Wednesday, September 10, 2008

A Nice, Fat Tuna

Latest Position: 09/10/08 0645Z 11 08S 139 21E

From Karen Earnshaw in Majuro "At 0645Z he was at 11degrees 08 S and 139 degrees 21' east doing 3 kn with about 8 kn up the bum, had 15 kn most of the day and did 6+. he has everything poled out"

He has done all of the troubleshooting that can be done on both the sat phone and the computer. Many, many thanks to Linda at Clearpoint Weather for overnighting another sat phone and working on getting Zac another computer in case Zac's has some serious problem. Linda has to be firstly, one of the most intelligent people you will ever meet but more importantly, she gives customer service a new name. On more occasions than I would care to admit, we have called her in the middle of the night. The most recent being last Saturday when we 'lost' Zac. She is always sharp, accurate, kind, sympathetic, gracious and gets to the bottom of things in a hurry.

On a positive note, he did catch a nice, fat tuna and has been feasting on it. It does my heart good knowing that he is eating some fresh food! I am not a worrier but I'd like to see him eat better and look better. We've got Skype now so I'll be able to give him a good examination soon!

There is a new video on youtube (link below):

www.youtube.com/zacsunderlandvideo
www.myspace.com/zacsunderland

These will be on the web site soon. Word is that there will be more videos coming very soon with footage taken onboard Intrepid. If you've wanted to meet Boris the Booby bird (named after hurricane Boris) you've gotta see it.

Zac's now on FaceBook as well. You should add him as a friend.

Laurence is on is way to Darwin. Next time he leaves an airport will be Friday afternoon!

Thanks for your support of Zac!

Mom

43 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Holy cow! That video is awesome! And heart-rending! It gives a feel for the solitude and enormity of his adventure.

You are amazing, Zac. Keep on keepin' on.

And enjoy your tuna!

Karyn in Simi

September 10, 2008 at 11:13 PM  
Blogger Vasyl Pawlowsky said...

Marianne,

Great video... it puts so much more scope into what Zac is trying to accomplish.

Got to love Boris!:)

Hope Laurence has a safe flight to Darwin..

Vasyl
Kyiv, Ukraine

September 11, 2008 at 12:18 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Tears are flowing heavily down my cheeks as I write this, after viewing the You Tube video.

Zac, you are a courageous young man. Your strength to continue this journey has to come from your upbringing and your faith.

Marianne and Laurence, I am sure that you just want to fly out to his boat at this moment, pick him up and take him home and never letting him go.

After seeing this, we can certainly all appreciate what sacrifices are being made to accomplish this goal. I truly can't imagine anyone that I personally know doing this.

I don't know if I could encourage Zac to continue this journey, but I know he is the type of individual who must complete it.

Zac, you have all our admiration and support. You are one amazing individual, with an even more amazing family.

All our prayers go with you,

Bill and Linda
Washington DC

September 11, 2008 at 6:23 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the video! It really brings Zac's adventure to life. He is really an amazing young man.
MNFamily

September 11, 2008 at 7:13 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Teriyaki Tuna anyone? and moving right along, you'll be in Darwin in no time.

All the hard work ahead of you there will pay off in spades in the Indian Ocean crossing.

You have an amazing team Sunderlands, thanks for making all of us feel apart of it. Especially Karen Earnshaw, who is covering Zac for Pacific Magazine like he is her son. And we'll take your word for it on Linda at Clearpoint...wow, another Sat phone...

BTW, Skype will give you, Marianne
etal. a little bit more of the peace of mind you are missing by not "seeing" Zac. Sometimes it's in slow motion but you will really
be appreciative of the software, I am sure.

Carry on, over and out...
Kate

September 11, 2008 at 7:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac-
enjoy the tuna, dude! Bout time you caught something. LOL.
Kodiak Mike

September 11, 2008 at 7:33 AM  
Blogger STEVE B said...

Zac,

Great news on the TUNA! Amazing video! You have accomplished so much and overcome so many obstacles to get to this point in your trip. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your daily life aboard Intrepid with the Zacpac. The video just reinforces what a huge undertaking this trip has been and what an awesome job you are doing.

Keep up the good work!

Steve
Birmingham, AL

September 11, 2008 at 7:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac.
Great job on the Thuna. That makes a lot a dinners and lunches. How long did it take you to haul that thing in??
@ Zac Pacers.
I take it that Laurence flys Quantas - if so it's flight # 176
you can track it at:
http://www.flytecomm.com/cgi-bin/trackflight.
Looks like currently he is at 30.000 ft. with a good tail wind

September 11, 2008 at 8:01 AM  
Blogger Willyboy said...

