Majuro - Day 5 & 6
Finally had a good connection this evening. Laurence achieved this by holding the mobile antenna overhead with a metal ashtray stuck to the bottom of the antenna and Zac by going outside and attaching the antenna to a car!
I think I left off at the Mieco Beach Yacht Club dinner on Tuesday night. Zac was given a warm welcome including a catered pizza dinner. I believe he said he spoke to the members and that they awarded him one of their burgees (club flag) along with $200.00.
He and Laurence spent a good part of the day working on the boat and went for a dive afterwards. The owners of their hotel, the Reimers family, offered for the guys to dive off of their private island. The diving is incredible and reminds Laurence of his days diving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. They did dive on a few wrecks; one of the wrecks was a large crane. Unfortunately, Zac missed out on the Majuran drivers license. They are only open one day a week.
Today Zac and Laurence met with US Embassy Ambassador Bishop. They spent a few hours visiting and then drove to the end of the atoll which actually took about an hour. There they were given permission to enter the Taiwanese Embassy grounds where there is a sizeable farm and picked all kinds of different fruits from their trees there. This is great considering that Zac will be leaving in 2 days.
More talk of work and routing. Zac finally went to the post office where Laurence reports at least 100 letters and postcards! Not sure if we will be able to name all of your names. Thank you! Zac is blown away and will save most of them to read along his next passage which looks today like it will be direct to Darwin, Australia. Mr. John Knight, author of The Northern Territory Cruising Guide has offered help in routing Zac and assistance in Darwin once he arrives. Zac will be studying these guides diligently once he departs Majuro this weekend.
OK...thank you for your patience. You were all very polite not to post worried comments even though these posts are later and later!
Marianne for Zac
PS. Another article from Karen Earnshaw in Majuro: http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/08/05/zac-sunderland-gets-caught-in-marshall-islands-time-warp
I think I left off at the Mieco Beach Yacht Club dinner on Tuesday night. Zac was given a warm welcome including a catered pizza dinner. I believe he said he spoke to the members and that they awarded him one of their burgees (club flag) along with $200.00.
He and Laurence spent a good part of the day working on the boat and went for a dive afterwards. The owners of their hotel, the Reimers family, offered for the guys to dive off of their private island. The diving is incredible and reminds Laurence of his days diving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. They did dive on a few wrecks; one of the wrecks was a large crane. Unfortunately, Zac missed out on the Majuran drivers license. They are only open one day a week.
Today Zac and Laurence met with US Embassy Ambassador Bishop. They spent a few hours visiting and then drove to the end of the atoll which actually took about an hour. There they were given permission to enter the Taiwanese Embassy grounds where there is a sizeable farm and picked all kinds of different fruits from their trees there. This is great considering that Zac will be leaving in 2 days.
More talk of work and routing. Zac finally went to the post office where Laurence reports at least 100 letters and postcards! Not sure if we will be able to name all of your names. Thank you! Zac is blown away and will save most of them to read along his next passage which looks today like it will be direct to Darwin, Australia. Mr. John Knight, author of The Northern Territory Cruising Guide has offered help in routing Zac and assistance in Darwin once he arrives. Zac will be studying these guides diligently once he departs Majuro this weekend.
OK...thank you for your patience. You were all very polite not to post worried comments even though these posts are later and later!
Marianne for Zac
PS. Another article from Karen Earnshaw in Majuro: http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/08/05/zac-sunderland-gets-caught-in-marshall-islands-time-warp
posted by Zac at
10:31 PM
61 Comments:
As always, thanks, Marianne...
Zac, looks like you've had a good chance to visit with some of the youth of Marshalls - such an experience; I hope you will write a book detailing all of this - I would certainly buy at least one copy. And hopefully you picked up some design ideas from the korkor that you can use if you ever design your own craft.
It was nice of the Taiwan embassy to let you share in their garden's bounty. Enjoy the fresh produce on your next leg!
Cheers,
Willy
Milford, Ohio
Marianne,
Thanks for the updates.
I can see why you need to blog for Zac, as he seems to be having some full days.
What a rich and amazing experience he is having and we are all very envious. He is not only learning along the way, he is also an example to the people he is meeting.
It appears that the Marshall Islands will be the highlight of Zac's trip. He is experiencing something that you just can't read in books or from a teacher. We can all study about places like the Marshall Islands and their people, (and soon forget what we have learned) but this will stay with Zac for the rest of his life.
