G'day Mum!
Latest Position: Cullen Bay, Darwin, Australia
I've been waiting too and since it doesn't appear that I'll have much new information anytime soon I'll tell you what I know.
This from John Knight:
Zac arrived O.K. Currently at anchor off Cullen Bay Marina. Anchored at 0310 CST Thursday 18th Sept ( 1740Z Wed 17th.)Is in good shape we will be back about 8 a.m. to see him once cleared by Customs etc. May not get the boat lifted until this afternoon if they are not speedy in processing him.
This from Jen:
Zac got in around 3 a.m. this morning, Laurence and John helped him in. Right now we are at an internet cafe in the Marina, very close to Zac's boat, trying to get ahold of all the news/radio/media people. John is going to meet us down here in a bit. Customs and Quarentine guys are going to head out there this morning (whenever their 'office hours' start. Laurence is a bit nervous as to how that is going to go... After that Zac is going to take the boat around to where the sailing club is and we will go from there. I will also send you some more pics from yesterday...hopefully you will get to talk to Zac in a few hours :o) I'm excited for you to get to talk to him.
Zac off Darwin (check out the sea - and this is not at anchor!)
Photos Courtesy of Jen Edney
Photo courtesy of Jen Edney
BREAKING NEWS!!
Just got a call from Zac who is at the hotel with a swarm of reporters following him - what a good son to call his mom, eh?
He is well and excited for South Africa where he hopes to be able to spend some time now that his Australian stay will have to be short. They were going to lunch and he promised to call later. Another post in the morning for sure.
Cheers,
Marianne
I've been waiting too and since it doesn't appear that I'll have much new information anytime soon I'll tell you what I know.
This from John Knight:
Zac arrived O.K. Currently at anchor off Cullen Bay Marina. Anchored at 0310 CST Thursday 18th Sept ( 1740Z Wed 17th.)Is in good shape we will be back about 8 a.m. to see him once cleared by Customs etc. May not get the boat lifted until this afternoon if they are not speedy in processing him.
This from Jen:
Zac got in around 3 a.m. this morning, Laurence and John helped him in. Right now we are at an internet cafe in the Marina, very close to Zac's boat, trying to get ahold of all the news/radio/media people. John is going to meet us down here in a bit. Customs and Quarentine guys are going to head out there this morning (whenever their 'office hours' start. Laurence is a bit nervous as to how that is going to go... After that Zac is going to take the boat around to where the sailing club is and we will go from there. I will also send you some more pics from yesterday...hopefully you will get to talk to Zac in a few hours :o) I'm excited for you to get to talk to him.
Zac off Darwin (check out the sea - and this is not at anchor!)
Photos Courtesy of Jen Edney
Photo courtesy of Jen Edney
BREAKING NEWS!!
Just got a call from Zac who is at the hotel with a swarm of reporters following him - what a good son to call his mom, eh?
He is well and excited for South Africa where he hopes to be able to spend some time now that his Australian stay will have to be short. They were going to lunch and he promised to call later. Another post in the morning for sure.
Cheers,
Marianne
posted by Zac at
7:56 PM
58 Comments:
Marianne,
What wonderful news and pictures! I am so happy that Zac arrived safe and sound and that you got an opportunity to talk to him. Yes, he is a wonderful son! An inspiration to so many. Actually, so is the entire Sunderland Family! God bless you all!
Looking forward to tomorrow's post!
Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA
Marianne-
Hey there- I don't post often, but just gotta say-I am so full of smiles and sweet thoughts for you and your precious son. Yea, I know, you got a bunch of other kids, but isn't your "wayward" son your prime importance right now?!? How sweet of him to let you know all is good. Can't wait to hear more in the morning. Lots of big hugs from one Mom to another and many prayers for all of your wonderful family and Zac-packers.
Marnie MV/CA
Way to go Zac, another milestone behind you, hope you enjoy your stay in Darwin and looking forward to following you via blog to the next destination!
Ray & Deanna
Clovis, CA
Hooray! He and Intrepid look great. So happy that he's no doubt enjoying a hot shower, hot meal and warm hugs from Dad.
A swarm of media !!! Can't wait to see some live interviews.
Thanks Jen for the update (via Marianne) and great photos. Things look pretty flat out there...
Sleep well Marianne!
Melanie in Torrance
Yahoooo!!!
