Wind?
Last night I was looking forward to the promised 10 knots but after about 4 in the afternoon the wind just kept dropping and dropping until it was pretty much nonexistent. Intrepid rolled gunwale to gunwale in 8 foot seas all night. By morning I had gone 13 miles sideways and 7 miles forward towards Cocos Keeling. This morning I did 2 interviews: one for the LA Times and the other for KNX 1070 AM radio in LA. It is 11 now and I am making 3.5 knots towards Cocos which is great compared to the slamming and rolling last night.
To all those who sent me things in Darwin: Thanks so much they have been a huge source of encouragement, entertainment and nourishment (if you can call biscotti nourishing!) along the way. I have been having issue with my email which is why you haven't heard from me. It should be all sorted by the time I get to Cocos. At the moment even the blogs are posted by me typing them and reading them to my mom every night. A big thanks to her!
To all those who sent me things in Darwin: Thanks so much they have been a huge source of encouragement, entertainment and nourishment (if you can call biscotti nourishing!) along the way. I have been having issue with my email which is why you haven't heard from me. It should be all sorted by the time I get to Cocos. At the moment even the blogs are posted by me typing them and reading them to my mom every night. A big thanks to her!
posted by Zac at
8:39 PM
37 Comments:
I heard the interview on KNX earlier today. You did great and explained your problems in pirate water very well.
Will look forward to the article in the Times.
Godspeed.
Bill Mann
South Pasadena
Hey Zac,
I hope the winds pick up! Have you enjoyed any hot meals? Caught any fish?
I rsvp'd for the event on the 26th.
I'm looking forward to meeting Team Sunderland and other members of the Zac Pac.
And as always, Zac, our prayers continue...
Blessings,
Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA
Wish I could make it to the dinner but I have a prior engagement. Can't wait to hear how it turns out. How long will you be staying in Cocos Keeling? Or do you want to hurry and get to Africa? I noticed the half-way point marker on google-earth. Wow! that will be an exciting feeling to hit that point.
Keep safe.
KG
Hi, Zac. Here's hoping that you get more wind soon. Maybe you're in kind of a dead zone in terms of climactic activity? I'm sure it'll pick up soon. I'll send extra mojo your way.
I'm definitely there for the Zac Pac gathering! I'll RSVP and take care of the tickets this weekend.
:)
Scott
I wish I could attend the LA gathering as well, but unfortunately have other commitments.
Zac: Glad to hear you are able to cook again. No more cold spam!
Question: Where do you think you will be 1/2 way 'round, and is it Latitudinally (is that a word?) or more of a time-estimate? Just curious.
Jasmine
Lake Tahoe
I've calculated Zac's halfway point at 18.8S,62.2E about 280 nM from Mauritius (based on blog tracks to Darwin and estimated tracks remaining). I can't calculate a time estimate because I have no idea where he is.
Here is map view of the piracy areas of the world, and as John Knight pointed out all Indonesian incidents occur north of the mainland (far from Zac). Hopefully this will let Zac, his Family and the Zac Pack breathe a little easier.
To read about our recent travels through the area see our travel map or SailBillabong.com. Unfortunately, As I mentioned before, only the bad news gets reported. This is our attempt to help document the goodness of the world and it's amazing people.
This years adventures took us through northern Indnonesia, up the Mallacca Strait and the Red Sea, all areas with current pirate problems. Armed only with our smiles, we had an amazing experience and met some incredible local people.
I am excited and am looking forward to being at Zac's event. I am looking forward to meeting Team Sunderland and other members of the Zac Pack too!! I feel like I already know a lot of the Packers, just from the commradery we all have shared in the past months, and it will be nice to put faces to the words!! Truley, this will be a great time.
Zac, will pray for some more wind, but just the right amount. We want you to have smooth sailing to Cocos!! Enjoy the beautiful island.
Hugs and Prayers sent your way!!
Debbie
North Hills, CA
I wish I could go, but I have to do school the next day and LA is really far away from WV. Phooo. Does anyone know if it will be posted on the Inernet somewhere?
Hello Unknown Blogger???