We look forward to accompanying him vicariously on the rest of his trip.
Bill and Linda
Washington DC
Thanks, Marianne! Glad to hear the Zac is getting to work on preparing for his next leg, and getting a good stock of fresh fruit! And so good to hear that a nice pile of mail was there for him :) Looking forward to his account of all that he has seen and done in the Marshalls -- sounds amazing!
Keeping Zac in my prayers, and his family & team. Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
Great stuff, thoughts and prayers are with you all,I ordered my t-shirt., makes me part of the Zac crew right :) I feel bad about the drivers lic office not open, too bad they couldn't open it just for Zac.
Hello Zac & Everyone,
This update was great. It sounds like Zac will really see how other cultures live during his trip around the world. It's great to know he's having such a good time on the Island.
I'm sure Zac will be sad to leave the Island since he was treated so well. Zac knows he needs to do a few repairs and he'll take care of these repairs before leaving. Zac is showing signs of being a grown man and not a teenager anymore. He knows he can stay on the island and have fun but in the back of his mind he knows he must leave and get Intrepid ready for it's next leg. Most kids his age would probably get caught up in all the fun and forget about why they came to the Island.
Have a blast and enjoy these last days and make sure you eat lots of good food before leaving. I'm impressed that you actually picked fruit and hopefully you'll eat it before it becomes bird targets.
Have Fun,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
It's hard to get "point A" and "point B" of this next leg in the same picture at Google Earth... How are the winds in this part of the world? Do you expect this next leg to take as long as it looks?
What a great ambassador Zac is for our country!!!. Marianne and Laurence, please, please start writing letters to the president. Our president. When Zac returns, he definitely deserves a trip to the White House to be honored. Not only for his achievment in sailing, but for representing our country and it's youth in such a positive way. Congrats to Mom and Dad. You guys deserve some credit as well. ! Allright captain Zac ! Keep on trucking ! sailing ! and loving life ! Speaking of Karoke. I dedicated "Brandy" the other night to you buddy. If you have not heard it, I know you will dig it. Do a search for it. It is by the group Looking Glass. Great tune about a gal in a Western Port, her name is Brandy. Peace.
Chris Carnaghi Alhambra, CA
OK, the antenna connection thing made me laugh loads... :)
J
http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/
Hey, Marianne, relax... We're all good... Don't pressure yourself too much on our behalf...
However, knowing he's "safer at sea" than on land in most US Cities, it's always nice to get updates...
Dave
Marianne,
Great article by Karen. The picture of Zac surrounded by the youth brought a tear to my eye. I can only imagine the pride that you and Laurence must be feeling. What an wonderful experience Zac is having.
I'm glad he received so many postcards and letters. He has become such a part of so many lives.
As Chris said, "What a great ambassador Zac is for our country"!!!
Keeping the whole Sunderland Pac in my prayers.
Mona
Tucson, AZ
Thank you Marianne! What a wonderful experience Zac is having!
He will certainly enjoy all of those fresh fruits and vegetables on the next leg of his journey.
Our prayers continue...
Blessings,
Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA
How awesome! And I am so glad they made time for a dive. You just can't experience islands fully without checking out what lies beneath the waves. WOW - it would be hard for me to continue on - but on a journey like this - you press on - a reward awaits! And so he goes to prepare to be on the sea again. Hope you are getting sufficiently rested and refueled in mind, body, spirit and boat. :) Many blessings from the land of lakes - Laura Ann - MN
who would have 'thunk'... a good use for a metal ashtray!
i have now placed my pushpin on the map and am proud proud proud to be an official crew member of the ZAC PAC.
indeed, zac will be sitting as a guest in the Oval Office or perhaps out in the Rose Garden once he returns. certainly our new President will NOT be able to pass up the opportunity to invite zac to The White House --zac is the ultimate ambassador of all that is good in the USofA.
johnbaker/hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com
Hi Zac. I have been following your journey form the beginning. I too am a sail boat sailor. As I am sure you know, the area that you will soon travel can get a little wild at times. This is spring time in Australia and spring there is much like spring everywhere with fronts and shifting winds. Of course you know this already and will be just fine. Good luck and fair winds. We will keep you in our prayers too. Thanks, Ron
On to Darwin! Good on ya, mate! I have been fortunate to travel to Australia 4 times; have dear friends down there. Crossed the country by rail (Indian Pacific train) and even rode a camel across the outback from Alice Springs to Cooper Pedy and then up to Northern Terrorties. May the wind be good to your sails and a safe passage to Darwin, Zac. I will be reading your daily blogs every leg of your journey.