Congrats Zac (and gang). Good luck with the repairs, enjoy your land time, and don't forget the Roo Burger!!
If only the seas could stay like AND you could still move at 5-6 knots.. but then I guess everyone would be doing it!!
Wow,
What great news. Have been checking the blog often to see when Zac would arrive Darwin. Sounds like he's a celebrity in the down under. Glad he is safe and resting for the next leg of the journey. We will pray the Intrepid gets the repairs it needs expediently.
Baker Family
Zac and family:
Best news in ages ... and wonderful photos! Now you're in port. You, Dad, Mom, and all Zac-Packers can relax for a couple of days.
Now, I'm sure that everyone has eaten well so now it is time to sleep ... warm, dry, no motion ... zzzZZZ.
Ribbit,
Croaker
Hello all,
I updated the TrackZac Map with approximate positions for recent entries based on our route through the same area last season.
Zac's Stats: 7926 nM and 95 days (so far).
Now I know you are thinking "wow that's ridiculously slow" and considering Laurence did the same miles in I'd guess 18 hours.. you might be right.
But I think it is incredibly fast.. it took us 19815 nM and 1204 days to get to Darwin from Ventura.
Wow! This is so exciting. Its like the long lost Zac has returned. And in great shape too. I feel like he has been through so much since PNG. Its like he is a new person. Very much a blessing that he has arrived. I'm so glad he called you Marianne! I can't wait to hear what he has to say. This is really a great day!
So glad to hear that you made it to Darwin Safe and Sound, Zac!! I think we all can rest easy for a couple of days knowing you are with your Dad and getting some much deserved rest in a bed that is not rolling!!Good thinking to get in touch with Mom as soon as you could. I bet she was so happy to hear from you!! I know that getting Intrepid ready for her next leg is of utmost importance. I loved the pictures taken by Jen,also thanks for the relayed messages. Some news is better than no news at all!
Sending prayers that all goes well with your repairs on Intrepid and you get to have a little fun while in Australia!!
Hugs to you and Laurence,
Debbie
North Hills, CA
Another milestone and another reason to be thankful.
Have a wonderful stop over.
Thanks to all for the updates, it is so exciting and truly inspirational. Never known anything quite so good to come out of the internet!
It's just by chance ( or maybe not by chance) that I picked up about Zac's journey....it hasn't been news here in the UK....yet!
So happy for you all.
UK friend
This is absolutely fantastic news. Bummer that he'll have to cut short his Oz visit, but very happy to hear he's getting some quality time w/Lord Laurence & was able to get a chance to chat w/his Mum.
Thx Jen for sharing the pics!
HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
Ike left me without power for a few days and I am finally catching up on all the blogs. I knew in my heart that Zac was OK but it was still unsettling not to be able to check in for a few days. It is great to see the photos and to hear that Zac has finally made landfall. Awesome picture from above. Thanks Karen.
@Marianne... Please do start your own Blog. ( I am sure that you have plenty of extra time on your hands! ha ha) I am also sure that you will have plenty of followers. We all love to hear from you and I fear that when Zac's communication system is back in tact that we will hear less and less from you.
I hope that you slept well last night!
@ Zac ... Congrats Captain. You are doing an awesome job. I hope that you were keeping a detailed log and that you will be posting it online when you are able. The whole Zac Pack will be waiting patiently to read how you felt while you were unable to communicate with your family.
Your cruising friends will be friends that you will cherish for the rest of your life. I am so glad that you have established such an incredible network of people that helped you through this last leg. Please give them a great big Thank You from the Zac Pack.
Enjoy a nice fat cheeseburger and fries while looking out into the harbor and admiring Intrepid. She is a great companion and a friend for life also.
Don't forget the picture in front of the barber shop!!!
We are all anxious to hear from you so drop us a quick" HI" soon. Good luck with all of your repairs. Here's to hoping that you are not on the hard to long.
Tammy
Ohio
Wow...great pictures! Glad to hear that he finally was able to call home. You must be just so jealous of Laurence at this point. ARGH! Wish you both could get your hands on Zac. Keep up the good work!
Wonderful news! Zac, you've earned a good rest and a great meal. I hope you've kept a journal of all you've experienced since PNG. It has been a real thrill for those of us following from the sidelines!
One question: I may have missed something, but Marianne made a comment in passing about the stay in Oz having to be short - what is driving that?
