Friday, October 24, 2008

Cocos Log - Zac

Latest Position: 10/25/08 0555Z 13 24.912 S 92 32.561E

Cocos Log - Part I
I approached the entrance to Cocos around 10am. As I turned into the bay I had a 12' swell on the beam which made it a real event getting the anchor out. I managed to sail into the entrance but once I was in, the wind shifted around to the nose. I started up the engine which I had spent most of the previous day working on and motored into the bay. It was pretty hard even with the motor battling the 4 knot current that was pulling towards a big reef. Once I got out of the main path of the current I was able to follow the nav markers to the anchorage at Direction Island. I dropped anchor in 17 feet of water. I put up the quarantine flag and waited for customs. They came by and I got cleared in with no problems.
The people on the boat next to me lent me some 2 stroke engine oil that I had forgotten to get in Darwin for my outboard motor. I got the dinghy all set up and I finished taking the lines off of the broken boom. That evening I had dinner over at the the Swiss cruisers boat (forgot their name). It was great to have a home cooked meal (cooked by someone else). The next morning I took my broken tiller arm over to Home Island in my dinghy. Home Island is about 1.5 miles south of Direction Island and is where most people who live at CK live. They are all traditional Muslims and wear the traditional Muslim clothing of head coverings and robes. Home Island is also where you can catch a ferry across the atoll to the main commercial area of CK at West Island. I hopped on the ferry over to West Island hoping to find a bank and a carpenter for the tiller arm. When I got there I found neither. I went to the store next to the bank which was closed and asked when it would be open. The guy said Wednesday which was a pain because it was only Thursday. I got some provisions and headed back to the boat. On the ferry ride back to Home Island I met a nurse who had just transferred to Home Island from Australia and said she would help me find a carpenter. When we got to Home Island she took me to the house of the local carpenter, Parson. He said that he could make me a new tiller and repair the old one and have them ready in a couple of days. When I got back to the anchorage the other 2 boats had left and Intrepid was all alone in the anchorage.
End of Cocos Log - Part I

Right now I am 300 miles from Cocos with 25 knots on the aft quarter and a 10 foot swell on the beam which is making it really hard to type. I've been getting slammed by squalls since I left and the swell on the beam makes the ride comparable to the inside of a washing machine. But anyway, just getting back into the groove of being at sea. I'll get the rest of the Cocos blog out tomorrow.

Cheers,
Zac

UPDATE ON THE LA GATHERING THIS SUNDAY

FUN ON THE WATER--TAKE A HARBOR CRUISE!!
The owner of the private yacht "Odyssey", a 58ft Hatteras Tri-Deck Motor Yacht that is also a US Coast Guard Inspected Vessel, has kindly made this yacht available to any "Zac Supporters" who would like to go on a 1-hr harbor cruise after the event. There will be up to 3 cruises depending on demand, boarding at 6,7 & 8pm at the docks directly behind the restaurant and returning on the following hour. The vessel will be operated by a Licensed USCG Captain and Certified Crew. Donations: $15 for Adults, $10 for Children & Teenagers 18 and under. Tickets will be available at the door.

19 Comments:

Blogger Tomi said...

Capt Zac, glad you're hanging in there even w/those "washing machine" swells. Was pleased to hear you were able to spend some "down time" checking out the coral reefs while in CK. Stay tough Capt, our prayers are with you!

Don't forget your anti-malarials!

ZacPac -
In light of recent comments (my own included, for which I hereby apologize as I've offended others), I ask your tolerance w/my sharing of a modern day parable.

http://www.claudesteiner.com/fuzzy.htm

I felt the need to share it. To remind meself in the future, I've changed my tag.

Warm Fuzzy HUGS!
Tomi/ATL

October 24, 2008 at 11:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you Zac for the details. I was just thinking: How is it possible to concentrate on studies with all that has to be done? You are a remarkable person with all the responsibilities that need to be accomplished. God has blessed you with the gift of endurance and perserverance. Peace to you, Zac.
Yours,
KG

PS. I will be thinking of all of you and wondering what the dinner is like. Those who are going, please fill us in with all the wonderful details.