Linda Simeone
Shadow Hills, CA
Marianne,
Sounds like there have been great improvements in telephone connecitivy. When I was a kid we'd use a couple of tin cans joined with string! LOL
Glad to hear Zac has had such a wonderfully interesting time on Majuro! It sounds like in Carla Bigler, he has found friend for life.
As for as the blog goes, I think we all realize that the posts will be later and delayed to some extent as a result of the time change. Thanks for keeping us in the "loop" as to Zac's activities and well being. I look forward the hearing from him as he continues on his journey.
Melanie in Torrance
Hi Zac and family,
Did any of you have any idea how far reaching this adventure was going to go? With the contact you have via the internet, the world seems to have grown smaller. I look at Zac's route and think to myself, oh, that's not really that far.....all around the world! Yeah, right!
I have had the joy of traveling to Tahiti, via jet, and Israel, same way, and now I get to go to other exotic and wonderful places via the Intrepid! Thank you for inviting me along.
God bless your lives,
Tamara
Hi Zac - that looks like a loooong leg. make sure you have enough fuel for the stove and maybe a backup like a little BBQ grill for the stern rail.
Looks to me that when you return, the Zac Pac will take over every available sightseeing boat there is in MDR LOL.
Fair winds and a quick trip for the next leg
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
While I appreciate the important role that Zac's family is playing in helping him achieve his goals, it's a little disappointing to be reading so many posts from his mother. It's much more organic to hear the story from Zac and I think this is more important than ensuring a post is made every day with every single detail included. Let him tell the journey of how he circled the earth--I don't need to hear about it every day--just every time he has something to say.
THIS MAY OR MAY NOT BE CRAZY-- BUT HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ACROSS THIS GLOBE HAVE COME TO LOVE, ADMIRE AND RESPECT ZAC SUNDERLAND.
SAIL ON, CAPTAIN ZAC!
Marianne, Zac, and Family.
I'm a novice sailor with a wife and young kids of my own in Texas.
I just wanted to wish you all the best. I read the blog regularly and am inspired by your entire family. Zac's attempt at circumnavigation is amazing on its own, but I know he can't do it without such an amazing family that offers such support and encouragement. My family is and will continue to pray for your family as we know our God is faithful.
It is my earnest hope and prayer that my children will have such support from their parents!
Praise the Lord!
I agree with "Chris Carnaghi Alhambra, CA" where he suggests that the President of the USA should recognize Zac upon returning to America.
Once we all get closer to that point of time, we should organize with our local Congressmen and push for that.
As Chris said, Zac is proving to be a great representative for the USA when the world sees us for so many negative things these days.
I also agree with the post a few days ago , Zac, from a young woman in San Francisco who was happy you avoided the tatoo ... everyone I've ever known with those eventually hate them.
C-18
Chris Carnaghi's comment rang the bell. Yes, Zac is an ambassador for this country, particularly the youth of this country. I have lived abroad for several years and know that American youth are perceived as lazy, unmotivated, over-privileged, undisciplined, yada yada yada. This results from the popularity of American movies and television programs.
Well, here comes something they don't know about. Here comes an American youth with a goal, a plan, and a 'get-it-done' attitude. Here comes Zac Sunderland.
I hope that Zac continues to get such recognition as he pursues his dream as he has in the marvelous Marshall Islands. He will be an inspiration and a role model for youth worldwide.
Get r done, Zac. We're behind you.
FrogPond
To The Disappointed Anonymous:
I for one am NOT disappointed in the posts being made by Marianne, and if you don't want to hear something "every day" then don't check the blog every day! With Zac in port and tending to the many things that need his presence, it is very understandable that he cannot write. I highly commend Marianne for doing a wonderful job of keeping the Zac Pac informed of the daily activity. If you have read the entire blog since day one, you will know that Zac also does an excellent job of posting when under way. I don't think anybody ever said that this was going to be a "Zac Only" blog where he would be the only one to post up information. I think most of us on this blog highly approve of how the posts are being made and by Marianne's extra effort to keep information flowing. You might as well get your flame resistent suit on, with your post you will probably be needing it!
Keep up the good work Team Sunderland!!!
