Tuesday, October 21, 2008

On to Mauritius

Good Evening All
We can all start breathing again. Zac picked up the half of his boom that Parson, the woodworker on Home Island, had faithfully fitted with a wooden beam. (forgive my terminology here). He brought it back to the boat and and after an hour of jumping up and down wiggling, twisting and whacking the thing has a proper makeshift boom. He fastened screws all along the break to secure everything.

He has spent the past few days picking up extra provisions, water, mail and fuel. He has been in touch with Customs and will wrap up the last few jobs and head out early in his afternoon. He has really enjoyed his stay at CK. With no family, photographers or media he was happy to just relax and enjoy his simple life there.

Laurence was a bit choked up as he reminded him of the potential weather on this leg and reminded him of all the precautions he should be taking. We told him we loved him and are so incredibly proud of him.

He is looking forward to hooking up with new found friends in Africa as soon as possible. He already has a warm welcome from the Point Yacht Club in Durban, SA. They apparently have an order of their world famous pie and chips waiting for him! They have offered to hold his mail there if you want to get a birthday card out to him by the end of November or early December when he arrives.

Zac Sunderland
c/o Point Yacht Club
PO Box 2224
Durban
South Africa 4000

We'll all be celebrating when he finally arrives in Durban safely out of the range of any Southern Indian Ocean cyclones.

Laurence will be ordering a new boom tomorrow with the measurements that Zac provided today and will send it out to Mauritius where there are many more boat-type facilities available. He is due to arrive in Mauritius around November 12th but we are hoping for a faster passage. He'd like to be in Africa and not at sea on his 17th birthday at the end of November!

Many thanks are due to everyone in CK, cruisers and locals alike, who helped Zac get around, offered showers, meals and friendship while he was there.

On to Mauritius!

48 Comments:

Blogger Steve said...

Who will be surveying the boom repair before Zac departs? A flailing broken boom in bad weather on this next passage could be extremely dangerous. If the boom breaks, Zac will not be able to hove to without a parachute sea anchor. Does Intrepid have a storm trysail that could be sheeted to the rail if the repair fails???

October 21, 2008 at 10:20 PM  
Blogger Morse Bear said...

Yay! I am happy to read that a temporary boom was made and installed. Also great that he was able to get a spare tiller made in addition to repairing the original one.

Marianne, thanks for sharing when Zac's birthday is and providing a mailing address.

I'm sure Zac will be out of there before any cyclones judging that there were cruisers still in the area.

You are wonderful parents to give your son this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Thank you.

October 21, 2008 at 10:27 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Well there Marianne, almost a true statement. We can all start breathing again, but not until Sunday evening.

A repaired boom, extra provisions, water, fuel, and a new boom being sent to Maurituis. It is more important than ever to make this Sunday an event to remember.

Hopefully Laurance will have the new boom at the gathering and we can all sign it for good luck for Zac.

We are getting a steady flow of items for the auction. Received 10 great shirts from Peter in today's mail.

Grandma Carol's surprise item is coming along nicely.

For those who have not yet signed up to be there on Sunday, time is getting short and space is getting limited so stand up and be counted.

Zac, we are rooting for you and wish you Godspeed.

Blessed Simchat Torah to those understanding that statement.

Bill Mann

October 21, 2008 at 10:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great to here that Zac is on his way. I will be so excited for him once he arrives in S.A.
Through all of the messages since the onset of his voyage, I have noticed Zac's level of confidence and maturity increase. What a great experience. I am thrilled to be able to share in this adventure. Thank you to his parents for keeping us up to date on the latest. This adventure has become such an important part of my day. It is an intriguing saga that is most fascinating and exciting.
KG

October 21, 2008 at 10:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

oops! Here is spelled hear.

KG

October 21, 2008 at 11:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

PARSON ROCKS! We better get that guy a Christmas present@

October 21, 2008 at 11:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's great to hear that Zac is on the move again!

The boom fix sounds interesting. I hope a picture of that fix is taken, so we can see what it looks like...it knowledge might come in handy someday.

Make sure that Zac is using the preventer.

I have to give Zac a lot of credit, as I don't think I could deal with the loneliness of sailing solo like he has been...my hat is off to Zac.

