Just a note tonight from Mom:
It was a bit serious around here this morning as we waited for Zac's 12:30 - 1:00 'morning' call. He eventually called around 1:00 and let us know that his all-night navigating had gone well and that he was again in open ocean. He was somewhat incredulous that the wind and waves had calmed down so much. I reminded him that there must have been at least 1000 people praying for him. He was pretty amazed. He is also 'running' (wind and waves coming from behind the boat) with the wind and swells more now which makes the ride more comfortable. The swells are rolling again and not so steep. So he is tired but able to rest. Just one squall today.
He ran through all of his systems checking for problems. There is some chaffing on the windvane lines but nothing serious. Hans from Scanmar Marine called Laurence today and will be sending out some new lines for Darwin. The computer charger shocks him when he plugs it in so the laptop is not up but trusty Leviathan still works. His engine wouldn't start for some reason. He did as much troubleshooting as he could think of but just a groan and then nothing. He called tonight to let me know that he tried again and it started! While it is fairly calm he will add some bleach to his water tanks as it has become moldy and tastes awful.
Still working John Knight in Darwin and David Morris in Cape Cod to route Zac around and through the Coral Sea and the Torres Straits. Please keep this portion of Zac's trip in prayer. It is particulary difficult even if you aren't singlehanding.
Thank you for all the kind words and prayers.
Marianne
It was a bit serious around here this morning as we waited for Zac's 12:30 - 1:00 'morning' call. He eventually called around 1:00 and let us know that his all-night navigating had gone well and that he was again in open ocean. He was somewhat incredulous that the wind and waves had calmed down so much. I reminded him that there must have been at least 1000 people praying for him. He was pretty amazed. He is also 'running' (wind and waves coming from behind the boat) with the wind and swells more now which makes the ride more comfortable. The swells are rolling again and not so steep. So he is tired but able to rest. Just one squall today.
He ran through all of his systems checking for problems. There is some chaffing on the windvane lines but nothing serious. Hans from Scanmar Marine called Laurence today and will be sending out some new lines for Darwin. The computer charger shocks him when he plugs it in so the laptop is not up but trusty Leviathan still works. His engine wouldn't start for some reason. He did as much troubleshooting as he could think of but just a groan and then nothing. He called tonight to let me know that he tried again and it started! While it is fairly calm he will add some bleach to his water tanks as it has become moldy and tastes awful.
Still working John Knight in Darwin and David Morris in Cape Cod to route Zac around and through the Coral Sea and the Torres Straits. Please keep this portion of Zac's trip in prayer. It is particulary difficult even if you aren't singlehanding.
Thank you for all the kind words and prayers.
Marianne
posted by Zac at
9:32 PM
43 Comments:
Hi Marianne,
It was a difficult might last evening thinking about Zac's situation, and keeping a prayer vidual going with many I had contacted after getting your email. Then around midnight I saw Zac's blog, and I can't tell you how happy I was to see his words.
Not hearing from him at the specified times must be hard on you. I'm glad that he checked in so that you could have some peace of mind.
Prayers were answered, and not only am I happy that Zac has a break from the difficult sailing, but that we can also see God is really listening to us, and protecting Zac from harm. I thank him for caring for Zac.
Even the boat made it through without too much damage. All in all a very good blog from you to know Zac is doing all right. He is quite a kid. So proud of him. So proud of you.
Hoping to hear great things from Zac, and am so grateful for the Zacpack for praying Zac through such a tough time.
Great news! He did a whole lots of livin in the last 48 hours!
I've been waiting anxiously to hear how this segment of Zac's trip is going, and guessing where he was passing through to get in open ocean again. It's a sigh of relief to know all is well, and he's full speed ahead to Darwin!
I've been anxiously waiting for news of Zac, and trying to guess where he is, and what he's seeing. I'm very relieved to hear all is well, and he's moving full speed ahead to Darwin!
Marianne... As always, thanks for the note! Good to hear Zac is into some calmer situations and can hopefully get some rest...
Cheers,
willy
milford, ohio
Well, what a great relief to know that Zac is in open waters again.
I just took a look to guess where he may be.I am in the UK and also pray for Zac and all of you.I imagine there are many more than a 1000, quietly bringing Zac before the Lord....imagine.Zac is an amazing young man.I read the blogs every morning and tell everyone I know about Zac and his incredible journey. I am also learning a lot about the world and also about sailing! You are all in my prayers. J
Thanks for the update Marianne!
