Squalls, Squalls and More Squalls
Yesterday I had 20-25 knots all day. I was running with it so it was a good ride and I was able to get some jobs done. At around 7pm I saw a squall on the radar and when I zoomed out I saw that it was over 24 miles wide. When I went out in the cockpit to get a look at it, it filled half of the horizon. Quickly I reefed and waited for it to hit. The wind dropped to about 15 knots for about 5 minutes and then it hit at about 30 knots and built to 35 knots constant with higher gusts. This first squall lasted about 2 hours. When it passed, I had about a 20 minute break before the second squall hit. This one was slightly more powerful than the previous one. By now it was dark and the only light came from the phosphoresence in the water from the big breaking swells. About 10 minutes into the second squall the lightning started all around the boat. It was closer and there was more than the last lightning storm. It went on all night getting hit by squall after squall and lightning flashing everywhere. Everything died down around 5 am but the minute I pulled up more sail and hit my bunk my AIS ship radar went off. So I was back up on lookout. Finally, the ship passed about 4 miles off my bow. I grabbed a couple hours sleep before I had another set of squalls and had to reef again.
I did catch about a gallon of water so I am looking forward to some good drinking water for now. We're still talking about possible stops and timing everything so I can be safe and still make good time. Thanks for the comments and emails. Good to know everyone is out there!
Cheers,
Zac
I did catch about a gallon of water so I am looking forward to some good drinking water for now. We're still talking about possible stops and timing everything so I can be safe and still make good time. Thanks for the comments and emails. Good to know everyone is out there!
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
8:50 PM
40 Comments:
Zac, - you sure have a way of making me both shudder to think of your circumstances and "tune in tomorrow".
Thanks for providing us the excitement of our lifetimes from the real time experiences of yours.
Praying for your continued health and good Providence.
Donn C.
Oh Zac,
Wow! Unbelievable! It sounded like an amazing ride. If you were able to save a gallon of water, it must have it must have been coming down so hard.
You were getting it from all possible struggles. Lightening, squalls, ships on radar. And only a couple of hours sleep. You are the Energizer Zac! I think this must be where 16 years old can be an advantage :) Old people could never stand up like you are. Amazing.
I am glad you are able to post as that shows you made it through another challenge. And that makes me very happy. I never would have thought that you would be someone I would think and pray for several times a day, but you are a big part of my life, and will be until the day you arrive in MDR.
I really hope you can find a place to port, and get some rest, food, and a good check of the boat. Two days ago your mom said the closest was 1000 miles away. I'm thinking in the last two days you have gotten closer to that point. I will look forward to hearing what you do.
Zac, the Lord loves you and is with you. He must be enjoying the ride, and proud his child his showing other what God is doing in your life.
Best to you for another day.
Peter
Hi, Zac. Thunderstorms are beautiful to watch at a distance but it sounds like the squalls you are encountering can be a bit scary. What happens if the mast is hit by lightning?
Try your best to get some kind of sleep. You are definitely in all our thoughts.
Onward!
Scott
:)
Hey Zac,
Another eventful night under your belt and we thought you were snoozing
in calm waters! Rest assured Zac that those of us that have been here from the beginning are here period. We are with you as much as anyone in another part of the world can be and then some. In some a mothering spirit has arose, in others you remind them of times past in their lives, some are reminded that sailing was on their life list and some are just plain rooting for the 16yr old from MDR to make it back home safe. It doesn't matter what the motive, we are all here and we are staying until you reach MDR again.
Glad to hear you have some decent drinking water for a couple of days. What about the big picture here, you have 2 more weeks on moldy tanks? You're the boss. I know that bleach water is nasty stuff, probably won't hurt you though. I've lived through it
for weeks on end. You must be getting really just plain weary about now to consider a stop. Sleep, some decent food (No offense to your Grandmother, of course) and some exercise might just be what the doctor ordered.
Really, how fast do you want to make this trip? The timing for S Africa? Every time you stop, the date changes there also. I guess I'm just thinking out loud here but
gosh, life is short too, might be time to smell some flowers somewhere. Yeah, lots to consider here. I am sure you will let us know, hopefully. Until the next blog, sleep, eat, drink fresh water and plan. We'll take care of the prayers, the rooting on and anything else we are called on to do. Just let us know.
Kate
Hey No. 1 Dude:
Everyone is cheering that you are tougher than all the bolts that Zeus is throwing your way. Actually, I think he is a Zac Pac-er also. He's just teasing you with some weather. Wants to be sure you can handle it. Any Zac-Pacer knows that you can. You said it was very dark so he was giving you some light the only way he know how to.
Ok, it's been established that there is only one true God and he is King of the Zac-Pacers. Enough of that. There's enough Bible-thumping on here already so as He suggests, I'll do my praying in the closet.
Keep up the great work. You're not alone.