October 22, 2008 at 12:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Btw, will the Lat and Long positions from Darwin to Cocos (Keeling) be available to look at on Google Earth?

October 22, 2008 at 12:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

@ Steve

Had you made your post before Zac left C/K it might have had a little merit.

You know he has already left and can do nothing till he arrives at Mauritius so why not keep your clever clever prophet of doom comments to yourself?

Do you have a boat big enough to accommadate your ego?

October 22, 2008 at 1:47 AM  
Blogger Willyboy said...

Marianne... "We told him we loved him and are so incredibly proud of him". No doubt, no doubt... You know, I can't even imagine the range of extreme emotional highs and lows you and Lawrence are going through as Zac undertakes this quest. I can somewhat empathize with Zac, having done some wild adventures of my own, but your experience as parents is a different thing.

Zac, I hope you did enjoy your short time in paradise; too bad it was partially occupied by some unexpected repairs (boom and tiller) but that goes hand in hand with this quest you are on.

I hope it is a good, swift and safe passage now on to Mauritius. Stay strong, stay hydrated and keep in touch when you can.

Cheers to you and to all...

willy
milford, ohio

October 22, 2008 at 4:32 AM  
Blogger Tomi said...

Am pleased to hear Capt Zac is underway once again.

Steve raised a valid point about the tri-sail option, tho' I'd be hesitant to tie it to the railing in rough seas/weather. I'll defer to DavidH's thoughts on this.

I also would be interested in seeing a detailed couple pics of the repaired boom.

Praying for consistent good winds, smooth sailing & none of those rouge waves that pestered Intrepid so much.

HUGS!
Tomi/ATL

PS, have already sent my donation so a couple local teens might attend the ZacPac gathering. Enjoy!
T.

October 22, 2008 at 4:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For all he new people here. The following is a link where you can see the current wind situaion as well as a 7 day forecast. If the flags are red it will get messy.

http://www.grib.us

Our teacher Dave loves this little site.
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net

October 22, 2008 at 5:24 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Again, you're in our thoughts, Zac! Smooth sailing & strong winds. Marianne, I second the motion that you guys are fantastic parents for giving him such an incredible opportunity - and for raising an awesome son who's capable of partaking in such a great adventure (and for keeping us all updated, of course!). Best wishes for you all!

October 22, 2008 at 5:57 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Marianne & Zac-Pac,

Thank you so much Marianne for that heart felt report. I can feel the emotion in both you and Laurence heart. Marianne it's great to read today's post that shows your love, care, concern, worries, and faith in your son. With all this said you should be very proud of Zac. I know you love and care for him and all your children as well. Zac is a brave and strong young man. He will arrive in Africa, that boom will hold up, and he will weather this leg and arrive with that great smile on his face like he has always done. We will also see that smiling face in many other ports as well.

I can't wait to meet everyone this Sunday at the LA Gathering. I know this will be a special evening. If you still haven't ordered your ticket please do so immediately since time is running out.

@ Glen, thanks for sending me that email and attachment. If anyone here want to see an uplifting video please watch this one It's Amazing. Thank you so much Glen for sending it.

http://www.clarin.com/shared/v8.1/swf/fullscreen_video.html?archivo=http://videosfla.uigc.net/2008/07/29/rp.flv

Marianne, thanks for sending us Zac's next mailing address. I hope everyone sends him a Happy Birthday card.

Have a great sail Zac, be safe, watch the weather, and read all your mail.

Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

October 22, 2008 at 6:28 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hurray for Zac's next leg! And hurray for the LA gathering/fundraiser! I sure hope that both go very well... Keeping Zac in my prayers daily.

@ Bill -- I will call or email you today to see if I can get my two skirts to you for the auction -- just need your address and they will be on their way... Apologize for being so late about it, we were in the process of moving to a new house which took more effort than expected and left me w/o a computer for a bit...

Take care all, Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher

October 22, 2008 at 7:25 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

With all the emphasis on repairing the boom and tiller I do hope we haven't lost sight of the engine problems? The engine mysteriously quit and miraculously started up on the approach to C-K. Did Zac ever find out what was wrong with it? Fuel problems or something more serious?

Just wondering....