Marianne
Thanks for your updates, and I hope that Zac is enjoying his time out to relax, and to get those preparations made for the next leg of this epic journey.
This voyage is one which is so amazing, for Zac it must be unreal to be actually going out there and conquering the ocean, but he is doing so with great maturity, and with such a methodical approach to those small problems which crop up along the route.
I check up on this blog every day now, and it is always a tonic to read. Best wishes to Zac, from me in the UK, for the next exciting leg of his journey.
Thanks to Marianne for the updates! Such awesome parents to support Zac and watch him realize a dream.
Will it be possible to send post cards ahead of Zac to Oz?? Loyal Zac Pack fans will want to know!
Looking forward to the next post, better than any novel I've ever read.
God speed
Anita
Waterloo, NY
USA
Zac,
Looking generally at the new route from Majuro to Darwin, through the Coral Sea and through the Torres Strait, with no less than 20 very small islands you'll have to maneuver around, I still wonder what kind of a depth indicator you have, and how far ahead you know when the water is going to be shallow? I hope you are planning on going through there with daylight! It looks pretty ominous on Google Earth!
I can't wait to hear from Zac about his thoughts regarding the new route and what the greatest challenges may be.
Marilyn
Woodland Hills
HI Zac,
I'm following your progress daily and my prayers both by day and night are with you! I couldn't be more proud of you if you were my own grandson! Go for it! I have absolute confidence you'll do fine. Harold Sala (Wil Craddick's grandad).
Call me old fashioned... But chasing island girls and meeting a President in my books is pretty "organic".
To Bob in OKC...
Right on Bob. I know that I, and likely most all of us following Zac's adventure, absolutely appreciate Marianne filling us in when Zac is busy with other things he is committed to.
Bob,your push pin map is great. I hope all following Zac's progress will access it and let all of us know where they are.
Here is the site address, in case you are not aware of it:
http://pub31.bravenet.com/guestmap/show.php?usernum=2662145323&password=&zoom=0
Thanks for keeping all of us in the loop, Marianne.
To Zac... May the trades be with you...
James - RedwoodMan@gmail.com - Boulder Creek, CA
Thanks a lot, Marianne.
It looks like Zac is really immersing himself in the life, history and culture of the Marshallese people. That is really the only way to truly understand the culture that you're in. I'm also glad that he is taking time to explore the coral reefs in the area. A lot of the reefs around the world are deteriorating because of a number of factors.
Oh, that I had more opportunities like that!
:-)
Enjoy your last couple of days before your next leg, Zac!
Scott
Thanks Marianne ,
As always fantastic to get an update on Zack’s progress. You really must be so proud of everything he has already achieved. As an aspiring yachtsman myself I would be very keen to know a bit more about the gear Zack has on board and how it performs on such a mammoth voyage. Who knows with the number of hits his Blog gets there may be an opportunity to sell some advertising space with links to the manufactures sites?
Looking forward to the next post
Cheers,
Paul
Auckland , New Zealand
On May 1, 1966, I saw Robin Graham sail out of Pago Pago Harbor at the age of 16 on his round-the-world voyage. So how can you be the youngest?
Fellow Zac Pacers:
Please go to PacificMagazine.com,
on the left side, use the link for daily news, Zac is again in the news with a tour of the island, etc. You must scroll down a ways though.
Kate
James: Thanks, it is amazing to see the Zac Pac Map get populated. I have just upgrated it to the Premium package, so we can now show 1000 pins (thats as high as it goes unfortunately) and the zoom is better, so pins can be placed or viewed better. Maybe there will be a link on the blog or website soon to go to the pin map.
Zac - fair winds and smooth sailing!
Kate, thanks for the link to more articles, however it's PacificMagazine.net-- another informative article. You can also get there from the other article links Marianne has posted. Pago Flyer, what a great memory and experience for you to have, if you read more about Zac's journey, you will see that it is the age when Zac returns that will get him the record. Thank you Marianne for keeping us informed as Zac readies himself for his next leg!
Okay -- added myself to the push-pin map, thanks to fellow Okie Bob...
Kate -- thanks for giving us the link to another article about Zac -- I can't believe his week in the Marshalls is already up and he is planning to head on Saturday! Sounds like he will receive a wonderful send-off from the people there.
By the way -- the website is actually
PacificMagazine.net (not .com)
full link is
http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/08/08/zac-sunderland-meets-us-ambasador-readies-to-sail-to-australia
Looking forward to hearing Zac's account of the Marshalls and being out at sea again!