FrogPond
Cool Chart Site, Free Charts... Provided to you by the US Government... And you wondered were our Tax $ go?!?! Well, here's our chance to actually get something kind of cool from Uncle Sam...
The quality is high enough that a professional printer can print them poster size and they could be framed...
Some of these go back to the 1800's, while they aren't very useful for current Navigation, I thought I'd share the link...
Use the "Enter Keywords" link and click Submit Query...
Example, In the "Enter Keywords" field enter Australia, Africa, South America, or whatever you're looking for.
http://historicalcharts.noaa.gov/historicals/historical_zoom.asp
Some of the images are 30mb+, so you'll need some type of viewer...
A good free one is IrfanView 4.2. I can be downloaded for free at www.download.com
Irfanview 4.2 has 34M downloads, so for sure it's popular... Has nice zoom in/out features, etc...
http://www.download.com/IrfanView/3000-2192_4-10021962.html?tag=lst-1&cdlPid=10865169
Good luck and happy map/chart browsing...
Daveh
Sounds adventurerous! It also sounds scary. Take care bud. It sounds like you know what you're doing but I will still say a prayer for you. Good luck and keep those postings coming...I read them everyday.
Dearest Capt'n Zac,
You are & will be in our thoughts & prayers for many months to come. Just take care of yourself & Intrepid best you can, we'll continue to petition The Almighty on your behalf.
Thx for the update.
May the swells be low, the winds consistent & your sails tight.
HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
I've just posted a new image to www.temphost100.com...
Image #14 (at the bottom of the page)
It's easy for all of us, me included, to lose perspective sometimes on the distances that Zac is traveling AND still has to travel…
While Google Earth is great, it definitely enables a “the world is small” thinking, which in some respects it is…
But when you’re alone, in the ocean, often 1,000’s of miles from anything, as Zac has been on several occasions already, the world isn’t small at all, it’s huge.
What Zac is doing really is amazing… just amazing…
Daveh & Skipper
hey Zac, great to hear your updates. hang in there, things will get better. ive been praying for you, stay safe out there.
Hi Zac!
Yes, we are all out here, hanging on your every word, cheering you on, sharing your joy; we worry, we laugh, and we read your blog with wide eyed wonder; but most important of all, we lift you up in prayer! Father God has His hand on your shoulder, He guides your every move, put your trust in Him and He will never leave you.
Good to hear you've managed to catch some rain water; I bet it will taste wonderful!!
Normally I love to watch lightning, but I don't think I'd care too much for it on the ocean. I guess it would be something to watch in awe but at the same time with a bit of fear. Mother nature has a way of reminding us we're NOT all that and a bag of chips!
My sister teaches math and science at Hamburg, NY middle school.(near Buffalo) She's very excited to share your adventure with the Social Studies teacher next week when they resume class. How awesome that so many students from around the world will be following your story! The number of lesson plans based on your journey could be endless.....there's SS, math, science......boy thoses kids will be busy...LOL!!
Be safe Captian Zac, know that there are many, many loyal Zac Pac followers who have offered you up in prayer.
God Speed young man.
Anita
Captain SV "Wombat" ~_/)
Waterloo, NY
USA
U ROCK MAN! Blog when you're rested, U catchin' sleep is more important then keepin us informed.
Well done! Great effort! Solid performance!
-And big thank U Axel for the history lesson. Ha ha ha guess I owe U a beer. Mind you I prefer my distorted view better. I always wondered why my history teacher constantly shook his head!
Your latest position on Google Earth has not been updated since 8/19/08. Where are you now?
Zac,
If you were a couple days away from your next layover stop, I and many others would tell you go for it. But it appears on first look as if your more than a week from Darwin. With that I can only rehash the idea of stopping somewhere to refuel the human in the boat.
What harm can it cause to locate a sheltered cove somewhere, spend a day catching some much needed sleep, and perhaps doing some cleanup/dryout duties.
Taken into consideration the ehh...uncomfortable aggressive human situation you're facing, and your general lack of consistent sleep, you need to be sharp and aware. Nothing dulls those two needs more than fatigue.
Of course not being with you and you knowing in truth just how your getting on......only you can make that call.....or should!
What your dealing with in this entry is a Dad who is concerned, and aware of what fatigue can do.....at the same time, one who also knows the resourcefulness, and stubbornness of youth.
It is obviously your call, and your ability.
As always be safe, be smart, fair winds and following seas.
Your doing amazing things!!!!!
Yes Zac, we are out here doing what we can do from a distance....hopefully supporting you with our comments and certainly our prayers.You are never alone.Just think about it this way....with all the Zac Paccers ( how DO you spell that ) coming from all over the world, there will ALWAYS be someone, somewhere, reading your blog and praying for you......awesome.
