Light Winds and Calm Seas
Detail chart of Darwin. Zac will be in Cullen Bay in Fannie Bay.
Latest Position: 09/14/08 0630Z 10 44.0S 134 02.0E
Yesterday: 09/13/08 0630Z 10 45.0S 135 21.0E
Hi All,
Fell asleep without posting last night! Can't wait until Zac's email is up again!
Same story...light winds and calm seas. Laurence waiting in Darwin.
Here is a link to an article written in Australia.
I will answer all of the questions (except the windvane one) tonight.
We have been praying for the people in Texas affected by Ike and also for those involved with the Metrolink crash here in LA. A family of 5 from our school group lost their father. Such a tragedy!
God bless your day!
Marianne
posted by Zac at
7:43 AM
15 Comments:
Morning all,
That Oz article:
"but had to authorise a full-scale search last weekend after not hearing from him from 24 hours."
Really? Full -scale?
I don't think a less enthusiastic
column could have been written about Zac, very flat. I guess they are loyal to their boy, Dicks but come on now...less than 150 people have accomplished this...and none Zac's age. Earnshaw's writing in the Pacific Mag was another story. I think she adopted him. Should be one more article from her whenever he makes it to Darwin.
Anyway, he sure is going to be rested...and ready for Darwin!
Kate
Thank you Marianne.
I hear your sorrow...for the families who have been hit by the Metrolink crash and also those affected by Ike. We echo your prayers.
I am sure we are all looking forward to the precious meeting of father and son!
Hugs
UK friend
We all agree with Lawrence in the newspaper: "It's a huge, courageous thing that Zac's doing." And we are very lucky to in a way be a part of it via Zac's blog!
from Iowa
Marianne,
I'm very sorry to hear that you knew one of the people who perished in the Metrolink crash. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family as well as all of the other's who suffered a loss or were injured. Please let their family know that many of us on Zac's blog have them in our prayers.
As for Zac; it won't be long now. I only wish that he had more time in Darwin (one week) to relax a little and eat alot! Unfortunately, his sailing schedule won't allow for this, so he's got to keep moving.
Melanie in Torrance
Thanks as always, Marianne. So Zac is expected on the 15th? I hope all continues to go smoothly.
The Metrolink crash is shocking. In this day and age an accident like that is just incredible. As fo Ike I think the US again dodged a big one - the surge was not as high as it might have been. But it was monstrously large so the damage was spread out over so much area!
Zac, enjoy your time in Darwin. Get in some fun along with all the work. Enjoy some good meals and nice bed rest! And as always, stay hydrated - it's toasty down there this time of year...
Cheers one and all...
willy
milford, ohio
I get so used to the media being 'slightly off' that I overlooked commenting about that article. We did not launch a full scale search and rescue but were trying to locate a pilot out of PNG that could fly over the reef where we thought he may have ended up. We were about to contact the Australian Coast Guard when we received Zac's now famous email!
I agree with the comment about Karen Earnshaw who, unfortunately, is on holiday in the Marshall Islands visitng the local atolls with her honey. The good news is that they were able to install a new HF radio before they left so they will be in touch with Zac on his slow arrival into Darwin.
Marianne
Marianne, my heart goes out to the family who lost their dad/husband. I am so sorry. That was a horrible crash and our prayers go out to all who were involved. Prayers also for those affected by Hurricane Ike.
Looking forward to Zac's reunion with Laurence in Darwin. We are so proud of him! Good luck with all of the work that needs to be done!
Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA
There was a question some time ago regarding the Cullen Bay locks which are visible on google earth. There is information regarding the marina, including the locks, at
www.cullenbaymarina.com.au
Just checked the temps for Darwin, low of 74, high of 91…
Just check the ocean sea-buoy conditions just off of Gove Peninsula / Nhulunbuy and it looks like 3’ – 4’ seas and 10-15kts, some higher gusts, out of the ESE…
Makes for a crawl nearly DDW (dead down wind)…
Typically, a wave or swell moves at about 15-20mph. Zac is probably sailing about 4-5mph (or 3-4kts).
The interval (time between waves) is only 6 seconds (which means this is a “wind” swell vs. a “storm” swell which “storm” swells have a longer interval between waves)
If you figure a wave moving at 15 mph, Zac is moving at 5MPH, with a 6 second interval, Zac is getting pushed and passed by a wave every 7-10 seconds.
This makes for a sloppy clumsy sailing condition, with the sails periodically flogging (unless he’s getting more than 10-12knts) and with a generally confused motion of the boat, with the boom often easing then banging (but he’s probably set a jibe preventer, for safety and less bang/noise).
I’m sure for Zac he’s quite comfortable, but would rather be moving quite faster (as is Laurence in Darwin too!), but these conditions are what get most people sea-sick the easiest because everything is moving in a constant different direction and there isn’t a lot of consistent rhythm.
I’m sure Zac is catching up on work and sleep and not phased by this in the least…
Daveh
Well, while we're correcting the article, Dad saw Zac in the Marshall Islands, too, didn't he? Vs. "He last saw his son in Hawaii..."
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date, Marianne, even if it's just more waiting -- then we can wait WITH you!
Just fyi Zac should be aware of the large tidal ranges in and around Darwin Harbor (Harbour spelt local style. I'm sure he is and I'm sure the locals at DSC will add their info as well. Nothing like waking up on the hook (or so you thought) and you find the boat tilted at 45 degrees then going topside to find both yourself and your dinghy sitting on the mud flats for the next few hours. Its even worse after a few too many beers at the yacht club as you come stumbling down the dock and find that same tender 30 ft below the dock....sitting on the mud flats.
