend. A mere 800 nm, but a great ride through the always exciting Gulf Stream. Your voyage inspires me to go again -- soon.
All the best,
Gregg Sinner, North Brookfield, MA
Been following your blog since you started. Look forward to reading it in the morning (I'm in NYC).
Thought I'd contribute a reading suggestion. If you're interested in packing some first-class fiction/literature set at sea for your forward voyage, I highly recommend the Patrick O'Brian series of books that revolve around the adventures of English sea-captain Jack Aubrey and his friend the surgeon-cum-spy Stephen Maturin, set during the Napoleanic wars. The first in the series is entitled "Master and Commander" (turned into a movie with Russell Crowe a year or two ago). There are, I think, 21 novels in the series -- and this is a true series, each successive novel picking up where the previous one left off. They are superb. The writing is top-notch, the plot-lines intricate and lively, the characters full-fleshed, and the descriptions of the naval battles will elevate your pulse. Plus, there's a good deal of romance: beautiful ladies to be wooed, etc.
Was just thinking about what I would like to bring with me to read if I had a large expanse of time set before me. You can't do better than these novels -- better than the movies.
Best of luck,
Mike Maloney
Hi There Zac,
Proud of you sailor! You have done great. You will certainly look back on this part of your life someday and what rich memories that you will be able to enjoy. Pity those that can only look back on "what ifs" and "should haves". Life is too short to not live it fully. This thought brings me to a book to suggest for you and the other readers on the blog. You may have already read it, "First You Have To Row A Small Boat" by Richard Bode. It is not a large book, but is a good read and brings out some parallels of sailing and life.
Well, enjoy your down time, and I'll catch back up with you on the next leg, and will be checking your blog daily as we have all become addicted to Zac!!!
Blessings,
Bob in OKC
Hi Zac,
Just wanted you to know all of us here at BHC are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I am excited for your visit with family and a time to refresh.
Is. 43: 1-3
Blessings,
Rose Mary N.
Zac next time try a flame thrower! I bet some BBQ Booby Bird isn't all that bad.
Chris
Hi Zac. I have been following your journey for several weeks now. I can't go for a day without checking up on you. My kids even ask me each day where you are. My friend will be in Hawaii in a few days and I sent her your blog so she can keep track of you too.
We can not wait to be there when you sail back into California. We will continue to watch you every day.
I think you are a great inspiration to everyone, especially younger kids. You kept your dream in sight and are now fulfilling your dream.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you each day.
Naomi
Mission Viejo, CA
Zac and everyone,
I took the liberty of writing to Bill Springer at SAIL Magazine about Zac a couple of days ago. Of course my favorite sailing magazine was already on top of it. He sent me this letter back:
Thanks Scot,
We've got something on Zac in our upcomming issue. Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best
Bill
Bill Springer
Senior Editor
SAIL Magazine
98 N. Washington Street
Boston, MA 02114
Tel. 617-720-8607
I don't know how big of a piece the next issue will have, but they are following it, and I imagine the story will be bigger when he's completed his goal and set the record.
Roll on Zac, and enjoy your stop.
Scot
California
Admitting total ignorance here -
I can only imagine a yacht club being some snooty club for the rich and famous. What is its purpose? Is it like a Lions or Rotary club but for boaters?
Just curious. Can someone enlighten the ignorant?
Thanks for the update Zac. We will be curious to see what you will be doing when you reach Hawaii. Charley and Josh Hasker
Yacht clubs probably vary the world over... The one in my town is a sailing club, working to get kids of all ages on sailboats and out into the harbor and beyond... And I do mean ALL ages. Certainly Yacht clubs in other places can be exclusive marinas for fancy boats... But I expect Zac will find doors open to him wherever he goes!
Don't forget a long hot shower in Hawaii. Glad to hear that you are getting along so well.
Cheers!
As I said yesterday Zak, there are only so many hours in a day. Take a break and enjoy Hawaii.
Now that you have cleaned up from your visitor, I am thinking about inviting you over to clean up after my cockatiels.
Better a day late into Hawaii than a week late. Gives the locals more time to prepare for your grand entrance. Break a leg and show them what a 16 1/2 old pro is all about.