October 25, 2008 at 1:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

HELLO Zac....so good to hear from you.Thank you very much for taking the time and effort, to fill us land dwellers in on your recent CK stop over. You sound like you certainly have your hands full right now but as always, we have every confidence in your good judgements. Sometimes I stop and try to imagine you out there in the ocean and I always get the shivers when I do...it is just something I could never imagine doing ...so thank you for sharing your life aboard Intrepid, with us.
I am learning so much from you and all those who share their expertise here on your blog.

Safe sailing Zac.

UK friend

October 25, 2008 at 2:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Right On Brother..Good to hear from yah! Did U manage to grab a cheeseburger is CK? I go to Malaysia all the time and those boys still have no clue about the good old American cheeseburger. makes me proud!
Maybe U can CATCH some mahi mahi/dorado and make some 'beam reach tacos'(Gogan's weak attempt at sounding nautical...HA HA thats for all the 'C' students out there.
Ok man ...Me phone is ringing and I'm sure its Jen Aniston (((again...could happen))).
Keep your safety harness/tether thingamajig on. Triple check it when u first wake. U got tunes blasting?

October 25, 2008 at 4:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

rory gogan...you're so funny! Was it Jennifer...?
Thanks for reminding Zac about the safety harness/tether thingamajig ...cos, oh dear, we can get complacent sometimes, when we feel a little more familiar with situations, eh!

UK friend

October 25, 2008 at 4:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a great story, Tomi! I, indeed, feel warm and fuzzy right now. ...Troy

October 25, 2008 at 6:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

@ Zac.
If I am right you made 162 miles in the past 24 hours. That means you averaged 6.75 knots roughly. Great job! You will be in Mauritius in now time. And all just with the Geny.
Do we get some positions for Darwin to CK next week?? Pretty pleeeeeease LOL.
The Hatteras itself is worth the trip.
Have a nice weekend everybody
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net

October 25, 2008 at 6:30 AM  
Blogger davejb851 said...

With any effort as large as Zac's circumnavigation, there will be so many differences in thoughts and positions. But in truth, all of them need to be said.
However, there is one obvious qualification needing mention. The team that IS heading the operation, family, friends, and the various phalanx of professionals (sailors, shipwrights, weathermen, logistics, communications, electronics, mechanics, media reps, and I'm sure there are others) all have one thing in mind before any consideration of any aspect of this adventure. That would be the safest, most advantageous, and secure focus on the young man sailing alone around this great big world.

Zac, you have amazed this world, and this Father in your growth, maturity, and continued accomplishments. You were obviously more than ready, and more than capable to accomplish what your heart and mind told you to do.
Each day, whether it be an easy one, or one that tests you to a limit, says more about you as the seconds and feet tick by and become days and miles.
You have the best team supporting you, and the wishes of so many others from around the globe, riding with you, praying for you, and even though physically alone, you truly are not spiritually.

October 25, 2008 at 6:49 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

HI Zac,
Glad to hear that you are getting back into the groove.

I think that you will find in your travels that many countries haven't adopted the "hurry and get things done" and "more is better", concept like we do here in the US. I learned that while in Tasmania, and it looks like you may have witnessed that in C/K. Lends more time for important tasks, no? :)

Looking forward to reading of your continued adventures.

Worry looks around
Sorry looks back
Faith looks up
God's angels are around you, as are our prayers.
God speed Captain Zac
Hugs'
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat" ~_/)
Avid Zac fan :)

October 25, 2008 at 6:52 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Zac & Everyone,

Glad to hear your first entry since leaving C/K. Interesting story while approaching the C/K. Sorry about the washing machine ride you're currently undertaking. I guess it's one of the down falls of sailing. At least you don't get sea sick and take it like a true sailor. Keep up the great work.

We'll all be thinking about you tomorrow during the LA Gathering and hopefully receive a call from you too. I'm sure all of the Zac Packers are going to have a great time at Sunday's event. I'll be showing up 2.5 hours early to help set up for the event. I actually canceled a Sunday sail and I'm leaving a meeting early so I can do my part and help out in any way possible. You have given us so much and many of us here feel it's our turn to give a little back. I know we will all have a great time.