Great photos, Jen! Thanks so much for sharing...
Cheers all,
willy
milford, ohio
Zac and Team Sunderland,
Congratulations on your arrival to the land of Oz, no thanks to the wind or lack thereof.
I know you will be working very hard on Intrepid, as your time is short before your next departure.
Enjoy time with your father and get some hot long showers and well deserved rest. Don't forget lots of calls to mom. (I know you won't)
Linda and Bill
Washington DC
Congratulations Zac! Your an inspiration to All.
Josh
Barbados W.I
Hello Everyone,
Well Zac's finally in Darwin. I remember how long we have been talking about Darwin and it's finally here. Hope you'll get all those repairs done and get some good rest. Eat well, charm the reporters, and get Intrepid ready for that next leg.
I'm very proud of what you just accomplished and looking forward to your next leg.
R&R = Rest & Repair,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hello Sunderlands!
We are happy to hear that Zac made it to Darwin. We have been watching and praying for him from our ranch in landlocked Kansas! :) We are a homeschooled family too, and we love the stellar example that you all set! :)
The Shays
St. Francis, Kansas
Glad to hear all is well and Zac is safely in port! Praying that all goes well with all the repairs. Pray also that Zac gets energized with food and sleep!
your biggest fans in TN ...
Yayyy!
Yeah! I'm so happy you're in Darwin Zac. Something I read in 'Sailing Alone Around the World' reminded my of you:
'Boucher, apparently a mere lad, was in command, and handled his ship with the skill of an older sailor.'
I pray all goes well with 'restoring' Intrepid and her Captain to ship shape!
I hope when you get to Christmas Island, that you may be able to witness the migration of the red crabs. It is from October through December that they migrate. 120 million crabs making their way from the forests to the Sea. Gives me the ebbi-jibbies thinking about all those crawly critters; but you might find them fascinating!
Also, it sounds like fishing is easy near Christmas Island!
Here's a tidbit I found about the 'route' of the migrating Red Crabs:
The areas most affected by the crab migration are: Drumsite (school and mine office), Kampong, Chinese cemetery at the end of Settlement, and Murray Road (haulage operations for the mine).
When you are 'grounded,' {on land :-)} are you able to see your brothers, sisters and Mom on Skype or some other way? I'm also wondering if Ben can say 'Intrepid.' :-)
Also, thank you to Marianne and all the team for the updates and photos!
Enjoy you time in Oz with your Dad Zac. I hope the pilot of the Pinta is looking out for you as he did for Captain Slocum!
Namaste~~
The Sunder has made it down under!!! I have been waiting 3 months to say that!!! Ecstatic you made it safely bro!! Get some rest and I can't wait for South Africa either...Just one question...Why is your stay in OZ cut short?..not staying a week like you planned?
Hi Marianne,
So happy you finally got to talk with your BABY !! and that he is well and safe. God Bless Intrepid.
Love,
Maureen in Boise
Wow, there’s no feeling like tossin’ out the anchor after a long passage…. I’m sure PNG was bitter-sweet due to it being unplanned, engine/fuel problems… But Darwin??? Now that’s a STOP!...
Interestingly, you would think that Zac would just collapse after he anchored or moored, but not matter how tired you are, there’s a rush that comes over you, a “wow… I’m not moving… I’m staying for a while…” and then I would typically want to tidy the sails, lines, cockpit, etc.. I had a water-maker, so I’d give her a good fresh water washdown, which ALWAYS makes me feel better somehow…
Then, after the customs / immigrations shuffle, I’d grab a drink and just sit in the cockpit for a while… “man… that’s land… and it’s not passing me by… I’m here for a while…”
Funny feelings…
Good luck on that haul-out Zac and the ensuing work, I’m sure you and your dad are going to really enjoy your time together…
To you, he’s the same, but to him, you are different, very much so… A good thing…
Daveh & Skipper
Yo, Cap'n Zac!
Sounds like you are getting a well deserved and right royal welcome down under in Darwin!
I hope customs etc. is not too much of a pain in the patootie, and that the necessary refurb/repairs of the Intrepid are not too intensive/expensive.
Get some sleep, have some fun, eat some good food and post when you can - we miss you!
Kathy
Congratulations, Zac!
My #2 son just made Eagle Scout, and I keep holding you up as an example to him. He's also sharing your story with the rest of his troop. I try to suggest that they all go for their small craft sailing merit badge, but living in Moreno Valley, not a lot of sailing goes on amongst them.