Marianne... Outstanding! Zac is no longer fish less - and a big fat tuna at that - I hope he has some pics to share of that when he gets to Darwin.

As a QA Manager that works closely with Customer Support, I want to stress how wonderful it is to have someone like Linda from Clearpoint. Way to go Linda!

Go Zac!

Cheers, all...

willy
milford, ohio

September 11, 2008 at 8:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac Pack,

From the beginning this has been a team that works together, shares together and I do not care who make the updates it is just good to hear that everyone is well. Each of you has played a special part is this wonderful experience. One might think that Zac is the only one learning, but that is not true. Keep up the great work, all of you are a part of the team. Thanks for the video and I am looking for more. These gave a new understanding as to what goes on out there in the water. Thanks to all the people who are working to make this happen. Looking for more updates, and video.
Blessings to all

Bill
Minneapolis

September 11, 2008 at 8:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That Video was so cool!! I was very moved by Zac's commitment and dedication to his dream. I will be praying for him more today after watching that video. It really helped me to realize just how difficult a task he is managing out there. I think that the loneliness would be the worst obstacle of all. I would probably have a volleyball named Wilson that I would have befriended by now.

I think that the kids and I will have tuna fish sandwiches for lunch in honor of Zac.

Hang in there Zac. Dads on his way, and you will soon be in comfort and protection and have some help.

Take care and enjoy your time of rest and revitalization!

Kristi Nash
Simi Valley, California

September 11, 2008 at 8:21 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Sunderland's & Everyone,

It's great to hear that Zac is eating fresh tuna right now. I'm sure the teriyaki sauce came out before a piece of tuna entered his mouth. It's been a while in the making but at least he's eating teriyaki tuna instead of the sharks getting a free raw tuna meal.

Thanks Karen for the blog and the update. You're doing a great service keeping us all informed.

A big Thank You also goes out to Linda for all her work and support from Clearpoint Weather. What a trooper waking up in the middle of the night to find out where Zac was and trying to pin point his exact location. You bring a whole meaning to the name Customer Support.

I saw the You Tube video early this week and should have placed it on my blog. For some reason I was on You Tube and did a search entering the name Zac Sunderland and I saw something new, the video on today's blog. Hopefully more people will understand how challenging it really is to be out in the middle of the ocean and having to deal with mother nature and everything she throws at you.

I can't wait for all the new video's that will be on the site shortly. Hopefully the site will be able to carry all the video's without removing any of the old video's.

Good luck Laurence repairing Intrepid and have a safe flight, what's left of it. I know you can't wait to get your arms around Zac and your hands on Intrepid. The ultimate high for a shipwright.

Sail On & Repair On Port,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

September 11, 2008 at 8:21 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

Yea Zac!!!!
Tuna, good on ya mate!!!
Marianne thanks so much for the update, these are exciting times to be sure!
Will have to view the video, I'm sure it is AWESOME!!!
Many blessings,
Anita ~_/)
Waterloo, NY
USA

September 11, 2008 at 8:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks so much to Karen for the update and also to Linda at Clearpoint for all of her support in Zac's behalf.

Marianne, the youtube video was riveting. It gives me (a novice) a much better perspective of the equipment Zac has on board. It also provides me (like you) a chance to evaluate Zac's physical and mental status as he continues on this journey. All in all, I think he's holding up pretty well. We'll look forward to Laurence's evaluation once in Darwin and he sees Zac for himself.

I'm glad you have skype so that you can monitor his overall status. I would encourage Laurence to locate some MRE's when he is in Darwin. They are packed with calories and require little or no preparation. I'd also get him some vitamins (if he doesn't have any) to ensure that he's getting necessary vitamins and minerals that he's not getting in his diet.

I know that Laurence will make sure that he eats anything and everything he wants. I'm sure the tuna was good eating and gave Zac a shot in the arm at a time when he needed it most. I hope it put huge smile on his face; I know it did mine.

"Hey Moana, did ya' hear? Zac caught a nice, fat tuna?"

Marianne, I hope you're able to rest a little bit easier knowing that Zac and Laurence are together and safe. I know that you'd love to be there but like all good mum's you've gotta hold down the fort at home and keep a sense of normalcy (whatever that is?) and stability going for the rest of the clan. You, too are amazing.

All the best,
Melanie in Torrance

September 11, 2008 at 8:23 AM  
Blogger Mona said...