An incerdible young man you have there.
Good thoughts and prayers coming your way. May God bless and keep all of you.
Anita Miracle
Waterloo, New York USA
Hi Zac and Mom,
This is my weekly note out to you.
About your power pack problems; I would get a plastic tub with a lid. Cut two holes in it, one hole for power in, the other for power out. Put all your power packs in the tub then put the lid on. Doing this would help not get water on the electrics.
You are in a great part of the ocean. But as you know you have to watch out for land, fishing boats, ships and mother nature. That is a lot of information that you are running though in your mind. It seems like you are going though it rather well.
One thing that I would do is get as much sleep as possible. You need to let your mind and body sleep. I know that it is hard at times getting woke up every 2-3 hours, but get your rest. You are a smart person, but lack of sleep will not get you where you need to be, HOME. You are making great time - think about a port of call somewhere, even 2-3 days at port would do you more good then not stopping. Just a thought to you.
Zac, You are doing a great job. Keep up your adventure, you are making everyone in the Zac Pack proud of you.
Until next week.
Gary - Houston, TX.
Way to go Zac!
I am sure that you are exhausted! Enjoy the following seas while you can and get some rest. Don't forget to eat when you can as well. I know that you are probably not hungry but eat anyway.
Sorry to hear about your computer charger.
Thanks for the update M.A.... it is great of you to not keep us on pins and needles all day today. I am sure you are mentally exhausted as well. Your son is a true sailor and he will be just fine.
Heres to full sails and following seas, You should make good time today.
Tammy
p.s. Daveh,
I too thought you were the female in the picture!!
You are kind to fill in the gaps for the Zac-packers.
Mom,
Been on pins and needles waiting, and waiting. I can only imagine your angst. I get concerned when my kids aren't home right when they promised, yet when that door opens........well I'm sure you know.
Rough seas are just that, and time slows down too.....thoughts and prayers work. I guess we're all convinced of that....of course it doesn't hurt to have a capable, mature, and experienced son at the helm.
Here's to open ocean....sail on to Darwin Zac, be safe.
You're doing something very special, and very well too.
Starting to hold my breath during these latest chapters. I'm thinking Zac will make it, but will I? Thanks for the new section giving explanations. I've been googling like crazy to learn terms and geographic places. If I were still teaching, you can bet we'd all be following this in school, making maps, side tripping researches on everything!
Hard to believe a 16 year old can have so much knowledge on so many things. That home schooling is an inspiration to homeschooling parents everywhere.
-Charlie
Hi Marianne and Captain Zac,Wow, everday is a page turner in the continuing chapter of Zac's quest.Not hearing from Zac when expected must have been extremely difficult. He is certainly being tested and seems to be coming through with flying colors. He left a young boy, but he has already emerged into a young man. His strength and determiniation is amazing. He is learning lessons that young men learned at an early age in previous generations. When he returns, his maturity level will be well beyond his peers and offer him many advantages in life. He is obtaining some valuable lifelong skills.You must be very proud of him. All of our prayers are for Zac and his family.Stay strong.Bill and LindaWashington DC
Hello Mom, Zac, and Everyone,
I just had to check the blog early this Saturday morning after Zac's blog yesterday. I watched Argentina win the Gold Metal in Men's Soccer match against Nigeria and this game didn't end until after 11:00 pm Friday night. Needless to say I was up this morning (Saturday) at 4:15 am. The first thing I did was check Zac's blog.
I'm so glad to hear that so many people prayed for Zac's safe passage yesterday. I sent out quite a few prayers for you yesterday too. I'm very glad to hear that the wind, swells, and squalls have all subsided. Prayer is a powerful tool and it's great to know that Marianna can ask for prayer help at these critical times. It's amazing how time has changed the way we do things. In today's world we can ask for prayer requests using a blog!!! I never thought this would be such a great and powerful tool. Yesterday and today was proof of this powerful tool working at it's ultimate best.
I'm glad to hear that Zac and Intrepid past these 48 hours without any major problems or damage. I'm sure the Sunderland family will have many projects that need taking care of before Darwin.