Oklahoma Well-Wisher
PS Marianne -- you're doing wonderfully and I very much appreciate and enjoy your blogs.
@ Pago Flyer
Robin Graham was 16 when he left but it took him 5 years to get around. So he was 21 when he returned. Check it out on Wikipedia. I recommend to read Zac's blog from the beginning.
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
Zac,
Since your journey has really only started and previous posts included the risks of lightning strikes, I thought I'd post some information for you ( & other interested parties) on something I just came across in reading material.
As mentioned before, in a pinch, I've read that draping the anchor chain around the mast & over the side into the water is better than nothing.
An easier technique and one that you can plan with is to use battery jumper cables in the same manner. Have your family purchase the heaviest guage cables they can find (not cheap ones)... and when at risk (as in hearing thunder within 5 seconds after seeing the flash of lighting).... clamp one onto each side shroud at its base & drape over the side into the water. This enables quick action and they are lighter and easier to use for self protection of some measure.
The most updated reading that I found and something your parents might want to purchase online is from the "ABYC" (American Boat & Yachting Association) online..... the product as follows:
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
Code: TE-4
Member Price: $25.00
Non-Member Price: $50.00
Publication Date: JULY 2006
It wouldn't hurt to become familiar with this issue. Nobody will be able to help you from a distance on this risk. You'll be on your own and this information might be a life saver.
C-18
There is something distastefull about how this is being run. When you compare other circumnavigations on the internet, they are less commercial and more personal. It all seems far too staged and designed to make money more than document a personal experience. 900 t-shirts...really...Zac's voyage is unfortunatey turning into an industry. What will happen if the voyage suddenly has to end? How much money will be lost? Why do we still need donations? How is the money being spent or has the non-profit organization been set-up as a way to avoid taxes? Something doesn't sit-right with the way this is being "handled" so much. While a 16 y/o can handle a boat around the world, he cannot post his own blogs?
hey Zac you're the Man
the moon is growing towards full...
and Intrepid is anxious to slip her mooring line...
to set to the open seas...
towards dreams and places of unnamed adventures
and we like you can't wait to get on board...
Godspeed my friend and captain Godspeed
mark n adino
vicksburg,ms... USA
Bob,
Thanks for setting up the push-pin map. I put my pin in the map (finally) several days ago. I checked it again today and it's fun to see the dots around the world. It's heartwarming to see how the world is following Zac's adventure. Again, thanks for extra effort you put in to set it up!
Melanie in Torrance
Dear Anonymous,
I'm sorry you find Zac's blog distasteful. One thing I learned early on in Zac's journey,is that all of these young men who have attempted solo circumnavigations are different. There are no two trips alike. Some people have gone around the world non-stop or taken a different route or taken a lot longer. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this is Zac's trip. It was his idea and remains powered by his drive and determination. One thing that you may be overlooking is the hardship of manning a boat at sea or the mind set of finally setting foot on land. There are many reasons why Zac is not blogging from Majuro. The reason I post is that there A LOT of people who sincerely care about Zac and are concerned when they don't hear a post. Zac's trip is a family venture in many ways. Boating is a huge part of our work and lives. His father spent the week with him in Majuro, hanging out, working on the boat. We are naturally a part of this trip. There are many people behind the scenes who are helping Zac with routing, weather, knowing how to best use equipment etc. There is nothing sinister going on. With regards to money, though it is nobody's business, Zac has borrowed a lot of money to fit out his boat. The donations and income from T-shirts are being accounted for as personal income and go to offset his expenses. I have noticed that some people have a perception of who Zac should be and are offended that he might get 'commercial'. Frankly, I though it was more than a little silly making T-shirts but we heard from many people that we should. People love to support Zac's trip and be a part of it in a small way.
The bottom line is that Zac is sailing around the world alone. This takes a huge amount of skill and hard work. He is an inspiration to many. Many people are supportive of his trip because of that. I cannot control that nor do I want to.
Sincerely,
Marianne Sunderland
Hats off to you Marianne!
I have personally enjoyed your posts when Zac is not able to post to his blog. As a Mom, when others are interesed in what my family is doing I certainly keep them informed.
Chances are, I will never meet you guys in person, but through this blog and by ordering a T-Shirt,I feel that I am somehow a small part of Zac's adventure.