Someone sent me a email on my Yahoo account with the Subject that I believe sail Subject: Toby and Me? It's a guess and hopefully I'm correct.
I accidentally erased it while a few emails were coming in. Fellow blogger please re-send that same email since I wasn't ever able to read it. I will answer it if you'll please re-send it.
Thanks Unknown Blogger,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hello Zac & Everyone,
I know it must be terribly upsetting when you don't get the winds you wanted. Traveling sideways is never fun unless your a crab!!!
I'm glad your enjoying everything you received while in Darwin. I'm sure it helps pass the time especially when you're traveling like a crab sideways.
I'm so glad I'll be able to attend this Los Angeles Gathering. I would really encourage everyone to come if at all humanly possible. I'm going to change my weekend plans so I can be there and hopefully everyone else might consider doing the same. I'm going to invite many of my friends and can't wait for the payment details to become available so I can direct everyone where ever they need to go and purchase tickets. I hope Zac would be able to call during the evening because that would make the evening very special. I'm sure seeing some of Zac's sailing video would also be another highlight of the evening.
Keep sailing forward Zac and eat plenty of warm food and stay away from the crab sideways sailing.
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Well, phooey -- wish I could come to the event, but traveling half the country is a bit out of the question right now...
Great to hear from Zac again -- I know he must be looking forward to Cocos Keeling... As much as he obviously loves sailing, sounds like the duldrums can get pretty old quickly... At least it's fairly safe, right? Keep it up, Zac -- everyday you're out there chasing this dream is an amazing achievment.
Sure would be fun to meet the Sunderlands, Zac-Packers, and possibly hear Zac on the sat phone... I would really enjoy meeting in person many of the wonderful people associated with Zac's adventure.
Everyone that can make it, enjoy!
Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
PS -- Forgot to say, great pic Doug P. with Toby, who we got to "meet" in the last blog...
Oklahoma Well-Wisher
I've updated the TrackZac Map to include a couple of new things.
1) The location of the LA Event with a direct link to the signup/payment page. (look for the redX "-Map Los Angeles gathering") I found it through a link on the side of the blog.
2) I added a couple of new layers for both Wikipedia and Panoramio (photos). It will give those interested in exploring the areas Zac is traveling through both a visual and encyclopedia reference. Unfortunately they don't have much for his next stop and I have no idea how Panoramio choses it's popular photos (I think some are rather lame). They can be accessed through the Map/type extras menu next to the ? help button.
3) His Estimated Half Way point (in the pulldown list towards the bottom) I removed Darwin ;)
4) For those just catching up, I've also added preview photos for any blog containing a photo. The location must be visible to see the photo.
5) The blog entries with * next to them do not have reported positions. When/if they become available I may update the list which will update the distance traveled. Currently the map zooms into the boat yard in Darwin.. his last reported position.
hope someone find it useful..
Chris
Hi There Zac,
It's great to be getting regular blogs from you again! Thanks Marianne for the extra effort in transcribing and posting. The Sunderland Team continues to set high standards in all aspects of this high adventure. Zac, hope you haven't given up on fishing... maybe you need to try using a net...LOL. We had great wind here on Lake Hefner last weekend and it provided some nice toe rail action.
Zac, be greatly encouraged, soon you will be getting closer to home every day rather than further away!! We are all proud of you and how you have done such an amazing thing!
@ zacpac
Pac, you are all pretty amazing too! What a team!
@ new bloggers
If you are fairly new to the Zacpac, you can see how widespread the pac is by looking at the ZacPac Guestmap and by putting your own push pin in the map: Go to:
http://pub31.bravenet.com/guestmap/show.php?usernum=2662145323&lightmap=0&icons=0&entrylist=0&zoom=0&welcome=0
Also for a cool tool to use if you happen to use Firefox or Microsoft IE as your web browser, check out CoolIris at http://www.cooliris.com
Search for Zac and you will find a whole wall of photos and videos!! It is a great tool for us surfers...
Blessings to All,
Bob in OKC
.... Sail Zac Sail!!!!
For those going to the LA gathering, just go to the home page at www.zacsunderland.com and click on the new "Zac's Store" button I created. You can then purchase tickets in the online store.
