Cocos Log Part III
Latest Position: 10/29/08 0346Z 15 48.636S 83 09.646E
So I'll pick up where I left off in Cocos...the next morning I took half of the boom into Parson the carpenter. It was quite a ride to bring it in with the 20 knots on the nose and the 6 foot peice of aluminum bouncing around in the dinghy. Parson thought he could fit the boom with some wood in a day or two. We had the word from David Morris to fix it if it took less than 48 hours so it seemed like a go. When I got back to the boat, Jed and I went over to Direction Island and found our way to the end of the island and climbed up the ladder on the side of this huge nav light marking the end of the island. It was 30' from the ground and from the top I got a pretty good view of the island. Then we went back over to the bay to this little floating pontoon and busted out some back flips for about an hour. We swam back to my boat and chilled for awhile then we went back to the beach and continued exploring the island for awhile. After circumnavigating the island on foot we went back to Ingrid for dinner. It was great to spend time with someone my age and to be on land and so free.
Last night I had a couple of squalls going into the night. Around 2 am the wind shifted about 30 degrees so I had to tack until it shifted around a few hours later. All told I had 3 sets of squalls so there wasn't much sleep to be had. The swells are still bad and it is raining. I was pretty tired this morning from lack of sleep. It is good to be making progress and it is good to be talking with everyone back home about plans for the future.
Cheers,
Zac
So I'll pick up where I left off in Cocos...the next morning I took half of the boom into Parson the carpenter. It was quite a ride to bring it in with the 20 knots on the nose and the 6 foot peice of aluminum bouncing around in the dinghy. Parson thought he could fit the boom with some wood in a day or two. We had the word from David Morris to fix it if it took less than 48 hours so it seemed like a go. When I got back to the boat, Jed and I went over to Direction Island and found our way to the end of the island and climbed up the ladder on the side of this huge nav light marking the end of the island. It was 30' from the ground and from the top I got a pretty good view of the island. Then we went back over to the bay to this little floating pontoon and busted out some back flips for about an hour. We swam back to my boat and chilled for awhile then we went back to the beach and continued exploring the island for awhile. After circumnavigating the island on foot we went back to Ingrid for dinner. It was great to spend time with someone my age and to be on land and so free.
Last night I had a couple of squalls going into the night. Around 2 am the wind shifted about 30 degrees so I had to tack until it shifted around a few hours later. All told I had 3 sets of squalls so there wasn't much sleep to be had. The swells are still bad and it is raining. I was pretty tired this morning from lack of sleep. It is good to be making progress and it is good to be talking with everyone back home about plans for the future.
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
9:12 PM
37 Comments:
Zac,
Always great to hear your progressive is steady. I am sure the squalls aren't much fun but, keeps things interesting? Curious of your ETA to Durban?
Baker Family
I just looked up pictures of the actor Justin Chatwin. He and Zac could be twins. If there is a movie of your adventure, you must get him to portray you.
KG
I'm so glad you hooked up with Parson the carpenter. May his fix serve you well...
Sail on, sail on...
Buy a few Bics in Mauritas... They may come in handy...
Hi Zac,
Happy to read your update.
The squalls do not sound so pleasant, but keep you on your toes I suppose!
Keep up the great job..........
SAIL ON!!
Liz&FAM
Sounds like this part of the voyage is really testing your mettle. I think your mom said you're using the genoa only. Did the boom repair not work, or are winds so strong you're reluctant to test it?
Are you getting cross swells coming from the Southern Ocean?
Would they settle down a bit if you steered northwest towards the equator?
May the Lord continue to protect you and uplift your spirit.
It sounds like this part of the voyage is really testing your mettle, particularly being solo so you can't get much-needed sleep.
Your mom said you were using the genoa only. Is this because the winds are too strong to test the boom repair?
Are you getting cross-swells from the Southern Ocean? If so, would they diminish if you steered a northwesterly course towards the equator?
May God continue to protect and bless you, and uphold your spirit.
The last time I tried to 'bust out' in anything I ended up in traction!
Anyway LH did U get the Jagger/Richards 2008 t-shirt I sent to CK?
I just looked up Justin Chatwin and SERIOUSLY Zac and Justin could sooo be twins...here is a link http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1663933696/nm0154226
Hey Zac, So you got some pretty major holidays coming up..Thanksgiving, Birthday, Christmas, and New Years...So whats your plans thus far. I know it's still down the road and it all depends on your boom and progress to Mauritius, but you gotta have some sort of idea on how/where you want to spend it... Oh on my 17th birthday I spent it in Africa, sailing around the world...A-Mazing...
Catch you on the flip flop!!
Zac, great to hear from you, glad you're okay and in good spirits. Stay safe & sail on!
I read you blog and I thought thet it was pretty cool I prayed for your safety and that you would have success in your adventure
Sam Hardy
Hey Zac,
Justin Chatwin is 10 years older than you are! If they do a movie about your adventure, you should be the one to play you! If you can sail around the world, you can certainly act! Plus - you will know your motivation for each scene!
