Friday, October 17, 2008

Repairs in Paradise

Hello All,
Laurence and I enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Westlake Yacht Club tonight. We stopped by to drop off a poster for the LA Gathering on October 26th and were quickly sat down to a beautiful dinner! We spoke briefly and had a lot of laughs which were much needed.
In case you still haven't heard about the gathering, here is the info. Please seriously consider coming. Bill Mann is running what is turning out to be a splendid silent auction. There will be a lot of food and fun for sure!


LA Gathering/Fund raiser
A celebration presentation of Zac's trip and a fund raiser for his adventures will be held on Sunday Oct. 26 from 3 to 6 pm at The Organic Panificio Restaurant located at 4211 Admiralty Way (at the corner of Palawan Way) in Marina del Rey. Laurence & Marianne Sunderland, Zac's parents, will provide an update on his trip, including never before seen footage of his adventures at sea and a computer video presentation of his planned route. A question and answer session and a silent auction of donated products/services will follow. The highlight of the evening will be an attempt to contact Zac directly at sea via a satellite phone connection for an additional on the spot update. Light appetizers will be served and a "cash bar" will be available.

As space is limited, reservations are required. Cost for the event is $20 pre-paid, $27 at the door and $10 for children 12 and under. To pre-pay reservations go to Zac's website at http://www.zacsunderland.com/, click on "Store" and follow the prompts. For additional reservations, information or other payment methods: e-mail Marilyn at mmailto:mgsimcox@yahoo.com or phone (818) 703-1154. Become another proud member of the "Zac Pac". Hope to see you there. Please RSVP by 10/23.

Anyone wishing to donate an item, product or service for the silent auction, please contact Bill Mann by e-mail at bmailto:bill@barstools4u.com or by phone at (323) 205-0417.

For those Zac supporters who are unable to attend this event due to prior commitments or geographical location and who would still like to support Zac in his adventure, you may do so by making a pre-paid reservation and inserting in the comments section, along with your name: "teenager donation". We will then see that a teenager from one of the local youth groups gets the ticket to attend the event in your place, along with your name as the benefactor. Thank you for your continued support, it is much appreciated.


As for Zac in Paradise...
He has definitely hit the ground running. There has been a steady trickle of boats arriving at Cocos Keeling. They are all on the fast track to head down to Mauritius and beyond as quickly as possible to avoid any early storm activity. Zac has figured out the ferry system that takes people around the 3 islands in the atoll and has hooked up with the right people. He will have to blog about all of the amazing connections he has made. He was introduced to the woodworker from Home Island 2 days ago. Zac marveled at the man's shop where he was building beautiful wooden sailing boats all with hand tools. He was happy to repair Zac's tiller and fashion a new one out of a nice chunk of teak he had in his shop. Thank you to whoever it was that suggested the Home Island woodworkers!
Thank you for all of your emails of concern and advice regarding the repair of Zac's boom. His mission today was to haul the 5 foot piece of broken boom around with all of Laurence's ideas for possible makeshift fixes in mind and attempt a timely repair. The issue of repairing the boom is being weighed against the cost of delaying his departure into the already brewing Indian Ocean this close to cyclone season. He does not have the option of waiting for a new boom nor of waiting 2 weeks while a repair is made. With the well established weather patterns and expert meteorologist David Morris watching for danger from the satellite imaging, he should be able to be routed safely across.
On a positive note, Zac has been eating lots. He finds the canned food in CK to be a bit odd with mostly canned mac and cheese and canned beans for sale. He'd better do some fishing on this next leg! Meanwhile, he is filling up on fresh food which is fabulous. He hooked up with the local missionary doctor on Home Island, who had heard of him, and was given a once over and a shower. He weighed in at having lost just about 10 pounds. Probably mostly muscle as he had been working out pretty consistently with Laurence before he left last June. He did attempt to swim, the water is beautiful, but noticed a few sharks swimming by and changed his plans. Not sure where people dive there but none of the cruisers at Direction Island were swimming after that! Most of the cruisers/boaters who are there right now are part of a round the world rally and are at the tail end and passing through fairly quickly. We are speaking only once a day now because of the time difference. Hopefully, he will get his blog out soon because our sat phone connection has not been very good (in fact, neither has my cell phone?) and I miss a lot of what he says.
Thanks for listening. Zac should be back in a day or two!
Cheers,
Marianne
PS: Here is a link to a wonderful photographer from Cocos Keeling. Her shots are absolutely breathtaking!
http://www.karenwillshaw.com/