October 22, 2008 at 7:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Tomi wrote:

>Steve raised a valid point about
>the tri-sail option,

He sure did, that and the sea anchor or drogue option.

>tho' I'd be hesitant to tie it to
>the railing in rough seas/weather.

That is probably why Steve said "rail" not "railing" !!

>I'll defer to DavidH's thoughts
>on this.

Why ?

I am not sure who wrote for Zac:

>He fastened screws all along
>the break to secure everything.

I hope that doesn't mean "along the break" as in "around" the boom, as opposed to _along_ the boom. You definitely don't want a bunch of screw holes in the wood at the weakest point of the repair.

The screws add no strength to the boom, they only keep the wooden section from slipping inside the boom which will be under compressive loads if the sheeting is outboard of the repaired section.

He should also change the way the mainsheet is attached to the boom to spread the load and induce less bending stress on the repaired area.

I sure admire Zac trying to navigate around the world but I am getting worried that he may not be getting the sound advice and guidance he should be expecting.


-Sven in MDR

October 22, 2008 at 7:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks, Doug, for sharing the link to that video. Besides choking me up, it certainly made me think...

See you all Sunday.

Troy

October 22, 2008 at 7:59 AM  
Blogger Mouse on a Motorcycle said...

I've never sailed outside of protected waters (10 minutes that one time hardly counts) but having ridden motorcycles far away from help, with only myself and G-d to depend upon, I learned an adage in my youth that I think probably applies here.

"There are no rules to field repairs, except will it get you home. Or at least get you to where you can make a permanent fix."

It sounds like Zac has taken the time to do the best with what he has available, both in terms of materials and support. I'm confident that his repair will be up to the task, especially as it's being reinforced by all of the prayers from the Zac Pac around the world.

@ Bill
Todah Rabbah. My synagogue doesn't have its own building, so we're doing the Simchat readings on Shabbat this weekend. We also have a Bat Mitzvah this weekend, and as her Hebrew teacher I get the honor of being her Gabbai, along with my own reading.
Then, of course, my wife and I are all a-twitter about meeting so many folks from the blog at the Organic Panifico this Sunday.

@ Zac & Family
As always,
Praying for you daily Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle

October 22, 2008 at 8:01 AM  
Blogger Bob said...

Hi There Zac!

Great to hear you are on your way again. Bet is was hard to leave Paradise! We're praying that the repairs were made well enough to help you get through this next leg. You be careful when that boom is under load, hate to have something come undone with you in it's way. May your windspeed be just enough and not any more that what you need.

@ ZacPac

Wish I could be at the LA gathering, I know you will have a good time together!
Also, here is a link to a Sail-World.com article that has some photos of C-K and storyline. If it has already been posted here, I'm sorry that I had not seen it.
http://www.sail-world.com/USA/Miracle-Repairs-for-Zac-in-Cocos-Keeling/50064

Finally, let's not become mudane in our support for Zac and keep him lifted up!

October 22, 2008 at 8:13 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Anon,

I am in my van on my way to San Jose. Will be back in Los Angeles about 10:00 PM this evening. It is 9 hours round trip and about a half hour in San Jose.

You may give me a call on my cell at 323 205-0417

If for some reason I do not answer, leave a message and I will get back to you.

Thank you for thinking about Zac.

Bill

October 22, 2008 at 8:46 AM  
Blogger Steve said...

Sven said,

"He should also change the way the mainsheet is attached to the boom to spread the load and induce less bending stress on the repaired area."

"I sure admire Zac trying to navigate around the world but I am getting worried that he may not be getting the sound advice and guidance he should be expecting."

I agree Sven. Mid boom sheeting does put more strain on the boom, then end boom sheeting. A bridle should be rigged between the two primary winches and then attached to the end of the boom with a strop. Sheeting the jib would be a bit challenging but doable.

There are many levels of sailing ability posting on this blog, and to those who haven't crossed oceans some comments may seem pessimistic. The sea is very unforgiving, and when things go wrong, they go really wrong. Because Zac is a 16 year old young man singlehanding, the safety margins in boat choice and equipment selection needed to be extremely high. Zac has done a great job nursing a really old boat half way around the world. Each passage needs to be evaluated independently without regard for records or all the blind encouragement pushing him forward. With a repaired boom and and engine that is not reliable. the safety margin for a 16 year old singlehander has been narrowed to an unacceptable level in my opinion. For a coastal hop maybe, but for the Indian ocean this is reckless.