Enjoy the sail and hopefully you'll receive calmer waters ahead. Thanks for sending us today's entry even though it was very hard to type in that washing machine. We appreciate all your efforts in keeping us informed.

Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

October 25, 2008 at 7:16 AM  
Blogger Bob said...

Hi There Zac,

Just wondering.... do you listen to "Rock n Roll" while amongst the swells and "Smooth Jazz" in the bay?.....

@ ZacPac

For any of the newer members of the ZacPac, you can see how widespread Zac's fans are by checking out the ZacPac Pushpin Map at:
http://pub31.bravenet.com/guestmap/view.php?usernum=2662145323

Be sure to put a pin in the map if you haven't done it yet.

And eveyone have a Great Weekend! Say a big Oklahoma "Howdeee" for me when you get Zac on the Sat Phone @ the gathering!!

Bob in OKC

October 25, 2008 at 7:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac, thanks for the up date. It just amazes me how you handle situations with just 16 years experience. I couldn't imagine arriving to an unfamiliar place not being able to get what i need.
My heart sunk when you said you saw intrepid sitting alone in the water. Im glad you both are back out to sea together.
Take care and just keep doing what you do!!
Looking forward to hearing from you Sunday..
Laura

Hey Zac packers.. would like your input on the dress tomorrow. I know we are all wearing out shirts but are jeans appropriate with the shirt or should we wear nice slacks? Thanks for you input
Laura

October 25, 2008 at 8:25 AM  
Blogger Marilyn said...

@ tomi
Great parable! Thanks for the warm fuzzies.

@ Axel
I imagine that after the LA event is over on Sunday night, perhaps some time Monday, Marianne will finally have time to enter the coordinates for Zac's positions between Darwin and C-K. We've been swamped with the details of the event. I hope you can wait until next week.

@ Laura
It's a casual restaurant and atmosphere, and many will go on the cruise after the event, so please feel free to wear jeans or casual pants. I'll be wearing jeans or Khaki's. Be comfortable!

October 25, 2008 at 11:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

@ Marylin.
I can imagine, plus all the things hapened in CK or just before plus organizing the MDR party plus running a family etc etc - a few days of rest would not hurt.
Have fun tom.
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net

October 25, 2008 at 1:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi everybody. Just a "heads up" that Zac's GiftClix site may be down for a short period of time while I switch hosting providers. Thanks for your patience. And thanks to all of you who are supporting Zac by using the site! I can't see *who* you are, but I can see the sales.

See y'all t'morrow!

Troy
GiftClix, Inc.

October 25, 2008 at 2:26 PM  
Blogger Daveh said...

A few wind and weather links for Zac's current location on this leg

Winds and fronts for Zac's are can go to http://www.grib.us (thanks to Axel)

Install the application, it’s clumsy at first, but then you’ll be using it like a pro in a few runs… I set it up for 7 days, 24hr intervals…

Other Links

http://www.oceanweather.com/data/

http://www.weather.com/maps/maptype/satelliteworld/indianoceansatellite_large.html

http://www.goes.noaa.gov/f_ind.html

http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/tropic/tropic.html

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/


Daveh & Skipper

October 25, 2008 at 2:54 PM  
Blogger jlh said...

Zac,

So good to hear from you and glad you are getting back into the groove. Also glad you got to spend some down time in CK. You are always in our prayers and we hope to hear from you tomorrow, if possible!

@Tomi: I loved the parable - and the warm fuzzies!

@Dave (whom I still think of Daveh!): Thanks for the wind and weather links.

Blessings,
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA

October 25, 2008 at 4:13 PM  
Blogger Hannah said...

Zac,
Sorry to hear that your having a bit of a washing machine experience. No fun. I'm prayin' for calmer seas.

@Bob, thanks for the link to Zac's pushpin map! I just put a pin on the map.

Godspead to ya Zac,
Hannah
Florence, SC

October 25, 2008 at 7:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For those who watched the Randy Pausch video: sadly, he passed away on July 25th, but was surrounded with friends, family and those special three.

He was an amazing person, and would have been Zac's #1 cheerleader, so now he is in spirit!

October 25, 2008 at 11:15 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home