35 Comments:

Blogger Galileon said...

yay! i'm first to comment!

glad Zac is having such a great time in the Cocos, can't wait for his own blog post!

October 18, 2008 at 12:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks Marianne....was thinking that things must be pretty frenetic there on CK as I am sure they are there at your home too.How you fit all this in,with the time differences and with the other children too.....I can only imagine.So wish that we could be at the fundraiser but it's a little too far to come!We'll be there in spirit though. Do hope that it is a wonderful evening for all who go.
Glad that Zac has so many good people round him there in CK.

UK friend

October 18, 2008 at 2:15 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

Hello Sunderland Family, Zac and fellow Zac Pac,

Marianne, many thanks for the post. As always, good to hear from you and get all the details.

The photos of C/K are beautiful....why would anyone leave there????? LOL!!

I believe it was Billabong who suggested the woodworkers....good on ya Chris!

@ Bill Mann: thanks for your time and effort!

Zac, may the efforts to get yourself and "Intrepid" ready for the next leg go smoothly. I'm sure you'll pay attention to detail and have the repairs "just so".

We've got your back, but with much more protection so do God's angels!

God Speed young man, we're proud of you.

Hugs,
Anita
Captain SV "Wombat" ~_/)

ps: you can never be too busy to floss daily!! :) Remember, floss the ones you want to keep!

pss: swimming in the ocean....no good has ever come of it, there are things in there that would soon as bite you than look at ya....GULP!!! That's all I have to say about that!!! LOL!!! (shiver)

October 18, 2008 at 2:29 AM  
Blogger Chris Myles said...

Glad the woodworkers worked out.. Just sailors helping sailors!!

Some of you might be wondering about the rush to get "out of paradise". Check out the following links:

Cyclone Seasonal Comparison
Wikipedia Cyclone Basins

Zac will be sailing though the South West Indian Ocean Basin shown of the left hand side of the Seasonal Comparison. Sounds like he has the right weather forecaster for routing IF something should arise. I don't even like being on the same side of the equator as a potential cyclone..shutter shutter!!

Since we all know Zac is in Cocos Keeling I figured it was ok to update the TrackZac Map. A little more than 2000 nM to go until halfway. I also included a link to Karen's amazing photos. Wow!!

Good luck on the next leg Zac, I'm glad you've got some company. Good luck with the fishing, I'm sure the canned Mac and Cheese will get old .. Quick!!

Chris

ps. TeamZac please let me know if you have ANY issues with the map update and I'll back out the changes.

October 18, 2008 at 3:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey man, I know got lots to do while your in Cocos. Dont forget to grab your mail. Sent u some loot C/O of the Post Master General CK.

October 18, 2008 at 4:16 AM  
Blogger KenGreig said...

The first cyclone has been reported in the South Indian Ocean.


http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/si200801.html

Take care Zac!

October 18, 2008 at 5:49 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I am looking forward to meeting some of the Los Angeles area folks next Sunday.

I have collected a great collection of items including a surprise donation from Zac's Grandmother ( Mariannes Mother).

I have been promised another beautiful string of pearls for the Christmas gift to kill for.

I have heard from six barbers in Durban who were planning on kidnapping Zac and shearing him but as much as I would like that I had to turn them down on their offer. See Zac how nice I am sometimes. Not very often, just sometimes. :-)


Again if anyone wants photos of some of the auction items just drop me an email at bill@barstools4u.com and I would be more than happy to send them to you.