October 22, 2008 at 8:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that Zac is on his way to Mauritus and S/A. As always he remains in my thoughts and prayers.

I know it's hard for Laurence not to have been in C/K to supervise and check all of the repairs that have been done. I also know that Zac continues to prove that his instincts are very good and is able to seek solutions to his problems. In spite of these major problems he's had this last leg with the tiller and boom, he is optimistic and prepared for this next leg.

I, too hope that he has enough wind to keep him moving briskly along so that he may enjoy a good and more lengthy rest in South Africa, and enjoys his 17th B-Day with new found friends and hopefully some family. Perhaps, even a surprise visit by his mum?

October 22, 2008 at 9:06 AM  
Blogger Fulgum said...

Thanks, Marianne.

I bet that while we were going through the "highs and lows" Zac was more chilled than a sea cucumber in that tropical paradise....if karen Willshaw's photos are any indication!

Africa here Zac comes!

Scott

:)

October 22, 2008 at 9:23 AM  
Blogger Fulgum said...

"Africa here Zac comes!"

Hmmm......guess it's a bit too early in the morning for me!

Africa, here comes Zac!

October 22, 2008 at 9:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

catching up on Zac after being away and can't believe his circumstances now. I must admit I agree with Steve's whole post!

I have been island hopping and things have gone wrong (it seamed like I was so far away from help)but it would not even compare to what Zac would be going through. I look at my map and that Indian Ocean is VERY large to have him in a boat alone with a 'repaired boom'. It's not 100% safe in the best weather... I don't know, I'm very concerned for his safety.

Jen.

October 22, 2008 at 10:06 AM  
Blogger STEVE B said...

Glad to know that the CK stop was a good one. Hope the crossing to Mauritius is uneventful and that

Zac, if you haven't given up on fishing, I hope this leg provides a nice haul for you.

Steve
Birmingham, AL

October 22, 2008 at 10:16 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac,

having a boom rather than just going a jib-only must be a much better feeling. So you are leaving paradise to see another paradise. Mauritius must be wonderful, too. Well, friends have been to Reunion, which I picture similar, and they enjoyed it.

Fair Winds and Following Seas
RK

PS: Concerning "Fair Winds and Following Seas": I tried to find an English expression similar to the German (my native language) seafarer's wish "Mast- und Schootbruch und immer eine Handbreit Wasser unterm Kiel" and I found the above. But after a bit more searching, this expression seems to be most/only used in a naval context. Is that so? Is there an expression in the cruising community?

October 22, 2008 at 10:18 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you to Steve and Sven for their constructive criticisms. I won't answer in detail to all of the questions posed because I do not have time but want to say that Laurence, a master shipwright, has consulted with Byron Pfieffer, a veteran rigger out of Marina del Rey, and multiple other experienced circumnavigators who have made this passage themselves. We have had to weigh ALL of the factors involved in Zac's current situation and feel that, with the help of David Morris keeping an eagle eye on the weather, the plans that have been made are the best possible under the circumstances.
Sincerely,
Laurence & Marianne Sunderland

October 22, 2008 at 10:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yo! Cap’n Zac!

Never a dull moment with you and the Intrepid (thank you, Parson!)…not to mention all the Zac Pac’ers!

I noticed that there was no mention in the last couple of posts about your electronics, except for some bad sat phone transmissions. I hope on this long leg of your journey that you’ll be able to communicate as well as possible. Is your computer up and working again?!?

It must have been difficult to leave such a beautiful place as CK…wow…can you spell P~A~R~A~D~I~S~E? I’ll bet if you look up that word in a dictionary, one of Karen Willshaw’s amazingly gorgeous pictures of CK will be there! I cannot imagine living surrounded by that kind of beauty all the time…

Wonderful that you met some fellow cruisers. I will enjoy knowing that they will be out there with you…a welcome (but hopefully not necessary!) safety net and friendly voices not so far away on the radio too!