Thanks Mom for keeping us all informed. We're so grateful for all the work your doing for your oldest son. He's going to become an amazing man and this journey will set his coarse for the rest of his lifetime. Endure the work ahead and know this time won't last forever. Like my Mom always tells me and my sister "Parenting never ends, you will be parents for the rest of your life".
Today I'm going to the Maritime Museum in San Diego to see the Tall Ships. I'm going to take an evening cruise on the ship America. What a sailboat!!! The America's Cup race was named after this ship. It wasn't named after our country like mane people believe. Here is a link if anyone wants a peek. They will have 22 of the largest sailboats in the world here this weekend. I'll be thinking of you Zac while boarding all of these ships and while taking my evening cruise.
http://sdmaritime.org
Click Here, on Festival of Sail coming August 20th-24th!
Then click on Participating Ships.
Zac, please stay safe, use the harness always, eat well, and please try and get some sleep. We will continue to pray for Zac and the Sunderlands.
Sincerely,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Thank you, Marianne! That Zac of yours is amazing. You do a superb job of keeping us informed. Someday, when he goes on his book tour through the midwest, I'm going to meet him!
from Iowa
Thank God! I was thinking of Zac constantly last night and am so happy the waves and wind are behind him now.
Hope you can get a little rest now Zac! I am so happy our prayers were answered! And thanks to the Zac Pac!
Our prayers continue now as you navigate the Coral Sea.
Safe sailing and many blessings!
Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA
jherschbein@gmail.com
Well done Zac.
My unimportant guestimated ETA for Darwin is 09/10. Interesting to see how close I get to that date since I can only navigate with Google LOL. Looks like you have to go through a lock in order to get into a harbor basin.
Great news, another difficult evening under his belt. Correct me someone if I am wrong. He has about a month to go before hitting Darwin, No? Also, his water is already moldy, does that mean he will have to stop somewhere for water?
Kate
Blue skies…
Coral Sea…
Stern Wind…
Following Sea…
Zac’s a sleep…
Good news, we’ll agree…
Daveh & Skipper
Prayers, prayers and more prayers for you. And just a note of encouragement. You are an accomplished sailor and gaining more experience with each new wave. Hang in there...we are all so proud of you!
*hugs* More prayers are on their way. You have an amazing son and you are an amazing mum. :)
Hi Marianne,
Thank you for setting our minds at ease. I could only imagine what Zac was going through and, I must say, it was pretty scary. Glad to hear he is in calmer waters and, hopefully, he will get his much needed sleep and rest. I know you're both proud of what he has accomplished.
Zac, keep on doing the amazing job you're doing and get the much needed sleep and rest. Yes, don't forget to eat to keep you energized.
Stay safe and God speed.
Dick & Gin
Upland
Praise God! We are so glad you are getting some relief. Still praying!
"It's all you now, dude!" That is you and your faith in God guiding your journey that is so far truly amazing.Glad to hear from your Mom that things have calmed. Rest, eat, and I hope the malarial pills didn't get wet! So close to Darwin, yet so far. Use patience and instinct as you navigate the straits. This is not a section of your trip that can be rushed as I'm sure you know. I know you are tired but now is the time to be extra vigilant to all that is around you. I trust you will heed all of the advice you are given and apply it to the appropriate time and place. Marianne,Thanks so much for your post. I really appreciate it. I imagine that you may have come to find "blogging" somewhat therapeutic, calming, and restorative as you connect to those of us who share your interest in that which you love so much, Zac. As I'm sure you have become keenly aware, that us regulars and not so regular bloggers have come to care very deeply about your son. We keep all of you in our prayers.Melanie in Torrance
Great job Zac! Now get some rest.
For those of you who don't know, running with the wind is extremely pleasant and peaceful. As you are travelling with the wind and swell, There is nothing blowing or spraying in your face and no waves to crash the boat. Relative to what Zac just endured, it's vary calming and a great time to get some rest.
I am curious though, with the wet electronics, is the radar still working? There will be a lot to watch for in the next 2 weeks.
Take care,
David in Whittier
Marianne,
Thank you so much for your post letting us all know that Zac is fine and now in calmer seas! I did some weather checking online and saw the system he was going through - I certainly wouldn't have wanted to sail through that and especially not in the area he is sailing.
He's an amazing young guy, and as a mom of a sailor, I know how proud you and Laurence must be of him. He'll continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as he navigates the Coral Sea and through the Torres Straits on to Darwin.