The Torres Strait behind him and now "A Nice, Fat Tuna", WOW! Congratulations Zac and enjoy your fresh meal.
Thanks for the video, awesome. Now we really are sailing along with Zac.
Stay safe,
Mona
Tucson, AZ

Got my package sent off to Darwin yesterday. Hope it gets there in time.

September 11, 2008 at 8:37 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Everyone,

Wrote a post on yesterdays blog early this morning. Today's blog wasn't up when I sent it so I wanted to re-send my early morning post that was originally on yesterdays blog. I really needed to Thank a few people for doing such a great job on yesterday blog. I know most people don't go back and read the later posts from the previous day so here we go.

Wanted to send a special Thank You to Daveh and also Debbie for the great write ups yesterday.

Daveh: On the technical side you give a very detailed description of what needs to be done and always give your sailing knowledge to everyone here. I'm glad you can invest the time to educate the Zac-Pacers who know absolutely nothing about sailing. I know this cuts down on all the questions that Zac and Laurence receive. The work you do here is highly appreciated and is helping the Sunderlands cut down on the questions they usually answer. I know there would be less questions if people would read all the blog entries from everyone, especially from Daveh. Great Job Daveh.

Debbie: Hasn't traveled much and maybe has never been on a sailboat. But when you read a blog like the one she wrote yesterday it shows how people can all come together. It doesn't matter if you're not a sailor we all have one common ground, The Zac-Pac. Thanks Debbie because it shows you're a Mom, the care and love shows up in your writings just like when Marianne writes. Great job Debbie.

I finish the book Dove last week. Wanted everyone to know this was a great read. Robin Lee Graham was the fist kid at age 16 to sail around the world and started his journey in 1965. Not much electronics, radar's, or GPS systems back then. It took him almost 5 years to get back but what an adventure. He returned with a bigger sailboat, became an expert at spear fishing, fell in love, married during his journey, couldn't take his newly wed wife with him on this journey, had a child shortly after completing the journey, learned so much about people and different cultures, and he had some incredible stories of everything he went through during those 5 years. This book is only 200 pages long with 32 pages of pictures. This book is easy read for children over the age of 12 also. If you haven't read Dove yet pick up a copy at Amazon or Ebay. Everyone here will enjoy this book. Can't wait for Zac's book to come out. I'll be getting a copy the day it comes out.

Hoping Laurence is have a great trip to Darwin. Hoping to here from team Sunderland soon. Take care Zac we can't wait for your next blog or contact from Team Sunderland.

Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

September 11, 2008 at 8:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Incredible video Zac. I will never whine about having to go to work ever again! Life is all about perspective, and sharing your adventure with me through your writing and video, has sharpened my focus. Thank you.

September 11, 2008 at 8:44 AM  
Blogger Joy on Journey said...

Thanks, MA, for the update.
WOW - he was not so busy navigating - and he caught something! NICE JOB! I imagine that might be a lot for one person - think he might want a burger when he gets to OZ?

Faith, family and friends - these are the things that get you through the rough times of life.

MA - you will actually be able to skype with him through sail mail or SSB? THAT is amazing.

We still need to get that guy some MRE's! Do they have military surplus stores in Darwin? Prob. not. But that is where I get them here in the states.

Looking forward to more video and links and just knowing that he and Lawrence are together on land for a while. Zac, NO TATTOOS! (for now anyway!) :)

Safety in your travel.
LA in MN

September 11, 2008 at 9:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wonderful video! Zac, you really are amazing. The footage really brought all of the blogs to life.
Loved the picture of Boris!

Congratulations on the tuna!

Safe sailing and many blessings,

Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA

September 11, 2008 at 9:06 AM  
Blogger Anonymous said...

Hi Marianne,

Thanks for posting the video clip on the blog. I had gotten to view it on Zac's Facebook page, and really was grateful to get to view it.

As I said on Facebook, it truly felt like we were onboard with Zac. It brought a visual perspective to the words we read here from Zac, you and Laurence.

And I read between the lines to feel a mother's love for her son. Tuna brings Zac fresh food, as you feel he needs to eat better, and look better. A mothers concern that keeps the humanity and love of son in the story. After all he is still your boy!

Please take care all Sunderland's. I pray daily for you all.

Best,
Peter

September 11, 2008 at 9:10 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I SAY "WOW" TO THE VIDEO ON YOU TUBE. THANK YOU ZAC,,,for sharing your experience, As a person who has never sailed before, I felt a much greater understanding of your sacrifice and courage in your travels. Incredible experiences your having,,WOW,,I have GREAT HOPE,,,all will go well with you breaking the record of being the youngest man to travel around the world!