Unlike your adventure, life here is a bit redundant, so I haven't commented here in a while. By the time I get to reading your posts, all my words have already been spoken, just showing the solidarity of the mighty Zac Pac!
Still praying daily for you. Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
Fantastic News!
Thanks for the beautiful pictures Jen. The calm of the water matched the calm of the moment, knowing Zac had arrived safely.
Hoping the repairs to Intrepid go smoothly and timely and Zac and Laurence have time to enjoy Darwin a bit.
Can't wait to hear from Zac, but understand he has some busy days ahead of him.
Mona
Tucson, AZ
Good job, Zac. Enjoy a well deserved rest.
To all others reading this, I found this brief not on the ABC online site:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/09/18/2368434.htm
These's also a video link on main page.
Michele in Cambridge, MA
"He just smiled, and gave me a vegimite sandwhich" !
Have fun Zac. I know you have a lot to do. Enjoy your stay there.
Chris Carnaghi
Alhambra, CA
Happy, Happy, Happy!!!!
Big hugs for all of you I know you need them.
Polly
AWESOME!
Way to go Zac on arriving in Darwin! I imagine that taking the boat out of the water and getting her ready to continue would be like Daveh washing his boat with fresh water times ten. A journey, to Darwin, completed. Well done! And the shore must look good for it looks like accomplishment and it holds all the comforts that success can bring. Confidence in self, destination obtained, tests passed, relationships forged all part of the landscape as Zac takes in all things Australian. Intrepid, not without trials, but solid enough in storms and tests at sea to deliver Zac safely Down Under. I hope you are able to take some time, as you prepare the boat and yourself for your next leg, to enjoy Darwin and celebrate the accomplishments that you have obtained to date.
Is it insulting to ask for Ketchup with that Roo Burger?
Soak it up Zac!
Steve
Birmingham, AL
Hi Michele. Your link didn't work, but I found the story you mentioned here:
www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/09/18/2368434.htm?section=sport
Thanks Michele!
LOVE SEEING THE NEW VIDEO (on ABC)! Oh man! The bandana! Looking pretty good for a guy who has been "at sea" for so long! FUN to see! Can't wait to see more!
BLESSINGS!
LA in MN
'atta boy zac! you made it! and we are so very proud of you. INTREPID looks so 'comfy' in that blue blue water.
john baker/w hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com
In the Pacific Magazine article of Sept 03 there was a quote (of Laurence) stating "He needs (for weather reasons) to be out of there on September 20 or 22." Now the target date for departure has tentatively slipped till the 26th (reported in the Sunday, September 14 blog entry). Is weather down track looking likely to be a concern given the lateness of the season?
Thanks to Michelle in Cambridge for the link to the ABC/AU news site. Zac looks and sounds great doesn't he?
For those of you who were curious as to why his stay in Darwin will be abbreviated; it's a weather thing. Gotta keep moving before hurricane season sets in...
@ Zac: Don't cut your hair!
Melanie in Torrance
Here is a video from Darwin:
www.abc.net.au/news/video/2008/09/18/2368556.htm
Greetings,
So happy he finally made it.
Just saw the ABC video, all smiles,
new look with a bandana tied around
forehead! He looks more mature Marianne. It's gotta be emotional for you to watch this and not be there.
Good luck with the haul out, hope it all goes according to schedule.
Does that really happen with boating?
BTW, did I read somewhere about a deteriorating runway on Christmas Island forcing airlines to suspend service there for quite a while?
May not be a stop he wants to make.
Not that he has a lot of choices on the next leg.
Looking forward to news from OZ and Zac.
Kate
HALLELUJAH!!
Safe arrival on dry, unmoving land and the waiting arms of your dad to greet you. It doesn't get any better!
Have fun.....and don't worry about those who think you should get a haircut. Long hair keeps your neck warm and protects it from sunburn so it's multi-seasonal!! Also, when it gets long enough, you can just tie it back. Very cool!
Zac, Zac, Zac, Zac it the chant I hear all over the place. Cool beans! So far, so good. Long way to go, stay focussed. I was staring at a picture of Intrepid in Oahu and it occurred to me that the traveler lines are having to go all the way around the hard bimini. Is this a problem? I use my traveler all the time when balencing my sails. Is there a fairlead I'm missing? Let know OB1....._/)
Xray
Zac,
Congratulations to your save arrival Down Under. Too bad that you have to rush on to get to SA. Best wishes that the repairs go smoothly. Enjoy your "shore leave", but I am sure your are looking forward to your next leg, too.