Sally
Annapolis, MD
As I said earlier, I do not want to detract from this being Zac's blog by posting too many times.
Just a few lines to let you know Zac just how proud I am of you and your efforts.
You are making incredible time and I am sure you will be home munching on a Double/Double at In N' Out in record time. I am hoping to have the honor of ordering a # 1 for you in the near future. (Right after the haircut of course).
God Speed and wishes for small squalls, fair winds and rapidly approaching landfall.
Bill Mann
bill at barstools4u com
Marianne:
Thanks for the update on 'our' young man. All of your mother genes must have been whirring at a high pitch waiting for that call!
Now, use your Mother's authority and insist that he eat and sleep while an opportunity exists. He needs both to remain in physical and mental condition.
He's had a tough 48 hours, but if this adventure was a cakewalk, everyone would be doing it! Just shows how special Zac is. He's capable, intelligent, resilient and he's one tough cookie. God bless and keep him. The world needs more of his mettle.
FrogPond
All this talk of In-N-Out... Feh! Zac has *at least* earned the right to order, without guilt or shame, a double with chili, tomato and onion and some chili cheese fries from Tommy's(tm). Ah, just saying it brings back memories of my years in L.A. :)
willy
Zac and family I too have been telling so many here in land locked Kentucky about your adventure. May I consider myself a part of the Zacpack? I'm so glad that you are all right. I have grandsons around your age, and can understand your family's pride and concern about this great adventure you're taking. A local friend's daughter and her husband are sailing from California to New Zealand. About the time your ship laid over on it's side their's did too. It did damage to their main mast. They are now in Pago Pago, I think it is, awaiting a new mast to be flown to them. I pray for them and you to have a very safe journey. It's heart warming to read so many people asking for and those saying prays for Zac. I'm glad the Lord is a part of so many people's lives.
Hi, we've been following the journey, but a problem seems to have developed. Maybe it's just me and my Mac. The latest position link brings up a page full of programming gobbledegook.
However, always glad to read the latest post that Zac is well and surviving.
Hello,
I have been following your route progress since you left MDR, I am also in MDR, I have an Ericson 32 and I didnt see you leave as I didnt know about you, I have nothing but an enormeous respect and admiration on your quest.
I will continue to follow your progress and I hope to see you back to MDR!
May the wind be behind you and your sails be full, May the oceans carry you sheltered, May your trip be every bit of success as you have hoped.
Best Regards Zac,
Raul
To: substitute teacher
I have a Mac too and also get the "programming gobbledegook" when I click on the latest position link. I use this workaround: With the goobledegook open in your browser window, do a File-Save As, remove the .zip extension and save without append. So you get a file named "newkmz.kmz". Open this file in Google Earth, and it'll take you to Zac's latest position. Hope this helps.
With prayers for Zac.
Cheryl
Austin, TX
Zac, you are a fine mariner and we admire and respect you so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you from here in Sunny Maryland. We love to read about your adventures and imagine what's like there on the high seas. Hang in there and I hope you can find an island to stop and rest at for awhile. Remember when those winds are gusting and the seas are high, we are all there right with you!
Axel – I think you’re ETA is about right, using my Nav Software, and “guessing” Zac’s current location, he’s about 1,700nm from Darwin.
The estimated math I’ve come up with is as follows (all approximates)
1. Majuro to South of the Solomon’s = 1,400nm (DONE)
2. South of the Solomon’s to Cape York (northern tip of Queensland Australia, closest part to Papau New Guinea) = 1,050nm
3. Cape York to Dundas Strait (pass between Cobourg Penn. & Melville Island) = 625nm
4. Last leg looks like a 100nm sail from Dundas Strait down through the Van Diemen Gulf to Darwin.
I’ve posted a2 new images on the www.temphost100.com site for name / geography reference above.
Image #12 & Image #13
I’m glad Zac’s in following seas and a low-obstacle area… Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Daveh & Skipper
I was so happy and relieved as all the Zac Packers were, to here that Zac came out of the last 48 hours sea storms safe and sound. Thank you Marianne, for giving us the update. When the time comes for his story to be aired on the Discovery Channel, I will feel like I was a little part of his dream, helping with prayers for his safety, and keeping track of his milestones. His "Guardian" is with him every nautical mile of the way!! I am learning so much from this young man. What an inspiration!Zac has become a part of my life everyday!