Many thanks to all who have donated.

Sometime after the event I shall be posting a very special thank you to everyone who has helped make this event so special not only for Zac and his parents, but to all of us Zac Foster Parents also.

Have a great weekend all and hoping to meet as many of you as possible next Sunday.

Bill Mann

October 18, 2008 at 7:04 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello Zac & Everyone,

Thank you Marianne for this update. It's great to hear that the tiller is being taken care of and hopefully a solution to the boom will come quickly. I loved the C/K pictures. At least Zac will have a little time to enjoy the Island that looks absolutely picture perfect.

Let's get Zac going as soon as possible since the danger of the cyclones are near. I know Laurence & Marianne will make the right choices and direct Zac to the best possible solution. Zac is a great decision maker and I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to discuss what the boom and exit strategy will be.

Have fun Zac, enjoy your stay but get those repairs done ASAP.

Rest & Repair,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

October 18, 2008 at 7:05 AM  
Blogger barefootbob said...

I can understand the need in getting Zac to moving on a quickly as possible to avoid the cyclones but we also want Zac and Intrepid 100% FMC - sorry USAF talk for fully mission capable.

Zac can do pushups, dips and situps to help keep the muscle tone. Keeping Zac in the prayers.

October 18, 2008 at 8:03 AM  
Blogger Daveh said...

Marianne - Great update...

I have several friends that have done the "Around the World Rally" and they are VERY schedule minded for sure, but it's nice to circumnavigate in packs, although the pack gets quite spread out on each leg.

Departing with them will be GREAT for Zac, another "fortunate" set of events for him, once again!

Daveh & Skipper

October 18, 2008 at 8:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOW! Thanks Marianne for the link to Karen's photos of C/K. I very much enjoyed my "stay-cation" without leaving my computer. The clear water and white sandy beaches take my breath away. I can only imagine the solitude that C/K provides. Zac; thanks for taking me here!

Anyway, back to reality! Glad to hear Zac has made the appropriate contacts that will help him get things repaired and back on course to Mauritus. At what port will Laurence be able to meet up with Zac again?

Glad to hear that Zac has only lost 10 lbs. That's excellent considering he says he hasn't had much of an appetite. I imagine that the motion of the ocean doesn't do a whole lot for one's appetite. Also, it's no fun to eat alone. So, Marianne what do you think that Zac will want for you to cook for him when he comes back? Better yet, maybe Zac can answer this one!

Melanie in Torrance

October 18, 2008 at 9:05 AM  
Blogger jlh said...

Marianne,

Thanks so much for all of the information. We're glad Zac was able to hit the ground running. I hope he gets everything done smoothly and quickly. Avoid those cyclones! We're looking forward to Zac's post.

Bill Mann, thank you so much for all that you are doing! Looking forward to meeting you next weekend!

Blessings,

Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA

@Melanie: "Staycation" - I love it! Perfect description!

October 18, 2008 at 9:08 AM  
Blogger Tomi said...

Capt Zac -
Dude you are SOOO lucky! Enjoy the stationary & walking scenery. As Lady Marianne previously posted on your behalf, wish we/I could be there! Ask a 'hotbod' there to give you a hug from we ZacPac'ers! :P

@ Skipper
Dear Skipper-
We never hear from you, but the ZacPac presumes you agree w/DavidH. Now, I'm not knocking Sir David, for he's been able to clarify a lot I, as a landlubber, may not understand, but for the blog record, when you have a spare few mins, pls share your own thoughts on/about our blessed Capt Zac's journey.

(on soapbox)
@ DavidH -
of all the posts, of the top ten (along Capt Zac), I rely upon your posts to clarify what I may not understand - thx man!

@ Miss Marilyn -
While I admire DavidH, I also admire you as well. Your talent for getting the facts correct (Yes, i've been incorrect on several occasions-thx for clearing up my bad google-searches/memory posts), have helped me understand many things.