Have you opened up all your boxes from Darwin yet?
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
The Thomas family
Hey Zac,
I think that's pretty cool traveling the world on your own ship by yourself...then again, you got your family and everyone who writes on this blog. Just ta let you know I'll be prayng for you!
Benaiah Barrieault.
Justin Chatwin looks like Zac?? Nah.....Zac's WAY cuter! *chuckle*
Get some power naps in today, Zac, and some food, even if it's cold.
Glad you got to hang with a friend in Coco's and do teen stuff.
Maritius is calling, it'll be on the horizon soon....keeping looking for it!
Zac,
How wonderful to meet Jed and be able to hang out and run/play on the island freely. I'm glad you found a safe harbor and a friend to boot. Just the thing to buoy your spirits before continuing your journey.
Have you heard from Moana? Where are they?
Hang in there Zac! Sounds like a wild ride. Keep your harness tight. Hope the flying fish wash off the deck...even with the harness you don't want to be trolled along like bait behind your boat.
Steve
Birmingham, AL
Looks like you have some competition from a British 16 year old...
http://www.sailmike.com/
Zac - Hang in there Cap'n. Almost to Mauritius. Your rocket-boat will get you there ahead of schedule!
Are the fish that flew up on deck not good eating fish? Just flying fish? Just wondering... Not that you can do much without fire - hope you have some when you want it.
I agree, Zac, you play you in your movie! For goodness sake - funny conversation - but I believe that could actually be a decision you have to make in the future. How weird is our world?
Karen, Marilyn and all who made the benefit seem real to us long-distance ZacPack-ers - THANK YOU!! I loved the photos. I suppose Douglas is working on some video to share? Hope so! Will you list the questions that Zac was asked and what he answered?
That'd be sweet! Wish I had been able to sign the boom! :( But still hoping to be there for the welcome home party - which might be much sooner than originally planned! Those little Sunderlands! OHHH they could NOT be cuter! Those photos are precious. I love seeing little Lawrence/Marianne amalgams - each one different - yet they look so much like SUNDERLANDS! VERY cute!
Blessings on your route, Cap'n. CALMER SEAS and perfect winds being prayed your way.
LA in MN
Hi Zac,
sounds you had a good time in CK. Too bad that you had to rush to your next leg. But there will be many more paradises on your way. Enjoy the sail and all the great new destinations. That's what you came for.
All the best,
RK
Zac, That Mike Perham doesn't have anything on you man..He is even taking the easy route around the world, he is basically sailing around Antartica then back up to England...He just looks like some lil trust fund kid who has everything handed to him. Plus...not that this matters...but its does to me...You are SOOO WAY HOTTER!!!
I read that sailmike website and this kid looks like a phony. Who sails around Antartica and considers it sailing around the world? I think you could whip this kids ass Zac..LOL..jk. I just don't think this kid has what you got inside you. You did this right. You bought the boat yourself, you rebuilt it with the help of very little people, you earned every bit of success, you are doing this right!!!! This Mike kid just seems like he is sailing on your coattails.. Don't worry Zac, mike won't have a pac like yours!
Hail Zac!
Just checked the web site.
Looked at the boat (big flat top), the boat name, the route and everything else they have on the page.
I think Zac is far above that guy.
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
According to a discussion I had with Marianne, Michael Perham is a very well trained and experienced sailor, and Zac has followed his story. Michael crossed the Atlantic alone at age 14, with his father following him in another boat (and, yes, they have mucho bucks). He is trying to break Jesse Martin’s record, non-stop and unassisted. If he’s successful, he will finish at a younger age than Zac will be when he finishes. If that happens, Zac will be the youngest American to complete the challenge.
Marilyn
Woodland Hills
Hiya Zac, Sunderlands and fellow Zac Pac!
Ah the dreaded Squalls...did you miss them Zac...not so much I bet! I'm sure the swells area getting old too, no worries you'll soon be in Mauritas!
Oh how I wish I could have been at the party to sign the boom...you'll have to share some of the piffy comments!
Rich kid sailing "around the world" vs. the Zacinator....PLEASE!! Mike Pac vs. ZAC PAC...again; I say PLEASE and whatever! ( I used to hate when my daughter said that to me but it works in this situation!)LOL!! Although I will send along blessings to the young man and wish him the best. :)
You sail on Zac, we've got you covered head to toe with prayer, and God's angels are about you!
Hugs
Anita
Captain SV "Wombat"
Avid Zac fan and proud member of THE Zac Pac!!
Hey Zac! :)
Hang in there!...sounds like it is very tough going at the moment for you, but like everyone else who is following your progress online, I am always thinking of you and sending hopes for a continuing safe voyage, I hope you can get some sleep soon, be careful, and stay happy.