J
Hi Zac,
You are certainly being challenged, but seem to be handling it well.
I do hope that you are able to stop somewhere safe to recharge.
You have us on the edge of our seats.
We are thinking of you and praying for you often.
Linda and Bill
Washington DC
Zac,
Ouch! Get some sleep, before the next set hit!
J
http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/
Sorry to hear you're still hitting regular squalls, Zac; I know you could use a break and get some rest. Guessing at your approximate location, I can see the weather is very active. I'd hoped you would get some relief in the Coral Sea, but it looks like there is still a lot of activity just sitting there.
Hold fast, Zac. I hope you opt for a short stop at a friendly port, just to get some rest. Glad you got some fresh water from the squalls. Bleach might help clean out the tanks, but trading moldy for bleachy is not all that great. I use a filter bottle when I'm on the trail; not sure if it would help with moldy taste, though. The suggestion of powdered Gatoraide or something similar seems a good thought. However you do it, stay hydrated!
Cheers, Zac and all...
willy
milford, ohio
Zac and family,
I must say you have a brave heart!
I last left a comment and some quotes a few days before you left, but I've been tracking your blog every morning or late at night just before I wrap up my news media job for the day. I'm glad you've navigated some rough days with smarts and courage and, of course, our prayers. Thanks for sharing your adventures with so many people. Hope you get a good rest soon.
We'll look forward to the completion of your journey in the short term, and how you'll be able to use this experience for others.
A quote I saw today: "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive,
and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." You seem to be on that path.
Blessings, Jack
Zac,
My girls go to Grace and heard of your adventure from a teacher at the school. We are so intrigued and excited about your journey. We are actively praying for your safety and success. Hang tough!
Blessings,
The Baker Family
Hi Zac,
This is Donna Duffy in St. Croix, USVI. I'm a Fifth Grade teacher. We're so impressed by your courage and strength in taking on this tremendous challenge. You're a fantastic role model for all young people. School starts hre tomorrow and our theme is "The Adventure Begins... Where is he?" We'll be following your travels and writing to. For now I hope the waters are a bit calmer for you.
Take care,
Donna
Hi Zac,
I faithfully read your blogs everyday. You are very brave and we keep you in our thoughts.
Keep safe
Hi Zac,
Everyone wishes you well and prays that you remain 'under the shadow of His wings'.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.
Isaiah 40:31
Sail on and soar!
Tamara
I've just examined the charts for the Torres Straits and I've got to say I wouldn't even think of attempting it without a trained captain on board! I'm glad you've got so many hours of experience Zac!! I read how the tides can vary by 5 meters and so many rocks, reefs, etc. How long will it take you to get through the straits? I don't think a person could sleep, even with a windvane while navigating through this area. Are you going straight through or planning to anchor somewhere for a little rest before moving through? I have no idea how long it takes to get through the straits so just wondering if you have to stay awake through the whole ordeal.
I'll be pushing you power and "gentle" winds to get you through.
Patrick
Everyone seems to be saying what I would say, so doesn't seem very worthwhile to keep reiterating that you are an inspiration and an example, at least to my kids, the Adat youth group, and me.
Still praying for you daily. A lady suggested to me yesterday that I add you to the family blessings for Shabbat. What the hey, an extra blessing never hurt anybody, right?
Still praying for you daily, in the name of Yeshua HaMashiach. Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
Hi Zac,
Gosh, these intense squalls are surely keeping you on your toes and you're handling them like a real pro. On the positive side, at least you got some fresh water.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and keep that harness on.
Stay safe and God speed.
Dick & Gin
Upland
Zac, Greetings again from Charleston, SC! Have been away from the blog for about a week due to us traveling, but you have been in our thoughts and prayers! We kept the article in the LA Times when we were in California, it is now proudly displayed at Guy and Emma's school! Go Zac Go! Stay safe.. Karen...Guy and Emma
As things are getting very exciting for Zac, I thought that it might be a nice idea for us Los Angeles area Zac Packers to get together so we can meet each other without having to wait for Zac to return sometime next year.
As my year 5768 starts at sundown on September 29th, if any of the L.A. people would like to get together for an early New Years get together, we could turn it into a fund-raiser for Zac with a silent auction and a dinner.
I would be happy to donate a set of bar stools and some exercise equipment from my factory for an auction.
If anyone is interested, drop me an email.
Zac, we are all looking out for you in our individual ways. Stay strong, get a haircut and keep up that fantastic voyage you are taking us on.
Bill Mann
bill at barstools4u dot com
firestarter
Zac is not posting his current location due to safety concerns
thought i would just be one of the many who are going to let you know that
Rock on Zac
If I may be so bold, I would like to mention someone that doesn't necessarily get much mentioning, and that would be Dad.....while Mom keeps the blog up to date when Zac is busy, or otherwise can't, Dad somehow goes without much notoriety.