Of the top 20 commenters, I rely upon y'all to ensure your facts/knowledge are correct (Skipper you have your hands full, Gods bless ya Lass). Please, please for the sake of those of us who don't know better, please take your disagreement's off-blog comment/post & call each other. When y'all have a concensus, post it. we, (okay I) in the ZacPac, who don't know better, rely upon both y'all's posts for accurate information & honesty. When y'all disagree, it tosses me (and I'm quite sure others who don't know better or can't research the answers) into confusion about the real facts/info.

@ the rest of ZacPac
thx for taking the time to share your info/concerns/thoughts.

On a much more personal note, I may live for another Terran year or several Sol years - the MedDocs aren't certain (which is why I haven't posted this before, mainly as it doesn't pertain to Capt zac's circumnavigation). I do ask of y'all to please research your posts prior to posting. Y'all (if you've read ALL the prior blogs & comments) are aware not everyone supporting Our Capt Zac are adults. MANY are home schooled students. They, like meself, vastly admire Capt Zac. When comments are posted "we" tend to take for granted the post/comment is accurate as to knowledge/facts. please be aware of this. "We" ZacPac'ers rely upon YOU experts.

(off me soapbox)
ZacPac-
Thx y'all for your thoughts/comments/posts/off-line emails. This past year has been challenging, but no where near what our Blessed Capt is going thru, which is why I so admire him. God/Gaia/Neptune bless him and Team Sunderland.

Thx for letting me share me posts/comments/thoughts.

HUGs!
Tomi/ATL

October 18, 2008 at 9:48 AM  
Blogger kirsten said...

Its nice to hear you talk so much about paradise.Sounds like you got to relax at least a little bit.





Bloggers check my blog!

October 18, 2008 at 10:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Someone please tell me when Zac leaves port he will have a new tiller and a spare and a new boom.

Was the standing and running rigging replaced before he left? This should have been the first thing done. I see the ship received fresh paint but apparently not fresh rigging. This is of great concern to me.

If you need a boom I am certain Catalina Yachts in Woodland Hills can hook you up with a supplier in a day and fly it over to Zac. It’s done all the time.

Also, I said at the onset of the trip that the fuel tank and lines and filters should have been replaced when the new engine was set.

I have never heard of anyone going to sea without a spare tiller! This causes me great concern, I will not elaborate.

October 18, 2008 at 10:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

@Anonymous
If you go to Zac's web site www.zacsunderland.com and click on the FAQ page then on the 'Details' link under the photo of Intrepid you will see a list of work done on the boat before Zac left. All running and standing rigging was replaced as well as chainplates etc...

October 18, 2008 at 10:23 AM  
Blogger Debbie said...

Hello my terrific family of Zac Packers!!

Marianne, thank you for posting Karen Willshaws picture gallery of Cocos Keeling! My son is getting married next May and I took a look at her Wedding Photo Gallery as well. They are really beautiful. I wish he could experience the relaxing and romantic surroundings to start his new life with his furture bride! What is funny though, is that, he is getting married at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, with the recepetion at a place called Tahiti Joes!! So we will have a little of the Island musics and atmosphere and faux waterfalls, but hey, what do you expect when you are on a budget?!!

Also...back to a serious note, the Cyclone information was very informative which gave me a better understanding of why it is so important for Zac to move on as quickly as possible.

@Daveh and Chris, and to so many of you that have helped me understand the sailors lingo, I am so appreciative. You guys are so knowledgeable that I rely on your blogs everyday!

@Anita, I would love to meet you someday! Who would have thought that this young man would bring so many nice people together. I wish you were able to come to Los Angeles, to Zac's fundraiser, which is sounding like it is going to be a very memorable night!! I feel blessed that he is from my neck of the woods so I can atttend!

@Bill Mann, thank you for all your hard work. Can't wait to meet you and shake your hand or give you a hug!! Tee Hee!!

and...@Laura, I was wondering the same thing. I didn't get my tickets either, so I was going to just print out my receipt and bring that if they don't arrive. Because I did purchase them. I did get an e-mail saying that my "ORDER" had shipped, so I was presuming they were tickets!! See you there!!Maybe Marilyn can update on the ticket situation??