Glad to hear about Cocos!
cupereaZac, Other packers, and Team Sunderland:
Am I a biased cynic or is there something both fakey and flakey about Mike Perham's planned voyage?
What is the 'official' definition of a circumnavigation? If it's merely to travel 360 degrees around a pole, that could be reduced to a few inches and done while pushing a peanut with the nose.
On our blog here, we've had questions of authencity because Laurence has met, and will continue to meet Zac at certain points to participate in maintenance and planning. Well, here this Mike guy's father is shadowing him in another boat? What next? Training wheels on a sailboat and those floaty things inflated around his arms? How is the true definition, both letter and intent, of 'solo'?
I think our guy is doing it right and right always wins! Right!
If I sound biased and prejudiced ... you better believe it !!!
GOOOoooooo ZAC
The Croaker
Folks, I think we should be a bit more charitable about Mike Perham's plans. Any such undertaking is difficult, even the one that seems to be laid out for Mike. Now, I am much more moved by - and by this point "connected" to - Zac and his quest, but if Mike's journey comes about, it's a fine accomplishment. For my part, I like how Zac has taken this on on his own, set a goal and set about reaching that goal. Mike effort seems a bit more "comfy" given the advantages he has and will be given, but his quest will have many of the same risks - though perhaps not as many intangible rewards as I think Zac is seeing on his quest. But enough about "that other guy"...
Zac, sorry the squalls are back with you, but you still seem to be just flying along towards Mauritius and your spiffy new boom - wish I could have been there with everyone to sign it... Steady on, man!
Cheers to all...
willy
milford, ohio
Hey, good thing about the squals is they will wash off the flying fish without Zac having to go onto the cabintop in the confused seas...
It's all good!
Daveh & Skipper
Funny about the flip flops. Why just flip flops? Go figure. Those would be interesting souvenirs for your family, even mismatched. Here's to Havaianas!
Hello Zac,
I hope all the storms are getting a little easier on you. Keep up the good work and keep sailing.
Enjoy your time on the sea. Take care and make sure you keep eating.
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
With regard to Mike Perham's planned record setting:
It is not fair to compare it to Zac's or vice versa, they are completely different.
- Zac is aiming to complete a circumnavigation at a young age.
Mike is out to set a new record: Youngest, solo, non-stop, unassisted, sailing circumnavigation.
- Zac is basically doing everything himself, with a few sponsors, family and volunteers helping out.
Mike is very well funded and quite experienced.
- Zac will go through the Panama Canal (where he will have extra crew on board).
Mike is rounding both Cape Horn (Yikes !) and the Cape of Good Hope, going in the opposite direction.
Let's give each young man credit for what they are doing without belittling them for the fortunes of their circumstances.
BTW, in order to count as a circumnavigation the boat has to travel through two antipodal points. It looks like Mike will have to sail north to almost East of New Zealand to reach the antipodal point of his start/finish.
Best of luck and fair winds to both of them.
-Sven in MDR
well said sven!
the two are not equal... read the web pages. the "other guy" is doing something equally amazing! It will soon be the start of the Vendee Globe (Nov 9th) and he is among many very well qualified men and women doing this type of navigation. I've read many books of the Vendee and the earlier races, none are for the faint of heart.
I will follow the "other guy" with admiration just like our Zac.
JL from MA
Well said Sven!
I find it sad that so many on this blog are so quick to belittle the quest of a 16 year old. What happened to the Christian attitude that is always so prevalent on this blog - all of a sudden a bit hypocritical. . .
Why all the negativity toward Mike? There is room for 2 on the ocean, and like Zac, he seems to be an accomplished sailor & excellent role model.
Two teens making attempts only serves to benefit each other by drawing more attention to the stories and a larger audience to witness their ambition & better realize the magnitude of their challenge .
Both boys seem to have top shelf support behind them, just keep in mind, no matter how mature teens appear, rational decision capability at 16 is less than optimal, as the area of the brain which is responsible for this does not mature until age 25 or so.
http://www.usatoday.com/educate/college/firstyear/articles/20050306.htm
So far Zac has demonstrated abilities far beyond his years, which coupled with his drive & previous sailing experience, will continue to guide him safely, & supplemented with safe guidance from his support team, the 2nd 1/2 of his journey will soon be behind him, and plans for the next amazing feat will be drawn, while his fans draw a collective sigh of relief.
Who knows? Zac & Mike just may team up for their next adventure, and what a team they would make!
"The other Guy" named his boat TotallyMoney.com ...seriously??
That is also the name of his sponsor. That's why. I am sure, Mike would have chosen a different name, if it weren't for the sponsors.
PS: As word verification to post this, I had to type in "squal"!?!!?
Zac,
We are so encouraged by your courage and motivation to follow such a adventurous dream. We read your story in God's World News. We keep you in our prayers and look forward to all your updates. You are a true inspiration to us all.
The Taylor Family in Michigan
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