LOVE & BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

SERVANT OF THE MOST HIGH

September 11, 2008 at 9:28 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Everyone,

A description of my new picture of this Tall Ship. This is the Coast Guard cutter named Eagle. I toured the ship while it was docked in San Diego almost a month ago.

Eagle is a functioning, and fully operational ship. Many Coast Guard cadets are trained on this Tall Ship. It has 6 miles of rigging, 23,300 feet of sail, 150 youthful cadets in training, and approximately 50 enlisted personnel and officers on board 9 months out of every year. Eagle has the largest afloat dining facility in the Coast Guard fleet and is fully functional when under sail.

Eagle has a massive 16 cylinder Caterpillar D399 engine that generates 1,000 horsepower. It can propel the ship to a cruising speed of 7.5 knots. Traveling by sail with a good wind she will travel faster than the 1,000 HP engine can propel her. "The power of the wind". A quote I took from the movie White Squall.

I thought inquiring minds would like to know.

Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

September 11, 2008 at 9:39 AM  
Blogger Daveh said...

Zac, "need the info" (said like Austin Powers)...

"Just Tuna" ??? What kind, Yellowfin, Bluefin, Black???

How much did it weigh???

What were you trolling???

Rod & reel or were you using a hand spool with a bungie line wrapped around a cleat? (my personal favorite way)...

Chow down on some Sushi! Hope you had some wasabi powder!

Daveh & Skipper

September 11, 2008 at 9:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac--Please please get a haircut in Darwin !!! I cringe everytime you brush your bangs out of your eyes--how do you even see?? Good Journey to you.

September 11, 2008 at 10:28 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

LOL @ anonymus re: a haircut in Darwin. Was that you Bill Mann?

I'm in the "no haircut" camp. Don't mess with the good mojo Zac's got going. Plus I want to see how long it gets while he's gone. I'm all for a haircut from Mom when Zac returns to MDR. Who knows, by that time he might have enough to donate to "Locks of Love."

I must admit it was kinda funny watching him continuously pushing his hair out of his eyes though. At least he has those hats to keep it out of the way...

Ah, the things we find to talk about here. Sure makes things fun when we're not out of our minds with worry. :)

Melanie in Torrance

September 11, 2008 at 11:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

'ello! Nice job on the tuna, Zac! What kind was it? Glad to be eating something fresh, huh? your video was amazing. It's very touching to see what you're going thru. I hope that you can get some sleep soon. Praying that you are kept safe throughout your journey. Don't worry and don't forget to keep God first!
God Bless YOU, Zac!
-Elissa
Houston, TX

September 11, 2008 at 12:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac - DO NOT get a haircut in Darwin - get some hair rubber bands!!

September 11, 2008 at 12:46 PM  
Blogger Willyboy said...

DaveH - probably more like sashimi and some tuna steaks... Of course, maybe he also dredged up some nori and has all the fixin's for sushi, but sashimi is easier. Wasabi and ginger... :) Just teasing, Zac...

Cheers!

willy
milford, ohio

September 11, 2008 at 12:47 PM  
Blogger Rich Norman said...

There were questions about the "skeg" following yesterdays blog posting.

I have placed a line drawing of the Islander 36 yacht at picasaweb.google.com/rich.a.norman/Islander36 (Once in that folder click on the image titled Outline.)

The skeg is under the hull, near the stern, and is a structure which provides support to the rudder. There are very large lateral forces on the rudder surface and having a support point at the bottom of the rudder eases the strain on the rudder post where it enters the hull. Free standing rudders, often refered to as "spade" rudders are far more prone to problems, including broken shafts, than rudders supported by a skeg.

Mr. Sunderlands remark about "fairing that let go around the shoe of the skeg" probably refers to fiberglass sheating which smooths the flow of water in that area. The rudder post itself is most likely ensconced in a metal
fitting, probably a bronze casting, which is what provides the support to the rudder shaft. This fiberglass damage is probably not in any way threatening the integrity of the vessel yet, although it certainly needs to be repaired as it could eventually become a safety issue.

To address the specific inquiries of sblomley ...

1-Rudder problems are (unfortunately) not new to Intrepid. (See the blog posting of April 26.)The rudder itself needed extensive repairs prior to departure. I doubt if the issue with the skeg is particularly related to weather, more likely its simply that Intrepid is getting
up there in years.