Its a funny scene (been there unfortunately)
MS
Thanks again Marianne!!
Always a pleaseure to hear from you :)
Not a very exciting article considering what Zac has accomplished thus far!!! I'd have to agree with Kate, they are most likely loyal to Mr. Dicks. Too bad they didn't quite get it right as far as "a full scale search" goes. Note to self: fact check article before publishing, gee wiz!!!
Will remember to offer up prayers for those families affected by the Metrolink, and hurricane Ike.
I imagine both Laurence and Zac are very excited! Heck I'm excited for them!!!
Sending along best wishes for a successful haul out, may all the repairs go smoothly. Zac, get some rest and some good food, have fun, enjoy your dad, and know that we are all in awe of your excellent adventure!
God Speed,
Anita ~_/)
Waterloo, NY
USA!!
thanks for the update Marianne. Can't wait for Zac to get to Darwin!! Hope everything is going well with you.
My condolences go out to the families of the victims of the Metrolink crash. May God bless them and give them peace and comfort.
Power is still out in Houston. :(
Hopefully we'll get it back soon...thanks for all of you who have been praying for us. Nobody is allowed to go back to Galveston. It's underwater and destroyed so bad.
God Bless!!
Elissa
Houston, TX
Good Evening all!!
I agree, it was a lack luster article, but it was a great picture of Laurence!! I hope Zac isn't too bored with the wind situation. He is probably oblivious, just going with the flow! I'm sure he is anxious to get to Darwin though. Dad is probably counting the days, waiting patiently!! I guess this venture is all about Patience and Perseverance!! The Sunderlands definitely have both!!
Darwin awaits your arrival Zac!!
Hugs
Debbie, North Hlls, CA
Thought you might enjoy this article I wrote for my organization that focuses on raising sons. I am also a believer and am impressed by the way you are raising a future man. God Bless,
Three Blessings Every Boy Needs From His Father
For the last 90+ days, I have been closely following the journey of a boy named Zac Sunderland (age 16) as he attempts to sail around the world in a small sail boat called Intrepid. He departed from southern California in June and is currently approaching Darwin, Australia on his quest to be the youngest person to single handedly sail around the world. His journey is heavily financed and supported by his Christian family who believe so completely in their eldest son’s ability and desire that they are willing to put it all on the line for him. If all goes as planned, Zac will have sailed over 40,000 miles by himself and will have been at sea for almost a year. He will have faced countless dangers and had to endure a kind of loneliness only sailors understand. Quite an adventure for boy!
I wanted to focus on this story to highlight the three blessings every boy needs from his father. These blessing are the foundation for a boy as he heads into adult manhood; being empowered with a kind of intestinal masculine love that encourages the young man to become the person God has created. When a boy knows without a doubt that he is loved, valued and affirmed by his father his entire life and therefore he has the confidence to essentially take the world on. In reading Zac’s daily blogs, it is clear that he has a strong, loving, and very present father. Although a loving and supportive mother also plays a critical part in every son’s life, there is nothing that can replace a father’s presence and blessings in a boy’s life. The lack of an active, loving father in any boy’s life is devastating. Statistics do not lie. Seventy one per cent of boys who drop out of school do not have fathers in their lives. Over eighty five per cent of youths that are incarcerated do not have fathers in their homes. A boy raised by a single mother has a thirty per cent greater chance of entering the justice system over a boy who has a present father. A father is a powerful force in a boy’s life.
“A father has enormous power. About this, he has no choice. For good or for bad, by his presence or his absence, action or inaction, whether abusive or nurturing, the fact remains: A father is one of the most powerful beings on the face of the earth.” (Ken Canfield, The Heart of a Father)
The first blessing every boy needs to hear from his father is, “I love you”. This blessing should be spoken directly and frequently to the son, and not just implied. The son needs to hear these life- giving words often and in different contexts during the course of their relationship (childhood through adulthood). God modeled this first principle as a father himself in Matthew 3:17a when he spoke these words at Jesus’ baptism; “This is my Son, whom I love….” Knowing that your father loves you no matter what is not only foundational but crucial to healthy masculine development. Hearing “I love you” from your father is a treasure to a son’s heart he will cherish all of his life.
The next masculine blessing a father needs to impart to his son is, “I am proud of you”. On Zac’s FAQ page we read his father’s response when asked why parents would allow a 16 yr old to take on such a daunting challenge; “He knows we are as proud as can be that he has set this goal and achieved so much. If he chose to stop tomorrow, we would welcome him home with open arms.” Again, God gives us a clear example when we read God’s blessing to Jesus as he stood in the Jordon River after his baptism; “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
The third blessing every boy needs to receive from his father is, “You are good at….” A father’s acknowledgement of his son’s skills or character qualities is priceless. A boy stands taller when his achievements are honored by his father. Again, a quote from Zac’s website (www. zacsunderland.com) by his father when asked how any parent could allow their child to do such a dangerous thing, “I would not recommend that any 16-year-old do this trip. Zac has had so much experience already at sea and is the type of person who needs a challenge. It is a good fit for him. He is smart, strong, level headed and is able to figure things out.” Wow, what a blessing of affirmation, understanding, and confidence from his dad!
Zac Sunderland may be in the middle of an epic journey and appears to be an exceptional boy, but he is no different than any other boy when it comes to the need for blessings from a father. These blessing are timeless and will resonate in a son’s heart into his adulthood. What a great opportunity we have as fathers to leave a legacy of blessings in our son’s life. Don’t miss the opportunity to bless your son--he will love you for it.
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