By the way, I received my email today indicating that my T-Shirt is in the mail.
God Bless
Barb
I really did not want to post again for awhile as I do not want to monopoloize the blog. As the trip gets longer, there will be more and more people logging on and posting. I want to leave room for them. I have already stated my opinion of Zac, his need of a haircut, and my thinking the world of him even he gets to look like Rip Van Winkle. I think you also know how jealous I am of you and Laurance to have such a great kid.
Marianne, you already know about the doubts that I had about both the trip and the blog and who controls it. You also know that I feel that it is very much in control and it is Zac's story, not yours. If I thought it was your story, obviously I would not be here.
Therefore I was very distressed by the posting by anonymous. Although I was one of the first ones to ask you to moderate the blog because of the type of some individuals out there, I am also one that recogonizes the rights of all to state their opinion and the fine balance that must be held when doing that. However I also feel that if one must hide behind Anonymous then they have given up the right to be heard.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that Zac is going to get help on this trip and that it is going to cost a lost of money. I see nothing wrong in selling T shirts, photographs, books and yes, even his hair clippings if I get to do that on eBay :-). Money is what makes the world go round and not much gets done without it.
So much for my venting.
Hoping that Zac had a fantastic time at the barber shop and other places in the Marshalls.
Godspeed
Bill Mann bill at barstools4u dot com
Hey Anonymous
If you don't like the blog, don't read it! What's the big deal?
Maybe everyone should just sit down, cross your legs and sing koom-by-yah if it distresses you so much that there is any money being made. Frankly, when I go to work, I get paid. When Zac sells a few shirts and people are willing to support him, hey, supply and demand.
He and his family are suppling the record breaking trip around the world, and because of the huge interest in his endeavor, there is a demand.
So what is the big deal?
Jerry
Simi Valley, CA
Hi Marianne.
Re Anonymous and commercialisation.
Great reply (again!) Marianne.
Right on! Jerry Critter.
Have you a notional budget for this whole venture? It would be very sad if this sort of adventure were reserved for the very rich. Most of us would need to raise funds somehow and IF you're in profit at the end of the day you'll deserve it.
Three cheers for Team Sunderland!!!
I don't understand the technical implications but one post direct from Zac in his own words from Majuro would have been nice. :-)
Bon voyage to Darwin Zac!
Tim
Just wanted you to know that the post above by anonymous that you responded to Marianne, was NOT written by me, Sandy.
Marianne,
You are one woman of immense class and patience... God bless you for responding to some of more difficult blogs entries with such eloquent tact and honesty. Those of us following Zac (the ZacPac)on a daily basis have come to know and appreciate your input allowing Zac some down time on the blog to take care of necessary preparations for the next leg of his trip, not to mention some free time to go out and enjoy himself in the moment of where he currently is in port.
I'm sorry that you have to deal with having to defend yourself or Zac in any manner but I guess that's a sad reality of the society that we now live in. I know,that you know, that there is a large number of people that support your son and your decision as a parent to support his trip.
We all care a great deal about your son, his welfare and safety and you, his family.
As always, you are all in my prayers and thoughts each day.
Blessings,
Terri from Gloucester VA
C-18,
Zac mentioned in a post that all sailboats are grounded. I hope for Zac his boat is, but unfortunately that statement is not true.
Collecting rain water itself is a dangerous feat with arcing sparks if the rain water has been charged.
ie. Retreive water from a tarp into a metal pan and sparks can fly.
As for using booster cables, unless you clamp it to a square foot or so metal plate in the water, the wire will burn throu and melt the boat causing more damage. A chain around the mast is your best bet, provided you make a good contact around the mast, should have a bolt through the mast.
Sailing with Christ, might be your best solution after all. I am just glad Zac has a wooden tiller.
All the negative posts I am reading, I thought all those thoughts too, but thats only because I am very jealous of Zac and wish it was I at 16yrs old doing this trip. It's not a walk in the park. Zac has already show his ability by making it this far.
As for this being a money making scheme, to get riches, so be it... I think we are all welcome to try this ourselves. Why wouldn't you try to make money off of this, I sure would. Thank you Zac's mom for not only keeping us updated, but for bringing such a fine man into this world.
Cheers
Hello Zac, Mom, & Everyone,
I'm sure Zac is having a great time and getting ready to leave. When exactly will Zac be leaving? We haven't had an update in the last couple of days.