And...@Zac hope the new tiller is on board and that the Boom is getting resolved. It worry's me to think that you would be out in the Indian Ocean with the height of cyclone season upon us and you didn't have a new and improved Boom to support all that wind. I am praying that you miss the storms completely!!Your angels will be with you as always, so I am confident that you will make a safe passage to your next port!!


As always Zac, Prayers coming your way!! Hopefully we will get to hear from you next Sunday!!

Debbie
North Hills, CA

October 18, 2008 at 12:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sir Captain Zac; You are the man

how wonderful to see all the prayers answered...ty to the ZacPac

like the dolphins sent to
encourage your heart
and lift your spirit,

so to, now
all those in their round the world "sailing quest",
what perfect timing...

who could have ever timed it more perfectly than HE,

not only are you being encouraged
in your race, Zac
so you too, encourage them in theirs..

eat hearty my friend and feast on this time in the Cocos, you'll remember it forever...

on fixing the boom, just a passing thought, that's been nagging at me...
maybe the best way is to have the expert woodworker, fashion a plug that can be inserted into the boom... shaped perfectly to distribute the loads evenly, between the two broken halfs...
and when you fasten it use an alternating pattern in the fasters
so as not to fatigue the aluminum..

think ahead for the unexpected, and the worst of scenarios, plan on it... in fact overly plan and engineer... be wise in this Zac..

a little shy of three thousand miles to Mauritius, plan and be vigilant in this...

Kudos to brother Bill Mann, for getting it all together, for the silent auction, and the rest of the support staff at Zac Pac california... :-)

and of course for Laurence and Marianne, and team Sunderland lots of prayer and support needed for the upcoming
meeting on the 26th...

what a "great family" here we,
have...
i love the posts...
ty for all the positive comments...

Zac have a great stay in the Cocos, eat hardy and get ready for the ride of your life...

you're doing excellently...all A+
and journal Zac, journal...

"iron sharpens iron
so one man sharpens another"
proverbs 27:17

listen closely to counsel and be in prayer Zac..

the kittens waiting for you

GOD speed Zac
GOD speed

always in our hearts
and in our prayers Zac...
stay safe and wise...

mark and adino vicksburg,mississippi

October 18, 2008 at 2:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks Debbie..i have the shipping receipt for the shirt & tickets so i will bring that if the tickets don't arrive by Sunday..
see you then
Laura

October 18, 2008 at 3:38 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Melanie in Torrance,

Good grief Melanie. He will be 17 years old when he gets back. What do you think he will want right after the haircut?

A DOUBLE/DOUBLE with extra grilled onions from In n' Out and a Chocolate shake.

See what Grandma Carol is bringing to the auction and check my blog right after the event if you do not belive me.

Make a fool out of me Zac by saying something different, and I give the go ahead to those six barbers in Durban!! I can make a fool of myself without any help from you.

For those who said they want to meet me next Sunday, please leave the baseball bats at home. :-)

Bill

October 18, 2008 at 4:42 PM  
Blogger Glen said...

Hi All

Well,

I dedicate this post to ALL MOTHERS that usually are sailing this blog…

Have a nice and beautiful MOTHERS DAY…

My best wished to all of you….


Glen
Argentina.

October 18, 2008 at 5:44 PM  
Blogger Glen said...

Hey Zac

Do you read a Bill Mann Post about your hair?

Ja ja ja … Let me tell you something boy…

When your time come, and you are close to arrive at your destiny (home), you will see how Bill Mann its gone a change his idea to cut your hair to promote you have your hair in the way that you like…

Remember Zac, not exist a hard man that not becomes soft with the time….

My Best rewards to all

Glen
Argentina

October 18, 2008 at 5:44 PM  
Blogger Tomi said...