Bill
Hey Zac,
It's great to hear that you have almost finished the first leg. We have been following you in the background.
Say hello to your mom and dad for us.
The Colvin Family
Delight
Gifford, WA
You are so lucky to have such awesome parents.
Aloha Zac! You're so close to my home island Maui, why do you just turn left into Kahului harbor :-) Have a great time on Oahu, don't forget to have some shave ice while you're in the islands -- it's not In-N-Out but it will cool you down.
Take care on the rest of your journey and Godspeed.
aloha pumehana!
Alika
Aloha Zac,
Great to hear from you. My family and I recently moved back to the mainland after being in stationed on Oahu for three years. It was a nice assignment after deploying to Iraq.
I recommend our favorite restaurant for a fabulous breakfast: "Eggs & Things" at 1911- B Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. Their phone is (808)949-0820. They close at 2:00 p.m. daily. You might have to wait 15-20 minutes, but their food is excellent and worth it. The best omelets, fresh fish, crepes, waffles and pancakes on Oahu. Their coconut and guava syrup is fabulous. You deserve to splurge on some carbs once in a while.
If you get to surf city over on the North Shore, in the city of Haleiwa is "Matsumoto's" where the best shave ice you'll ever taste is sold.
We join all the folks who are praying for your safety and great sailing.
Blessings!
The Don Eubank Family
Hi Zac,
From what I've read, these Booby Birds are really tame....or stupid...I don't know which! Anyway, that was an ingenious way of getting rid of him...although it would have made for some good film footage if you'd have sailed into port with a Booby on board! If he hadn't sunk you with Booby poop by that time! lol
Enjoy your time in HI and love to your folks....I know how excited they must be, waiting for your arrival!
Nancy in Palm Springs
Hi Zac, The blue footed booby bird that landed on my boat sat on my main hatch and just stared at me. A little scary because he was so big but funny looking with the blue feet. He left on his own. I'm glad that you are staying at the Hawaii Yacht Club. They will tie you up, probably right in front of the club. It is a very relaxed club. The hot showers are right inside and are great! Upstairs is where you eat and sunsets are spectacular. Watch for the "green flash" just as the sun goes below the horizon. I never saw it- oh well. Enjoy Waikiki beach. Swim in that 80 degree clear water for me. -- RUSTY
SubPrimed by a Bobby bird. U should have cooked him up and had a feast. What fishing equipment are U in need of?
Hi Zac,
I believe that you will make it all around the world. I wish I were in Hawaii, that would be cool. If I were sailing with you, I would like it.
Nathan Potter, Age 9
Yuma, Arizona
Glad you have some kind of angels watching over you as the squalls pass all around!
Love the story of the "visitor"! Hilarious! Can't wait to see a video of his reaction to the horn!
Funny to think of Slocum figuring out how to rig himself for "autopilot"...look at all YOU have got! (Not saying that in any way to diminish what you are doing! Just noting how time passes at one rate, but technology races ahead exponentially faster!)
Woo hoo! You're so close--sounds like you'll have an exciting reception in HI! I'm sure the hot shower will feel w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l!
You're excited to see HI cuz you've never been there before!? Oh, man, you're going to see alot of even more wonderous things on your journey! It's still all a brave new world for you! And we enjoy experiencing it with you thru your wonderful, thoughtful blogs each day. You are a natural writer--really good at just laying your thoughts out on the page. Not everyone has that talent. Nurture it along with your natural will for finding what's beyond. It will take you places!
All our best,
Dana (mama) and little sailor Kylie (7)
Santa Monica
Hugs for Mum and Dad, Well done Zac and Intrepid!!!!!
Glenys
Auckland
New Zealand
hey zac,
That's pretty funny about the bird...wonder if it would have tasted good :P. im pretty stoked to see you this weekend!
hope you get better sleep tonight,
Will
Zac-
Perhaps that booby was injured and that's why it wouldn't leave the boat. Did it fly away or just off into the water?
Sometimes you have to look a little harder, for the blessings in disguise.
Good luck and safe passage!
Aloha,
Steve
Honolulu
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