Cheers,
RK
To those questioning Zac's lenght of stay in OZ...I believe is weather related.
The Cocos Keeling Islands are enjoying Trade Winds through the end of October. In November the doldrums settle in...light to no wind, similar to the last days coming into Oz.
Michele in Cambridge,
Thanks for the link to ABC.
The picture of Zac is great! Surely worth a thousand words.
Mona
Tucson, AZ
Here is a link to some new news media: http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2008/09/18/2368556.htm
Kim
Anchorage, AK
Hello Everyone,
A few people blogging have asked "Why is Zac's time in Darwin going to be cut short". He is leaving to avoid the possibility of bad weather up ahead. It wouldn't be fun if Zac was caught up in a hurricane storm. Sir Laurence knows the exact day when Zac needs to leave Darwin so he'll be safer during the rest of his journey.
I hope this helps.
Take Care Everyone,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Three Cheers for Captain Zac!!!
Good on ya mate!!!
FANTASTIC photos....thanks!
Outstanding you called your mum straight away...we mom's LOVE that :)
Have a successful haul out; may all the repairs go smoothly.
Enjoy your time with dad, I'm sure you will both have an awesome time!
God speed
Anita
Waterloo, NY USA
ps hope my package made it to you!!!
Hi Zac,
Absolutely fantastic sailing! You are AWESOME!
Now, we can all breathe a little easier, knowing you are safe. Enjoy your visit with Dad and have fun in Darwin. Hope you won't have too much work to do on Intrepid.
Marianne, we know how proud all of you are of Zac. So are we!
Dick & Gin
Upland
hard to tell from the pics --but has zac stopped flying the 'stars and stripes' from intrepid?
DLF
Great news and wonderful pictures! Congrats to Zac and the whole team for this milestone - Darwin! I hope your stay is at least somewhat relaxing, although it sounds like you probably have your plate full with work on Intrepid, reporters, etc. I expect we probably won't hear the story from Zac's view until he's back out at sea with email/computer working again. I sure look forward to it! In the meantime, love the updates from family and friends...
Take care all, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
Welcome to Darwin Zac. I went to the place your boat is being hauled into last night but it was too dark to see anything so I will venture out that way again this morning. A swarm of media? mate we only have about 3 reporters up here so we must have some blow ins. Have a great stay and enjoy yourself. Darwin is a great place.
Have you made it to Darwin yet?
later,James
We are still watching you zac!!
Marie and Daycare kids!!
Yay!!! So happy to hear that Zac is finally in Darwin! Too bad his time will be cut short, though. :(
The pictures are great, Jen!! Good job.
@ Tammy:
Did you get any damage from Ike? I hope that you only had power outage. I'm still w/out electricity in Houston. :( Glad to hear from you, though. It's been awhile...Hope you're okay now that Ike is gone.
@ Zac:
Please don't cut your hair! Just take a picture. Enjoy your roo burger!
God bless!!
Elissa R. Walther
Houston, Texas
Yes, Zac is indeed a good son. I'm glad he called you. The pictures are beautiful. I'm sure they'll end up in one of Zac's books.
from Iowa
Hi Zac.
Do you fly the Australian flag under the starboard spreadder as a guest land flag?? Can't see the flag on the pics :-)Sorry if there are typos.
Great job - have fun in Darwin if you can
Greetings
Axel
So happy to hear that Zac made it to Darwin alright.Team Zac must have been relieved.Its great he got to talk to his mom and dad.I hope the Intrepid is fixed in time for Zac to leave.
-Kirsten
its such a surge of great joy knowing that zac is A ok and in perfect touch with everyone. I feel blessed that I am a witness to this extraordinary feat a young man is taking. Thank you Zac for the inspiration and paving the way for us to trust in ourselves and have faith in all those who we meet along the way.. our fmily and friends and even those who we will never meet in person but have in the spirit. You are truly a leader and a wayfarer!!! many thanks. be safe my friend and hope to meet you in person soon. my dream is to sail back to the Philippines when i retire from work. I will have to ask your advise by then. God Bless and keep you safe!!
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