After purchasing a few t-shirts the day before Zac left MDR I decided to purchase another one in a different color "Indigo" through the Internet. The service was great and I received the t-shirt three days after ordering it. If anyone still doesn't have one I would suggest getting at least one before they all run out.
Hopefully we'll get an update on Zac soon. Get ready to Sail On Zac. Get everything loaded and get sailing on leg #3. Can't wait to hear the news over your last 3 days about the Island.
Take Care,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Mariaane,
Thank you for taking the time to keep us so well informed of Zac's exploits. He seems to be having a great time. Did you every imagine he would turn out to be such an ambassador of goodwill to so many. He is a remarkable young man.
My students would like to know if there will be any more opportunities to send postcards to some of Zac's next stopover locations. They missed the Marshall Island's stop because they just returned to school this week. They are very excited about his travels and adventures.
Craig Schreiber
St. Gregory Barbarigo Elementary School
Looking forward to the next "Zac Tack." I'm with Marilyn ( I think it was) when she talked about the Torres Straight. I'm glad you have a seasoned adviser for that passage. Between the shipping and the many scattered islands you'll need to be on your toes. Even the dogleg right around Papua New Guinea will be tricky.
It must be getting harder to leave these ports. So much hospitality, friendliness and adventure.
In case anyone is worried about the record...it is indeed what his age is when he returns. The previous record holder went non-stop. As extremely impressive as that is, it doesn't seem very fun. I know I'd be more inclined to do it using Zac's method. Like they say, "you only go around once."
Knowing what many here know about the expense of boating, I don't imagine a trip like this would be very cheap at all.
Sail on!
Scot
California
Hats off to Karen Earnshaw for her great articles & photos during Capt. Zac's stops thus far - thank you! I hope she'll be able to continue to follow his voyage thru the S Pacific & hopefully across the Indian Ocean.
Lady Marianne, as previously stated, thank YOU for the extra effort to take time out of taking care of Team Sunderland. As I've previously stated in other blog comments, my bro has 6 kids. Seeing the amount of love, w*rk & effort it takes to keep a large family safe, stocked & on schedule these days is enough to wear me out just watching. Thx again for keeping us updated when you have a chance.
Looking forward to wearing my shirts on casual w*rk day in the office :D
HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
I forgot to ask, what's the latest on Moana? Did they make it to Majuro? Have we heard from them? Are they ok?
why shouldn't Zac get a return on his investment ? If I understand it, Zac came up with the idea on his own, purchased Intrepid with his own money (savings), gathered sponsorship on his own and helped recondition it. Not bad for a 16 year old young man.
I and I'm sure most of the Zac Pac, have no idea of how to even begin to plan such a trip. The logistics envolved, the little details which, if overlooked, could mean disaster not to mention the mental and physical conditioning involved.
There are nay-sayers for everything good that happens, we just have to ignore them. Zac has my utmost respect.
peace,
bob
College Station, Texas
okay, "Ditto" to what Terri from Gloucester VA said!!!!!
Thank you Marianne!!
Thank you Zac
I am proud to be part of the Zac Pac!
Sue from Vancouver Island!!!!
Burgees! I’ve been wondering what those little club flags were called. I’m betting Intrepid is going to look more like a pinata than a boat when Zac returned to MDR :).
Thanks Marianne for the posts,
Andy
TX
I agree with the poster above that this is Zac's blog and no one else's -- that's why it's called "Zac's Blog" :)
If Zac can't post for a day or two, I can certainly understand. Absolutely no offense, but I don't really care to hear from Mom!
I have kept my mouth shut on the issue, but finally it just has to be said. Yes, it is "Zac's Blog". And we certainly understand there are periods when Zac cannot personally post, like the times he is on land experiencing all the local people, traditions and customs and paying attention to the needs of Intrepid to get her ready for the next leg at sea. BUT... there's no law against anyone else with authorization posting FOR Zac. I personally enjoy (and appreciate) the updates from 'Mom'. Nice to hear every now and then the kinds of things that Zac is busy doing. For those who don't wish to hear what Marianne has to say... it's really quite simple, Don't read it!
Most of us really appreciate the time and effort that Marianne puts forth to keep us posted and look forward to her comments and thoughts. It, to me at least, further enhances the journey to hear her perspective on things from time to time. THANKS Marianne, and please do keep posting when Zac can't.
Karl
Colorado Springs, CO
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