I’ll bet you are so thankful – daily – for all the “mad boat skilz” passed along – first and foremost – by your father…and also Zac Pac members and fellow cruisers. You are indeed a fortunate young man – and we are all fortunate to be along on this journey with you.

I’m a landlubber…but am learning so many things here…about sailing, about gear, about people, about geography (NEVER heard of Cocos Keeling before this – although I have traveled the world a bit – just never in the “down under” area!). This blog really is a journey I’m enjoying being on too!

Sending lots of positive thoughts and well wishes your way – as always…

Sail on, Cap’n Zac – may the wind be at your back!

Cheers,
Kat

P.S. Did you ever find that “Cheeseburger in Paradise”?!?

P.P.S. Hang in there, Laurence and Marianne!

October 22, 2008 at 11:21 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Laurence, Marianne & Everyone,

You know no matter what decisions you make regarding Zac someone will always question or contradict your decisions. Unfortunately this is something that some people can't resist. Since this blog was created to uplift Zac I don't see a reason to even write some of these negative comments on this blog. If anyone feels unhappy about a personal decision that Team Sunderland has made you should keep it to yourself. Remember, this blog is to ENCOURAGE Zac not to question any decisions made and have him second think any of these negative posts.

Marianne, I just sent Zac a Happy Birthday card and just returned from the Post Office. I thought this card described Zac very well. Hopefully this will uplift Zac much more than some of the posts I read earlier today.

The Birthday Card Reads...

Born to be wild,
Born to be outrageous,
Born to live your life out loud,
Born to be courageous,
Born to make some mischief,
Born to Rock n Roll,
Born to spread your wings and fly,
Born to bare your soul,
Born to be a dreamer,
Born to dare and do,
Born to make the world a better place just because you're you.

Happy Born-To-Be-You Day

Hope this will bring a smile to everyone.

Cheers,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

October 22, 2008 at 12:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

@ rklein.

"Fair winds......" is pretty much it. Mast & Schotbruch.
In English you are missing the part "handbreit wasser (bier :-)) unterm Kiel"
Gruss
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net

October 22, 2008 at 12:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

@ Douglas Pistone:

What a perfect card for Zac!

Yowzer!
Kat

October 22, 2008 at 1:53 PM  
Blogger jlh said...

@Douglas,

What a beautiful and perfect card! It describes our Cap'n Zac perfectly!

Zac, you're finally on your way! Wishing you fair winds and safe passage. You remain constantly in our prayers.

Blessings,
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA

October 22, 2008 at 3:00 PM  
Blogger Marilyn said...

@ Doug
Way to go! You always keep things so positive, and The sentiment in the birthday card to Zac was just perfect!

@ all members of the Zac Pac
As of this afternoon, our count for the L.A. event is 144 guests. That includes the 33 reservations that were bought and donated by so many of you, who live too far away to attend (and some who donated one even though they live close). Our deserving local teenagers will be thrilled.

Marilyn
Woodland Hills

October 22, 2008 at 4:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Marianne and Laurence:

It's sad that there have been posts which made you feel compelled to 'go on the defensive'.

After the first couple which I thought used ill chosen words for the purpose of this blog, I had to wonder, Who is more qualified to advise Zac than Laurence and who has a better reason for concern for his safety?

I do not understand what kind of axe the doomsday voices have to grind nor why they feel that this is the place to do it.

All of us participating here are concerned with Zac's safety and success. The young man has enough real problems to deal with without the Voices of Doom creating doubts and uncertainities where none exist presently. It's particularly unproductive after Zac has committed to the next leg of the adventure.

Let's all get our heads on straight and on the count of three, think positive thoughts. OK, 1 ... 2 ... 3....~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Croaker

October 22, 2008 at 5:20 PM  
Blogger Heather Wilds said...

Sounds like the R&R in CK was just what the doctor ordered. I'm sure he's well equipped in mind, body & spirit for this leg. We look forward to him on being on land hopefully for his birthday. Wishing you well...

Cheers!

October 22, 2008 at 6:18 PM  
Blogger Tomi said...