2-Pulling a boat the size of Intrepid is no big deal, and they probably will also clean the algae off the bottom at the same time, although they could choose to do
that in the water if they want to avoid paying for extra yard time out of the water. A snorkeler can
do most of the hull although for a
really thorough job they would need
a scuba diver.

September 11, 2008 at 1:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Team Sunderland!

I don't care who blogs so don't anyone apologize. We Zac fans are just glad to get ANY news from ANY person who takes the time to bring us up to date. The first priority HAS to be Zac's safety and the peace of mind of his family. You're all doing a great job and the amazing video just proves what a remarkable person Zac is! Skype...yay for this technology! I know I would want to see my son if he were out there. Be blessed and remember those prayers from all over the world that are covering this journey and this incredible young man.

September 11, 2008 at 1:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh Man, I am so glad to be back with the ZacPac! Was without a computer for 7 days as mine totally died and it took time to get the new guy set up.

I missed all of the stress of the "lost boy". I love posts from Mum and Dad- you two have to write chapters in this book. Reading your posts is like sharing the couch with you and praying with you.

Zac, what an incredible job you are doing! I hope you have such a restorative time in Darwin.

Stay safe and know that i am on my knees every day for you and all of your family and support team.

Isn't God Awesome !!!!! Kathy, Bend, OR

September 11, 2008 at 1:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Marianne,
We appreciate all blogs, whether it's from Zac, Laurence or you. Please don't feel you have to apologize (Re: The Torres Strait) for doing so. The detailed map helped me to really see what Zac had to go through, crossing the Torres Strait. We knew he would make.

Zac, thank you for sharing your outstanding video. It takes a lot of stamina accomplishing what you have so far. What an inspiration you are!

Hot Diggity! You finally got to enjoy that elusive tuna. I'm sure you had a wonderful feast.

Keep sailing on to Darwin and stay safe. God speed.

Dick & Gin
Upland

September 11, 2008 at 1:44 PM  
Blogger Glen said...

Hi Sunderland Team
Hi Bloggers

Hey Zac,

!!!Congratulation!!!

Honestly, I was think that you not gone catch a single fish in your entire trip, but I was wrong, you not only catch one, you catch a BIG FAT ONE.

That is amazing… Congratulation

After seeing the video on “you tube” I start to see the reality of what happened out there, when the nature shows his bad temper. And the same time shows YOU how to prepare to battle with the weather… It looks such dangerous, but I know, that are part of the adventure, and you have the necessary experience to battle them…

Other thing that I so it in the video, are what are you enjoyed this adventure “YOUR DREAM” Even when you are so, so tired, like looks in some part of the video.

You must know by the time that you are an example of perseverance, continuities, and so on, to a lot of people, and teach to all, that all dream can catch it, if they push hard and forward to get THEM…

I have a few words to define YOU,


“””YOUR ARE AN AMAIZING YUNG BIG MAN”””


Again, congratulation for ALLLLlllllllllllllllll


Keep sailing.
Bee safe (the Most Important)
Glen

PS: MUM: Thanks for update day by day the blog and keeps us informed by the progress of your elder son…

September 11, 2008 at 2:06 PM  
Blogger Daveh said...

Thanks for the thanks…

I do like to share stories (Skipper probably gets tired of some of them [laughing], but she’s a good sport, plus I call her “Skipper” when we’re docking, so it’s all good… )

Zac’s trip and this blog have helped me touch moments of my times on the ocean of which some are recent, but some are distant and now seem like yesterday again.

I’m overdue for a big voyage… I have a good friend that just received notice that there 12 year wait for a slip on Oahu is over, so, they are going to be moving their 80’ from the Caribbean to Hawaii, I’m sure I’ll join them for some of that voyage…

Once you’ve crossed an ocean, it’s hard to not want to do it again and again, it’s hard to describe why, but I know it is, for myself and others I’ve talked to and done trips with.

It’s been really incredible to see how much Zac has matured, just on the leg to Hawaii, then to Majuro, and now to PNG and on to Darwin. It seems like with each leg, he grows a year or more in maturity and gains more dignity and character in all of our eyes…

We are all very lucky have this experience, the first of its kind to my knowledge, where each day, to an extent, we’re at sea with Zac, feeling his feelings, feeling his joy, pain and plight, each day…

I’m sure there will be a book and a movie/documentary and all of us on this blog will be able say; “I was there, every day, with Zac in spirit and in the heart, and I’m proud of him and love the memories and he and his family have given me….”