@Douglas - I would change my plans if I could! My daughter's school is having their annual fundraising event that day in Reno. We spent the last 5 months making jewelry for a booth at the craft fair, and it is on the 16th! I hope to make it to a future Zac Pac gathering.
Jasmine
Lake Tahoe - CA & NV
"Slam and roll" how descriptive! I guess everything not stowed is now in the bilge again!
REALLY looking forward to meeting all you Zac Packers in MDR. I will take pix while there to post for those who can't be there.
Zac, hoping that you make more forward progress than sideways in this next couple days!
Karyn
I read about you in God's World News (News Current). I think it's really cool that you are traveling by yourself.
Zac,
Glad to hear you are closing in on Cocos/Keeling. It looks absolutely beautiful, although for someone your age I guess you might find it a bit boring since it is so remote and has only two restaurants! You'll have to let us all know.
In any event, I'm sure it'll be nice to be on land again. Any word on whether anyone will be joining you there; i.e. Dad, Jen, or Greg? In any event, it sounds as though you'll just be there a short time anyway before you move on to your next destination.
I'm sorry I'm going to miss out on the meeting in MDR. Sad, since it's only about 20 minutes from my place in the South Bay. I do look forward to attending a future event and meeting the other bloggers!
@ Karyn-
Thanks for volunteering to take pictures!
@ Bill Mann
Good Yontif and thanks for relaying my thoughts to Glen in Argentina and continuing to translate his messages.
@ Glen
Glad you're able to understand our messages in English. It's great that we have so many people from not only the US, but around the world following Zac's travels. I love reading everyones posts and their points of view. It makes things interesting.
@ Bill and Linda
WELCOME BACK to California!
Melanie in Torrance
@ Bob.
It's funny everytime I think to place a reminder of the Zac map on the blog you do it before me LOL.
@ Zac Pac,
I wish I could come to MDR but our airport is one of the 3 most expensive airports to fly out of in the US.
I am looking forward to see some pics of the event. However I really try to be there when he gets home to MDR.
Somebody needs to get a blue light for the Zac Pac boat. Being the Zac Pac - we have the right of way when he gets back into MDR LOL
Greetings
Axel
Hey Zac,
At least you are making some forward progress as we the Pac are praying for wind.
I am so excited about the Zac Store. Don't know who's idea it was but it is a great one and gives me another way to support your journey.
God Speed Brother Zac.
Always praying,
Kathy Bend, Oregon
Can someone please explain why they would donate $$ to fulfill a strangers journey so HE can do his dream?? Well, ok, I want to fulfill my dream of cruising around the world--will you all send me some $$$--I cannot do my journey w/o some help. Thanks.
Zac-
Dude! Biscotti aint bad.
May the winds pick up and get you to Cocos.
Kodiak Mike
@ Anonymous:
First of all - writing this as " Anonymous" is sort of funny/crazy/stupid. You seem to be too cowardish to put your name on that post.
Have you ever tried to read the whole blog from he beginning???? Probably not.
Zac worked hard to fullfill his dream to make it become reality. Thanks to an outstanding supportive family and a lot of other companies/private people the dream came through. Zac will make the record!! If not he learned a lot just trying. Regardless he is a great kid/man.
I wish him all the best for the trip.
I will not appologized for this post. :-)
Greetings
Axel
P.S. @ Anonymous
Are you from Germany's "Yacht Forum"?? If not - you can go there and complain all you want you would be in good compamy
@ "Axel"
Your own posting is not any less "funny/crazy/stupid/cowardish" (your own words, including the fractured spelling on the last one) than the posting you reply to. You provide neither a full name nor an e-mail address.
C'mon on guys - this is not the time nor the place for this type of nonsense. "Take it outside", okay?