Ah, the excit ement over the up-coming ZacPac meeting. Wish I had the funds to travel & meet w/y'all. Maybe, someday, a meet & greet will happen on the East US Coast (ok, SE area) ;)

Capt Zac -
Sure hope you're able to get those tillers before the other cruisers set sail. What are you enjoying food-wise while on land? We ZacPac'ers want to know! :)

Team Sunderland -
Please let us ZacPac'ers know what we might do to assist our blessed Capt. I sent another donation (via QBaroo - still having troubles w/PayPal - guess they know I w*rk for a competitor, maybe that's why I have so much difficulties w/their donation link).

ZacPac -
Y'all sure do know how to bring tears to me eyes w/your support of our dear Capt. Bless y'all for your posts & positive somments.

HUGS!
Tomi/ATL

October 18, 2008 at 5:55 PM  
Blogger Marilyn said...

@ Pre-paid guests for the LA event

Think of the pre-payment as a "paid reservation," not a ticket that you will be receiving in the mail. We will have a detailed computer list from our database of names of the individuals who paid, their guest names and whether they are children or adults, amounts paid and order numbers. We will also have name badges for those who have paid. Many of you have received emails and phone calls from me asking for your guest's names. You needn't bring a copy of the email showing your payment receipt, but feel free to, if it will make you feel more secure.

Please send me an email if you have any other questions about this.

Marilyn in Woodland Hills
mgsimcox@yahoo.com

October 18, 2008 at 7:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Cheers to all,

It's always such a pick-me-up to tune in to this blog each day. The positive vibes here are amazing.

Is Zac a genius for finding the right people in the right place at the right time, or are they finding him based upon advance information of his impending arrival? Does it matter which? The end results are the same.

Sounds like the tiller problem may be solved. Zac makes the woodworker sound very competent and teak is good.

The boom: My little nautical library is very limited and I cannot find what I'm looking for. AT some time, I have read of a 'loose footed' mainsail but I'm unable to locate the reference right now. Does this mean that there is a mainsail that does not require being attached to a boom all along the foot? Is there a possible compromise to the boom problem here?

Zac has been so successful finding those who can and will help resolve problems that I am confident that he will not depart CK until he feels it is prudent to do so.

God bless Captn Zac and the might little ship that could, the Intrepid!

The Coaker

October 18, 2008 at 8:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Zac!
How are you? how's the sailing doing? hope you are not having much trouble. So, I've just read an article about you, I had no idea of what you were doing until now, and I think its awesome! I just wish I had read the magazine months before, the thing is that it is from june, and I hadn't read it until today.
Anyway, I'm very impressed with what you are doing, wish I had the courage to do it myself someday.
I'm also 16 years old (I'm a girl just for you to know)and I'm from Argentina, and I just love sailing, I've sailed since i was born and it is my pasion, so I find this very interesting. And I feel so jealous!
I'm having a lot of fun reading your posts and watching the videos, but I just wonder what you ment with this : "In fact, this whole trip has been strange in the sense that it has not been what I expected." I'm just being courious.
So, hope you are enjoying it and that you keep safe and away from pirates LOL. Remeber its something many people won't ever feel, and won't even understand cause they haven't gone through it, so feel free to make a big deal out of everything. :) and most important, remember to get some sleep and to eat!
Hope my message gets to you. Here is someone thinking about you!

Good luck,


Luciana, Buenos Aires - Argentina



PS: I leave my mail in case you want to talk to someone someday, or send an email (like you didn't ha someone to talk to lol)
luu_b92@hotmail.com

October 18, 2008 at 8:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Zac! Hi everyone!
hoping that all is going according to plans for you Zac... I've got C/K for my Desktop now!

@Glen:

Thank You!!!! for the Mother's Day wishes - after looking it up on google I learned that in Argentina you celebrate Mother's Day on the 3rd Sunday in October... while here in Canada we celebrate on the 2nd Sunday in May... but I'll never say no to celebrating THAT day!!! So thanks Glen... now I think I'll celebrate every year twice!! and love hearing your accent again like another poster said!

Happy Mother's day to all us mother's!! Thanks to Zac for being a great son!