Glen & Douglas, thx for sharing that vid. I'd watched it when it was first posted on the web, again when it was shared amoung the Oprah viewers & again now. It never ceases to bring tears to me eyes for this great man's view on life, his sharing of those views & for the 3 reasons why he did so. Thx for reminding me of several things I've forgotten :)

Team Sunderland, thx once again for very politely & professionally replying to previous posters. My admiration for y'all only increases as time moves forward. Again, thank you!

Douglas, as always, you have words more positive than I to convey my thoughts. Thank you, as well, for voicing my own thoughts much more constructively than I could ever hope to convey.

May our Hero, Blessed Capt & Team SUnderland (of course) achieve the goal we're all praying & reaching for.

If I haven't stated this before (or if I have then :) ), thx for all y'all's positive support, endearing words & warm mental hugs!

GO CAPT ZAC & Intrepid of course!!

HUGS!
Tomi/ATL

October 22, 2008 at 7:01 PM  
Blogger Debbie said...

Attention Zac Pack Shoppers!

I am counting the days to the LA Event! 144 tickets sold sounds like a pretty good turn out! Although it doesn't put a dent in the well wishers that have come to know our amazing young adventurer! It will be a pleasure to meet our little family of Los Angeles area cheerleaders!! Not to mention an honor to actually be in the same room with Marianne and Laurence!! Zac's adventure has become a part of my everyday life, and it will be fun to put faces on the people who take part in the daily blogs who are committed to seeing Zac accomplish his dream.

@Douglas

The Birthday Card was
sooooo Zac!! How do we top that one!! Did they have a catagory at the Hallmark Store with Zac's name on it!!

It doesn't seem like Zac has been gone 4 plus months already. He is going to be how old, 17 in November? No way, that is hard to believe!!

@Zac

You are in my thoughts and prayers throughout my day. I always pray for you to have fair skys and just enough wind to safely get you to your next port!!I was so envious of you visiting that beautiful island of Cocos. Paradise does exist!
I am glad you have other boats to sail with to your next port. How lucky you have been to meet so many wonderful people along the way, just as I have been blessed by being apart of your fan club!! You are almost to your half way mark of your trip and I think you are doing incredible!!


4 days to go until your fundraiser. Hope we will be able to touch basis with you Sunday!!

Hugs and Prayers
Debbie
North Hills, CA

October 22, 2008 at 9:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is Fedex or UPS donating the cost for the freight to ship hat boom?? I think they should
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net

October 23, 2008 at 6:11 AM  
Blogger davejb851 said...

In this days comments we find those whose concern is well founded, and well placed.
And also those wishing well and perhaps not knowing the Indian Ocean and it's possibilities.

Perhaps I can offer one calming voice somewhere in the middle.

Seamanship....Zac has displayed tons of this, and experience DOES count.
Intelligent assessment of risk...that began well before Zac left Marina del Ray, and continues unabated to this very moment.
Conditions, of the boat, the sailor, the weather, and many other intangibles...All become just as important as anything else in this huge undertaking.

So, If I may here is a long winded thought:
I am sure consideration will be made to use the repaired boom wisely....guard against weather impacting the repairs and weakness of same. Perhaps even to run with the genoa as much as possible with short sail on the main only used for stability.
Weather will be not only monitored, but micro-examined for it's excesses and indiscriminate effects.
Timing......sure we all would have preferred that a new boom could have been dispatched, installed, and tested....but that would have delayed setting out, and thereby greatly enhancing the problems of weather.

All in all, decisions with great input, experience, information, and consideration needed to be made, and weighing them all together one was made.
Steve and Sven, your input, experience, and concern is much appreciated by all of us who want nothing but success. Please don't stop offering all of your knowledge and experience. And all those that wish, pray, and hope for that same success, keep up the good work, and your advocacy.

Zac, downwind in the Trades sounds ideal. Sail quickly, remain extremely vigilant over all the conditions of your boat, and it's equipment, including the person holding the tiller.
Keep an extra tight focus on the communications and weather aspects of this leg.
You have done incredible things, and this one needs the same if not more of that ability. As always, be safe, be careful, be yourself....prayers and thoughts go along with you all the way across.

October 23, 2008 at 6:42 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Do you have your reservations yet?

Believe it or not, we are going to auction off 2 cds of a Mouse on a Motorcycle singing his heart out.