Hey Zac!I hope the winds pick up.I was just wandering if anyone could tell me if he is on track,or if he is not, by what?
http://kirstenupdate.blogspot.com/
Ok:
Sorry
Axel Heye
heye@madisoncouny.net
Sorry looks like I need a new keyboard. E-mail address is:
heye@madisoncounty.net
axel obviously
you cant spell so dont post
I keep telling myself to keep it positive, and I will. But, as someone working behind the scenes on the LA Zac Event, I find it somewhat frustrating that people who are not involved in the details, are posting information about the event in comments, before Marianne had a chance to put the best and most accurate information up on the blog and before I had the best and most accurate information to send to you all in an email. I guess excitement about the event is contagious, which is exciting. But it’s frustrating to see something posted by someone who hasn’t been involved and who doesn’t have an email address in his/her profile, and therefore, I can’t respond outside of the blog to say, “please wait until we have all particulars worked out with the restaurant before posting information about it.”
Marianne will put the details on the blog tonight and I will send an email with the details to everyone who has sent their email address to me, just in case some are not reading the blog as often as they check email.
I encourage you to send auction items to Bill Mann, regardless of your proximity to Los Angeles.
It will be a great event! So please RSVP and pre-pay soon.
Marilyn in Woodland Hills
I say godspeed to the pirates you run into ... unless their vessel can travel faster than 2200 feet per second. I now call you "Heat packin' Zac".
Dusty
bstromgren@yahoo.com
Hiya Zac!
Too bad I couldn't have shared some of the wind we had on Lake Ontario today, OUTSTANDING SAIL ~~_/)WHOOHOO!!! You'd probably be in Cocos by now!!! No worries, you'll get there in due time.
Wish I could attend the function in MDR but alas, Ca is a bit too far from NYS. It sure would be wonderful to meet everyone. To "y'all" that will be able to make it, take lots of photos and have a great time!
@Doug P, neat bird..is that Toby??
@ anonymous, I'm quite certain that if you were one to possess determination, courage, strength, years of knowledge pertaining to sailing, & were only 16 trying to break a world record, PLUS working all along to save the cash for a boat, work hours to fit out that boat put together a network of sponsors, design and get a web site running etc etc.....Oh yes, and were as likeable as Our Zac, one or two of us might consider sending you a dollar or two, the kindness of strangers can sometimes be amazing. Keep in touch and let us know when you are ready to shove off ;)
Worry looks around
Sorry looks back
Faith looks up <><
Fair winds Captain Zac
Hugs, Anita
Waterloo, NY USA
I have read and posted on this blog since before Zac left. There is an ongoing big problem with the "us vs. them" mentality. It's really too bad. I can't say that I am with either side - both have issues.
Zac, I think of you alone in the wide open sea and hope that all is well.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I just quoted the verse from Phillipians to my daughter who showed me your article in News Current Magazine. She is struggling with her 7 multiplication tables but seeing that you are out there with God makes her realize that she can do them....with God. We will keep reading your blog. God speed.
Yvette & Madison Torrise
@ Glen
Hola cañada,
pensado intentaría mi mano en el español. Disfruto de sus postes, yo he estado intentando aprender su lengua. ¿De dónde es usted? Gracias por la lectura.
Anita Waterloo, NY
MA - I SO appreciate your willing heart to go so far out of your BUSY- MOM-way to share the journey with us. You are so cool.
A-hem. Cap'n? Pets are wonderful! However - my unsolicited advice would be - wait until you break the record before you get one you start taking care of anyone but you. (This will be the only time in your life I would ever say that.) I currently have 2 dogs and a rat (my daughters) - Def. animal lover.
Here's my rant. My dogs are: Smart, funny, LOVING, entertaining, snuggly, warm, LOVING, consoling, guarding, funny, CUTE, furry and LOVING. Did I mention loving? As much as an animal can, anyway. I don't think it coincidence that Dog is G-d spelled backwards. ;) ...They teach you things about His character.
Change of subject: I have been wondering what constellation is right above you these days. Orion is right above me. When I take my dogs out for a walk it is still dark and I look up at the sky - it always reminds me to send a prayer for Zac on the other side of the world (underneath even!) looking at the same sky and stars. How cool is *that* permanent navigation system?
Well, adios, Cap'n and virtual crew.
LA in MN
PS - Mean People Suck.
PS - "Thank you, Lord that my husband did not saw off his thumb today!"
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