On to Darwin
After numerous round the clock phone calls, prayer requests, good samaritans and plenty of hard work I am happy to say that Zac is back at sea tonight. When I asked him how it felt to be back out there, he said "Great!". He is working on a blog but we wanted to let you all know. The fuel polishing appears to be successful though Laurence will go through everything in Darwin in a few weeks. A few more photos courtesy of the much-appreciated Phil and Janelle Sutton: -744531.JPG)
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Dropping the mooring
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Dropping the mooring
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Moving out
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In the bay
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On to Darwin!
posted by Zac at
9:37 PM
42 Comments:
Awesome...Way to go Zac (and friends) with the repairs. The excitement has already began to build again as you head out to the open sea. Will anxiously await updates on the journey through Torres Straight! Best Wishes.
Ray & Deanna
Clovis, CA
Hi Sunderland's,
This is very exciting and wonderful news. I can't tell you how grateful I am that Zac is on his way. The pictures are amazing!
Marianne and Laurence, great to see Zac has his harness attached :) That grin on his face in the first photo must be showing his excitement for moving on.
I am quite amazed at the city in the background of the third picture. Not at all what I expected PNG to look like after Zac's description of his time there.
Anyway, off to Darwin. Zac, I know you have challenges ahead, and I am always praying for your safety above all. I wish you the very best.
You were quite the champ in knowing that you needed your engine to work properly. Just one more step along the way of your amazing journey.
Can't wait to hear from you again.
Best,
Peter
Go Zac... I am glad you are on your way again. Thanks for the update Marianne. (I'm assuming it is Marianne since the post did not start with G'day to all... LOL...) I am sure all of us following you sincerely hope your engine issues are history... May the weather be in your favor and help you toward Darwin. We are all so proud of you, Zac... Hang in there and make it happen... You've been through so much already, but with your background on the ocean, you will certainly achieve what you are aiming at. We are all confident of that!!!
Capt. Zac, CONGRATS on the safe departure! You're in our thoughts & prayers during this next leg (as always of course!).
Thanks go out to the Suttons for the great pics & forever thanks to Team Sunderland for keeping we ZacPac'ers updated. While many of us miss hearing your words, I truly think we all become concerned when we don't hear any news at all (gives us a great reason to pray more). Bless you Lady Marianne & Lord Laurence for the updates! Additional thanks to the several peeps (unknown to us at this time) who helped you journey forward.
Stay focused, let Lady Marianne know if you need ANYTHING from Your ZacPac. We will do our best to provide & bless you upon your safe arrival in Darwin. Remember to take your anti-malarial! Hope the hand has healed by now. Please remember to eat regularly - you're looking thinner in the latest pics (the concerned uncle in me coming out - having 8 nieces/nephews I worry about, even if 6 of them live across the street).
I wear my ZacPac uniform shirts wherever I go. Have received a couple of nods, a few thumbs up & at least one salute so far. Funny that, had a co-w*rker recently ask me what Capt Zac would do (was having a really tough day & I was struggling to not chuck in the towel), I told her he'd keep doggedly pursuing his goal. I readily admit, it encouraged me to get through the roughest part of that day. Thank YOU Capt. Zac for being one of my heroes!
HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
PS - apologies if this multiple posts again, wap connection is rather weak lately. :(
All I can say is "God speed!" You have so many of us behind you, wishing you all the best. The fact that you've had to face the not-so-good only serves to make us appreciate all the more just what all you are experiencing. Lots of prayers to you and your beautiful family. But.....not to make this all sweetness and roses- clean your room, do your homework, etc.- all those things a normal 16 year old should have to do..... Do take good care and once again, God speed and bless you and your family.
Wonderful!
So happy that things have been rectified and Zac is on his way.
Great pictures.
Prayers and best wishes for the next leg.
UK friend.
Zac,
Although this time has been filled with obstacles it is the ability to overcome them that defines your character and those that come to your aid.
Best of luck as you move forward and may the ocean be smooth and the wind swift.