Thanks again,

Daveh & Skipper

September 11, 2008 at 2:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

YEAH!!! You finally have a reason to use your Teriyaki sauce.
Guten Appetite!!!
God BLess!
Dawn

September 11, 2008 at 2:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As for the new added video: Awesome Awesome Awesome. Words could never really tell it like it is. The Video lets us know, a bit more, what it is really like out there in the Atlantic Ocean alone. My hat off to Zac for his amazing trip. And, thanks to Zac's parents: Marianne and Laurence, for your posts on the blog. So exciting. Keep up the good work everyone. My prayers for you all.

-Greg, Mpls/MN

September 11, 2008 at 3:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just watched the video, and it gave me an insight into just how hard and how enormous this adventure must be, for our favourite yachtsman.

Marianne, I think I can speak for every one of Zac's followers on this amazing site, when I say that he is a true inspiration, a unique young man, and as his parents, you should both feel VERY proud of what he has achieved thus far!

One thing is for sure....Zac is a much braver man than I could ever hope to be.

My hopes and best wishes for his safe arrival in Darwin. One day, I'd love to buy him a drink! :)

Regards, Dave

September 11, 2008 at 3:57 PM  
Blogger dallen57 said...

WAY 2 GO ZAC!! WHAT A CATCH, ENJOY YOUR TUNA. WHAT A GREAT VIDEO, SIGNED UP TO SEE THEM ALL. PUTS US ALL RIGHT THERE WITH YOU. TALK TO YOU SOON......GOD SPEED!

DAVID

September 11, 2008 at 4:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi all.
@ Greg.
He is not in the Atlantic jet LOL
@ Dave
Offer Hand for bunk ( my wife will probably kill me for that LOL)

Looks like there are a few Germans in the Zac Pac too :-)

September 11, 2008 at 5:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

@ Daveh; "plus I call her 'skipper' when we're docking."
Sooo Daveh, what do you call her when you're not docking? LOL I do remember that is her real name, but I just couldn't help myself as you tossed me some excellent bait! LOL

@ Rich Normam; thanks for your explanation of boat maintenance.

@ Glen in Argentina; I always enjoy your posts. I only wish that Bill Mann were here more often to translate the messages in Spanish! Thanks also for alerting your friend to the blog. I enjoyed her post very much. "Bee" good!

@ everyone else; what a great blogging community we have here! Not only from those of us scattered throughout the US, but also those that are around the world following this excellent adventure. Cheers to you all!

Melanie in Torrance

September 11, 2008 at 7:10 PM  
Blogger Croaker of FrogPond said...

Zac, Maianne, Laurence, & Zac Packers:

Yes!! How about that YouTube video! From before day 1, I have been emotionally with Zac on Interpid. The video, in a manner of speaking, put me physically onboard and to a degree, inside the head of Zac. What an experience.

I could not view the MySpace video. It seems that I have to be listed as a 'friend' by the originator. I have never used MySpace before, so can one of you users tell me what to do. I want to miss nothing.

Congratulations to Charlie Tuna. He has gotten himself a place in the book and thus immortality. He also took something off the to-do list. I hope that he was delicious.

Looking forward to hearing of a safe arrival (for all) in Darwin. Eat hearty, sleep late, and work hard on Intrepid.

God's Blessings,
The Croaker

September 11, 2008 at 8:51 PM  
Blogger Debbie said...

Yeah, congratulations Zac, on catching the big "Kahuna Tuna"!! Put another feather in your sailor's cap!!

I so enjoyed the youtube video. I can't wait for more. I loved the footage of Intrepid cutting her way through the waves. The Squalls looked pretty scary! It was an awesome perspective of how he is handling his experiences. I just wanted to go and put my arms around him and comfort him when he looked so lonely. Zac, you are so remarkable doing what you are doing at your age.You have quite a following now!! I am still waitng for my t-shirt that I purchased last week. I can't wait to wear it proudly!

It does take team work to accomplish what Zac is trying to do. But ultimeatley, he has done the hard part all by himself. Good times are ahead, Zac. Darwin awaits!! Your Mom said only 450 more miles, but to me it seems like a long way to go!! But I guess you are a hopp, skip and a jump away to port!

Prayers to you and your Mom and Dad as always and have a wonderful time in Darwin. Give Intrepid some tender loving care that she so deserves!!

Debbie
North Hills, CAmarch1954

September 12, 2008 at 12:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where is Bill Mann, anyway? I have been missing his comments as well. What about Peter? We haven't heard from him in a while either.

September 12, 2008 at 5:54 AM  

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