And...just a shout out to Daveh to thank him for all of his knowledge.I actually look forward to his blogs everyday as well!!
One of Zac's bloggers gave me an idea to put one of Zac's pictures of Zac and Inrepid leaving MDR the day he left on his journey on my computer desktop!! I am not really too experienced at computer enhancements, but I am going to see what I can do!! Does anyone know if I can download one of the pictures from his site? It will remind me of you, and also of my late parents who loved sailing and the sea!
Anyway, Zac, be safe, stay well nourished, and get as much rest as possible!! Most of all stay focused. You have accomplished more already than most in a life time!!
You are teriffic!!
Debbie
North Hills, CA
dlape@socal.rr.com
Keep up the good work. remember, eat and sleep because there will be days where eating and sleeping may be impossible.
God speed and good sailing
To Marianne:
Only publish this if it's ok with you.
To make a Backgroundpicture do the following:
Select the picture you like
right click on it
in the submenue select
Save as background
That's it
Axel
Thanks Dave
I adjusted my course a bit according to your directions. Tried to find me a BA/Australian chart as a free download to find my way through Torres Strait but couldn't find any.
This Blog is so much fun - Thanks Zac to let us go around the world with you
This is my first post. I heard about Zac's departure and quest when he left MDR and finally caught up on his journey last weekend. Now, I am checking on Zac everyday.
Two favorite quotes keep running through my head as I read Marianne and Zac's blogs. They are helpful reminders to me, so I think I'll share for Zac's and anyone else's benefit.
#1 "Faith and fear cannot abide side by side."
This has been a great reminder to me anytime I am feeling fear in some form -- doubt, anxiety, depression -- that I need to exercise more faith. I think it comes to mind now because it is clear that Zac is so full of faith, and not so much of fear.
#2 "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." (attributed to Vince Lombardi and George S. Patton.) When I have trouble dealing with even the simplest of difficulties, this is a checkpoint for me -- am I tired? If so, my solution is obvious. Sleep.
Hang in there Zac. You are inspiring so many. And we continue to pray for your safety.
Sail on!
Kathy
Provo, UT
I am Cathollic. At Mass tonight, I prayed for you, Zac. We have 'intentions" to which we respond, "Lord, hear our prayer," and then a time for private intentions in our hearts, silently. I prayed for your safety. As a mother, I feel for your mom. (My greatest fear is something bad happening to one of my children.) This, by nature, is something you won't understand until you're a parent. Not until that newborn baby is placed in your arms for the first time will you realize what a monumental thing your parents have done in lettling you go on this adventure. They must have enormous confidence in you and your skills and also in themselves for how they have raised and trained you. And, a lot of faith. God bless you and keep you, dear child.
Marianne,
Zac is in my families thoughts and prayers. I wanted to tell you mother to mother that you are an AMAZING mom. My son is almost 13 years old and i can't imagine having the courage you do to allow him to follow his dream. I am in awe of you. My kids and I read the posts daily and have watched Zac progress since we heard him on KLOS. Your entire family are in our hearts. Thank you for being so giving, to let your son not only fulfill his dreams but allowing us to share his journey. God bless.
Lori Love
Well Zac,
What can I say that hasn't already been said. I've just been holding my breath also sometimes, when reading these recent blogs.
That is very impressive that you can reef and set the sails in two minutes when it used to take you 15! Nice!
I'm glad you got some good rain water to drink. Moldy water with bleach added doesn't sound to soothing on the stomach!
Perhaps you will have some dolphin company now, and catch a nice fresh fish to eat.
I also enjoy comments from everyone; and especially the truly regulars like Peter, daveh, and Bill and more. Wait...where is Glenn. I enjoyed reading his comments, even if I had to paste them into free translation.
Donde esta usted Glenn?
Praying for just enough rain to keep your gallon full; and just enough wind to sail with it.
You're awesome Captain Zac-the Shellback!
Hi Zac, I wanted you to know that the kids in my class read about you from an article from the Wilson Reading Program at our school. At the end of the article it listed your blog page addy. We looked it up and read all about your facinating travels So, good luck and know that the Wilson Reading group in Blackwater, Mo is rooting for you! Above all be safe! :)
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