If you think that is great, we are also going to auction off your chance to have a real Mouse on a Motorcycle come to your shindig and perform live an hour of song and joy.

See you Sunday

Bill Mann

October 23, 2008 at 7:19 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

ANy news on the engine? Did it get repaired? Have we lost sight of this very important piece of "safety" equipment with the tiller and boom repair?

October 23, 2008 at 7:39 AM  
Blogger Mona said...

@Douglas
What a perfect card for Zac, the words say it all.

@Zac Pac
To all those fortunate enough to be able to attend the LA Gathering, "Have a wonderful time".
I will have a deserving teenager in my place, who I hope will be filled with inspiration.

Zac,
Good to hear that repairs have been made, you're rested up and re stocked and underway again.
Good thoughts and prayers to you daily.
Sail Safe,
Mona
Tucson, AZ

October 23, 2008 at 8:10 AM  
Blogger Scot said...

Thanks Davejb for saying what I was thinking. No one here is trying to demean anything that's been done. We're all just concerned with Zac's safety and we all want the same result.

Marianne and Laurence, thanks for clearing up all that went into the boom fix. If ever there were two people who would never take any of this lightly, it's you two. As the "motorcycle mouse" said, you do whatever it takes to get you home. I can wholeheartedly relate to that. I've been there.

Zac, this voyage just keeps making you better. I am truly envious of the experiences you are having. This will be a tough leg, but you're ready.

In the words of NIKE

"Just Do It"
Scot
California

Marianne, I'm geographically unable to attend the fund raiser so I'll buy a ticket for a teenager to go in my place. I hope they'll be inspired to do great things.

October 23, 2008 at 10:09 AM  
Blogger Helen said...

Way to go Zac!! I am here in Brazil rooting for you - you are so brave!Looking forward to seeing pics of your destination!

October 23, 2008 at 1:55 PM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Zac Pac,

Just wanted to say a quick thank you to the people below.

@ Troy, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. What an incredible man even though he is going to die soon he has an amazing spirit about him!!!

@ Kat, I'm glad you enjoyed the words from the birthday card. I'm hoping to read your birthday card here soon!!!

@ Jennifer and Ben, It really was a great description on the birthday card. I'm hoping to read your birthday card here very soon also!!!

@ Marilyn, Thanks for the "keeping it positive" acknowledgment. I'm glad you enjoyed the birthday card also. I'm hoping to read your birthday card here very soon as well!!! I'll be waiting for your call or email regarding what time you would like me to show up to help set up for this Sunday's LA Gathering. Thanks for all your hard work. Your doing an amazing job.

@ Tomi, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It great to hear it brought back some positive thoughts in your mind. We should all keep this video on our computers and listen to it from time to time.

I'm glad you enjoy the way I convey my thoughts into words. I'm not a writing man but when something inspires me Watch Out, I'll Write!!! Thanks for the compliment.

@ Debbie, I looked for a birthday card under "Z" or Zac at Hallmark but did not find one. Maybe next time I'll look under Zac and hopefully have better luck. I'm hoping to read your birthday card here very soon too!!!

@ Mona, I'm glad you enjoyed that birthday card. I'm hoping to read your birthday card here very soon also!!!

Hopefully I'm sounding repetitive here because it was my intent. It would be great for everyone to place the actual words of the Happy Birthday cards you purchase here on the blog. I think this would be a great way to keep things a little more positive. If you purchase a blank card and write something in yourself that might merit more attention than my store purchased birthday card. Just something to think about!!!

@ Bill, Your the Mann. Thanks for everything you're doing for the auction. It sounds like it's going to be a huge success.

@ Zac, Hopefully your sailing along now heading towards Africa. Please let us know if the Yanmar is still acting up or if it was taken care of in C/K? Have a great time and enjoy this sail.

Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

October 23, 2008 at 2:56 PM  
Blogger Hannah said...

Way to go Zac, here comes Africa! Whoohooo!!!

@Douglas Piston, thanks so much for sharing your card. It really describes Zac to a tea! Can't wait to get my card and post it.

@Zac Pac, for all of ya who are going to be at the LA gathering I hope ya have a great time!

Prayin' for ya Zac

Hannah

October 23, 2008 at 6:22 PM  

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