I'm thinking not only is this his choice, but as it should be...it is after all Zac's quest.
Yet as a Dad myself, I am sure that had there been one spark of doubt, had all the small pieces somehow not fit just right, this entire undertaking would not be happening.
Directly addressing Dad for a moment.....Sir, you have obviously done well as a partner in raising a responsible, and capable oldest Son. Your behind the scene help, organization, maintenance and any other effort you have given, speaks volumes of the Man (capital M)and Father (again capital)that you are. I am sure there are moments of concern, yet your trust, confidence, and the lessons you have taught have and will be what gets Zac through to the end....back HOME!
What parents, what a family, and what a son.
I am also sure that Zac would be the first to acknowledge his profound good fortune to be the Son of these two Parents.
I read the blog everyday, as do my kids. I have asked that the Scouts in my Boy Scout Troop begin, if not already begun, to follow along as well. One of my efforts is to lead my Boy Scouts to self awareness, responsibility, and acknowledgment of growing up. It's a long hard task, given that I get to be the leader for a couple hours a week......the Sunderland example is a powerful tool in my arsenal of things now.
Mom and Dad.....you have many others to mold, to influence, and support.....here's to the rest of the Sunderland children and their growth.
Hey my name is Courtney and im 15(im from long beach cali) and i think what your doin is AMAZING and all alone is just WOW! im really enjoyin lookin at your blogs and pictures btw i think you super hot and i cant believe what your doin! I cant wait to read more about your trip
xoxo courtney
Have a great day today Zac you are in our prayers. Love your Blog's everyday. Hope you catch a good eating fish soon......
QUESTION - Estimated Time To Get to Darwin.
Taking a stab at answering that question, being that Zac is either "wrestling" or "resting" [chuckle]
If you look at www.temphost100.com IMAGE #14, you will see a guestimate at a somewhat recent location (he won't be posting his exact location until he clears the Torres Straits due to safety of "unwanted sea visitors")
(AND I won't be posting any estimates or guestimates either...)
You'll see that IMAGE #14 shows about 920nm to the tip of Queensland Australia, from there, 625nm to Dundas Strait (see IMAGE #13 Top, Upper Left). From there he has about a 100nm sail into Cullen Bay, Darwin (zoom in on Google Earth)
So, he probably has:
* 7-9 days to Queensland tip...
* 5-6 days to Dundas Strait.
* 1 day from Dundas to Darwin
Guestimates and Estimates only...
Daveh
What a night! Bet Disney world has nothing to offer beside that! I guess what baffles me is how you stay on course when struck by those storms and your sails are down. Do you have to run your motor in order to keep the Intrepid into the waves ?
Hi Zac.
It would be great to give us your Longs/Lats for the days we don't get your position right now - maybe sometimes after you left Darwin. That way the trackers can see how close we came with our guesses.
Take care
Axel
Dear Zac: I have a 34ft Catamaran and we just got back from a 7 week sail to the bahamas, the ICW and up the coast. We had a few bad storms on top of us but nothing like that. Good Luck.
JT Age 9
Glad to hear that even throughout the bad weathers and winds, you haven't lost the focus you've went into this with. You have proven many things already, and continue to prove that young people can amaze the world. You continue to inspire me to do something with my life, even when I feel like I am stuck in an ugly rut.
Thanks for doing something so awesome Zac, and keep up the safe journey.
HEY ZAC, HAVEN'T WRITTEN IN A WHILE BUT CHECKING ON YOU EVERY DAY AND ALWAYS REMEMBERING YOU IN MY PRAYERS!! SOUNDS LIKE LOTS OF CRAZY WEATHER AND NOT ALOT OF SLEEP. YOUR ONE BRAVE DUDE, THATS ALL I CAN SAY. KEEP PUSHING ON AND STAY SAFE AND FOCUSED!! GOD SPEED...........
DAVID
Hello Zac & Everyone,
It sounds like your having a battle with all those squalls out there. You have so many different elements to deal with right now. But like always it seems like your taking it all in and just hitting every problem head on. It also sounds like your doing a great job out there and not sounding discouraged at all. I hope you understand that so many of us are hanging on every work you place on your daily blog. We love hearing from you and I can't wait for the book to come out. The video's would also be great.
Sail On Squall Man,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hey Zac,
I just wanted to let you know that I admire what you are doing and enjoy following your journey as it happens. You're a great role model for young and older folks alike, not only for your bravery to do such an incredibly dangerous thing alone at such a young age, but moreso because you are following your bliss and doing the thing you love most in this world. May your travels be safe, and rest assured that there are many of us out there who are thinking of you and wishing you all the best. The world needs journeys such as yours to focus on because it reminds us that we are all capable of facing our fears and realizing our dreams.
Godspeed and Safe Travels,
Amanda
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