-Steve
Hoot 'n begorrah, man. We're off again!!! Thanks to the Suttons and all who lent a hand in PNG. Most of all, thanks to Zac who is proving that his success of this adventure to date is no fluke. He can handle whatever is thrown at him.
I'm up very late and did a last check to see if anything new was posted. I'm so glad that I did. Good news is always an upper. I'm going to bed and will dedicate my sound sleep to Zac who is probably getting little tonight.
The Croaker
Beauty!!!! Sail on Zac...whoohoo!!!
On to Darwin....guess I better get my package out to you!!
Such trials, but handled like a champion...good on ya mate :)
As usual, good thoughts and prayers sent out to you. Fair winds Captain Zac!!
Anita
Waterloo, NY
USA!!!
Hi Zac,
It has been a few weeks sense I have blogged you.
I was glad that you came in a port and got yourself the sleep that you needed. With out the sleep your mind needs, you cannot make good decisions. Also your body will start giving you problems and not do what you would like it to do. So get your rest.
I am glad that you found out the problem with your engine. I also thought that you had two problems as well. I can remember in one of your blogs about having to change the filter when you where out at sea. Maybe you need to think of a way to install a electric motor that would move the fuel though the filter and keep it mixed up. There is also fuel additives that you can add to help keep the fuel quality needed. But the most important thing is to run the engine once or twice a week.
Well it looks like you are making great time. Once you get in the Indian Ocean your waters will look like glass. But at lease all of the wave action that you are getting will get you ready when you go around the Horn of Africa.
Well Zac take care and I will talk with you later.
Gary, Houston Tx
YEAH BABY YEAH!
Glad the engine woes are [knock wood] behind you all... I can imagine Zac was itchin' to get back to sea. Now Torres and then Darwin; I hope it is a challenging but safe passage. Looking forward to the next blog from Zac.
To the Suttons, wonderful photos - thanks for sharing and for hosting Zac.
Cheers,
willy
milford, ohio
Hello to all…
HEY ZAC….
WELL DONE BOY, WELL DONE….
What a NICE NEWS !!!!
Well Keep sailing BOY, You are a LARGER ONE…
Please someone translate the following, but the person who made the translation must understood the real meaning of what I tray to say..Thks
“ Cuanto mas dificultosa sea tu aventura, mas dulce y duradero será tu triunfo y tu recuerdo”
Thanks Boy to share US your entire trip
Glen ;-))
Mom, Dad and Zac -
It's a good feeling that our prayers are being heard. Thanks for detailed updates.
Donn
I'm so thankful you are back at sea, and that all sounds like it is going good again. Onward and upward Zach! I have sure enjoyed hearing from you, and or your mom or dad, when you are limited with time. I will continue to enjoy remembering you in my prayers. bobbi/iowa/usa
So thankful you are back at sea. You've had some challenging days. Continuing to pray. bobbi/iowa
On to the Torres Straits!!
Hooray! Nice to see Intrepid bacek where she belongs, at sea!
Brian in DC
Hay Zac, team and boggers,
Glad to hear you got away from PMG!
The unplanned stop must have been hard, didn’t sound exactly relaxing.
Love following your trip, what your doing is amazing!
I've also been following Natasza Caban’s similar voyage, I'm not sure if you know anything about her, her blog is
http://old.nataszacaban.nazwa.pl/
Have a look,
Emma,
what a great video clip fom Oxnard. Looks like you had a lot of fun there.
:-)
Axel
Wow, that picture with all the tall buildings doesn't look very 5th world! I watched a show on PBS a few yrs ago that was about PNG, and it did look very stone-age! But what a contrast those buildings are!
Wanted to let you know that over the past few days, whenever I visit your website, I am getting trojan horses and viruses. Luckily my spyware is catching them, but I wanted you to be aware.
Dana
Santa Monica
Zac, you are an amazing young man and sailor! Not only you display a lot of courage, but also a lot of brains and maturity!
Fair winds !