Gwenyth

October 18, 2008 at 9:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sounds like a good time despite the repairs.

Concerning the sharks, a picture in the gallery showed blacktip reef sharks. These are no danger. Luckily I knew that from a visit to the aquarium in Maui, when I met one snorkeling there.
In the lagoon, I would not expect any sharks dangerous to men.
A guide in Hawaii, told me once that an easy way to check for sharks in the water is to taste it. If it is salty there are sharks. I read it as most sharks are harmless.

All the best,
RK

October 19, 2008 at 12:35 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Someone at our lokel yokel library( a Saturday morning impromptu gathering of eccentrics) challenged me on your being the youngest to traverse alone. After wracking his old addled brain, he finally came up with the name Dove which we googled. Yep...he started out at 16 in 1965, but in a sloop, with two kittens, and picked up a girl on the way as a traveling companion. I believe he married her at some point.
keep on keeping on Zac...the Bog Hoot Lokel Pulick Library crowd on pensioners is plugging for you.
-Charlie, Maine

October 19, 2008 at 2:35 AM  
Blogger Kensei said...

Now that you're away from pirate territory, will be getting updates of your latest positions?

Jeff

October 19, 2008 at 3:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

@ The Coaker
Here is a very rough explanation of it. We had that system on our GulfStar 50. Worked great

http://www.hood-sails.com/VB-M.htm

Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net

October 19, 2008 at 4:57 AM  
Blogger Tomi said...

Okay, I grant 3 comments on one post is a bit much. But, I just had to state I Love y'all! Having gone thru a really rough few weeks (I realize it has no comparison to our Blessed Capts trials!), it truly does me heart good to hear/read so many positive comments. Thank you! Even if most are directed at our Blessed Capt, I am enjoying the shared love. W*rk cutbacks, economic woes, lost retirement savings all fade away when I come here & read y'all's posts. Again, thank you for helping to lift me troubled heart.

GO CAPT ZAC!!

HUGS!
Tomi/ATL

October 19, 2008 at 8:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Everybody! I'm not surprised in the least at Zac's resourcefulness whilst b-bopping around the globe. That training came from his parents, and so, in celebration of Mother's Day in Argentina:

Laurence and Marianne, I suspect the accolades from us well-wishers make you feel awkward. I'll bet you both feel that, as parents, you simply did your job. So I'm not going to congratulate either of you on that. Instead, I want to thank you for doing an exemplary job; for teaching all your children how to become contributing, self-sufficient members of society; for encouraging your children to "do hard things" to build character and learn responsibility; for bringing into this world Zac and his siblings, who, like Zac, will undoubtedly find their own way to enrich humanity as Zac is doing now. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for doing your job!

I spent my Saturday sailing with friends on San Francisco bay as I do every third Saturday. Since becoming involved with Zac's circumnavigation, my bay sails have taken on a different context altogether. It occurred to me that, while I never lose sight of land for a single minute, Zac has spent (and will spend) days and weeks with nothing but water in every direction! And, while my biggest concern yesterday was hosing the dropped potato chips out of the cockpit, Zac alone manages every single system on his boat. Even with my little epiphany, I still can't grasp the magnitude of the challenge Zac has willingly taken on. It's fantastic!

As you can imagine, I needed to honor Zac in some special way. So on my way home today, I scarfed down an In 'N' Out 4x4 Animal Style. Yum! Go Zac!

(Sorry you didn't get a bite, Zac.
Does it help to know that I thought of you while I was eating it? LOL!)

Troy the GiftClix guy

October 19, 2008 at 6:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dove was the name of Robin Lee Graham's boat. I read that book years ago, but after reading this, I find the similarities uncanny!

Troy

October 19, 2008 at 7:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When Zac makes it to the Mauritius, he may have to wait out the Cyclone season there...unless he gets lucky weather wise. 2600 miles to the next destination is along ways to sail under jib alone...hope he gets a work around solved for the main sail.

October 19, 2008 at 9:01 PM  

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