Following this journey with a ton of interest. Good luck zac!
http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/
Hello Zac & Everyone,
It's great to hear that you're heading to Darwin. Good luck through the Straits and we'll be watching each day for new updates. Stay alert and be safe out there.
I love it when Team Sunderland sends pictures along with the blog. It's always a welcomed treat. Thanks to everyone involved with maintaining this site and adding all these great pictures. I know this takes a lot of work and plenty of time. I wanted everyone to know it's highly appreciated.
Good luck on your sail into Darwin.
Sail On Zac,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hi Zac & Family,
Thanks Sunderland family for the update. You are all doing a fantastic job.
Zac,
Glad you're on your way to Darwin. We know you're energized and you'll make it through the Torres Strait. You continue to show us what a great sailor you are.
God keep watch over you and keep you safe. Take care!
Dick & Gin
Upland
P.S. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your great journey. We feel we are actually sailing along with you.
Hey Zac! So happy that all the repairs have been successful and that you are on your way to Darwin. Our prayers are with you (as always) for a safe and successful journey. Laurance and Marianne, thank you so much for keeping us updated. Loved the pictures!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA
Zac,
Fair Winds and Following Seas
RK
Zac,
Great to hear you're on your way again. Thanks to the Sutton's for the great pics!
You look well rested and ready to meet the challenge of the Straits. Your instincts are good and hopefully you had plenty of time to study the maps while in PNG.
Wishing you safe travels into Darwin!
Melanie
in Torrance
interpretation for Glen: The more difficult your adventure, the sweeter and longlasting will be your triumphs and memories!
Now for me: Thank you and your family for allowing us to participate in your historic adventure...I read your blog every day and truly appreciate the pics. God Bless you!
Betty in Lomita, CA
p/s..where can I find the Oxnard video?
Sir Captain Zac, you are THE MAN
Whew... PNG in the rear view mirror... all the tests passed with flying colors...
especially the dying engine in the harbor... "THANK YOU LORD", for answered prayer...and that it didn't happen at night...
now as you settle in...
and you get into the rhythm of the seas again,
now you'll have time to analyse, count your blessing and check, recheck yourself to see if you'ld respond in the same way again... and learn the lessons of "forward thinking",
(if this should happen right now...what and how would i response... is my equipment right there... i.e. (access to the hook, the lifeboat etc...)
you are doing so so GREAT...
i marvel and am so so thankful
the graciousness of your hosts, thank you Phil and Janelle, :-) for taking so good care of Zac and the pics are fantastic... especially the one of the city and the boat traffic...we all love them... and Zac at the tiller...
sweet...
Zac you've traveled (1/4 of the of the earth) in a week shy of a quater of a year (june 14th till present), totally, incredibly, unbelieveable, you make your Dad and Mum and Team Sunderland and the ZacPac'ers all so proud... what a MAN..
the full mooon is rising and the Torres Strait, calling, you'll do great passing through in a day or so...it's plenty wide
and Darwin on the horizon, i was listening to a great song..."take the long way home" (supertramp)...while reading the "Z"-blog
how appropriate as you come to the home of your fore fathers, not by jet or cruise ship or even sailing ship with your family but rather...
you, Intrepid, and your GOD...
get ready to ride some swells...
it's an adventure of a lifetime...
"remember the CREATOR
in the days of your youth"
ecclesiastes 12:1a
always in all our thoughts,
all the day long, bathed in prayer
mark n adino vicksburg,mississippi
ps Marianne,
how did Grace Brethren do?
Yo, Cap'n Zac!
Maybe the Torres Straits will seem like a piece of cake after the issues in Port Moresby, huh?!?
Good sailing, good winds, and good speed to Darwin!
Kathy
P.S. Many thanks to all in PNG who helped...and hugs to Laurence and Marianne too!
P.P.S. Zac - Did you EVER try that Yachtie Works burger?!?
If the Intrepid looks so tiny in the bay, what must it look like out on the ocean? However free it must feel, it must be humbling as well.
Much love and good wishes.
-Charlie
Bettye,
The Oxnard video is on my personal website at www.simcox.us/oxnard.html
Beware, it takes a long time to download!
Marilyn
Woodland Hills
Yay Zac and Team Sunderland! What a relief and blessing to hear the great news!
Zac, with people from all over the world following your journey and praying, did you stop to think that you are probably being covered in prayer 24/7?
How awesome is that?
Fair winds and Godspeed Captain, as you approach the Torres Straight!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Hey Bettye…
Thanks for translate my words...
You can download the Oxnard video from here ftp://200.127.97.88 User: Bettye without any password or use the web site http://www.simcox.us/oxnard.html where you can find it.
Again Thank you bettye
Glen ;-))
Glen, Zac and the Zac Pack,
Glen's phrase
"“ Cuanto mas dificultosa sea tu aventura, mas dulce y duradero será tu triunfo y tu recuerdo”
translates to:
"The more difficult your adventure, the more sweet and lasting will be your victory and your memory."
What a lovely thought and tribute. Thank you for such great thoughts.
Bill Mann
bill @ barstools4u . com
Your perserverance, determination, and hardwork are inspirational. Our prayers continue to be with you for a safe trip to Darwin!
Tim, Deana, Leon (age 4) and Luke (age 2) Tanguay
Santa Cruz, CA
First off I wish to apologize to Miss Marilyn. Yes, you’re correct, the air carriers no longer permit cross program frequent flyer mile transfers. Of the air carriers I contacted, only Delta allows transfers to another SkyMiles Member. Yes, there are fees involved – please see Miss Marilyn’s previous post. The only “catch” is the person receiving the transfer(s) must have a positive lifetime balance. The transfer may be done online
https://www.delta.com/skymiles/buy_transfer/index.jsp
but you must have the name of the person and their SkyMiles # you’re transferring miles to. They still offer the ability to purchase points as a “gift”. United did state in their reply if Zac was a US registered charity, they “might” consider adding him to their list of programs for peeps to donate to, however, the tone of the reply wasn’t positive so I chose not to pursue it.
Delta was the only one who answered my query of sponsoring Capt Zac, however w/the ongoing recession, stated they have to cover their costs & were unwilling to consider the marketing opportunity
Sorry y’all, wish I had better news. As stated in The Matrix by The Oracle, “I hate giving good people bad news.”
Best we can do is financially & spiritually support Capt Zac & Team Sunderland. Sending small care pkgs while we have an address to do so (see Lady Marianne’s previous posts).
Anyone know someone in the military who has access to MREs?
HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
Tomi - MRE are easy to order, speaking as a person who maintains a "bug-out" kit ever since living in LA.
MRE Purchase
Not something to live on long term, but not bad to have on hand for emergencies, or to pack on board for long trips to offer some variety...
Hi Zac,
Just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and you have now hopefully settled back into your routine. It's hard not to repeat what has been said so many times. As you know everyone of us Zac-Packers is wishing you a safe journey to Darwin.
I also can't wait for my t-shirt to arrive that I purchased from your website!
Thanks again Marilyn for sharing the Oxnard video, and to the Sutton's for the terrific pictures.
Praying everyday for your safe passage through the Torres Strait and that Darwin be at the end of the rainbow for a little rest and relaxation. I am on pins and needles everyday waiting for your next update. If I were your parents, I would be anxious to get to Darwin as well, to embrace you. You have endured so much and accomplished a great deal!I hope the weather cooperates and you have a smooth ride to Australia.
So for now I am sending an imaginary HUG to you!!
Debbie
North Hills, CA
Marilyn-
Thank you SO much for the video, it was wonderful. I actually went to Oxnard, thinking that it was Saturday night only to find out I was one night too late!
Zac, glad you're back on the water. I have put you on our weekly prayer list at church here in Simi (OneSpirit) so now everyone is following your journey, including our board president who has three kids she homeschools.
Your parents are awesome. Remember to send some thanks their way.
I look forward to the next installment!
Fair winds and following seas,
Karyn
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