Back to Sea
Latest Position: 11/25/08 0351Z 20 35.235S 56 36.257E - 60 miles out of Port Louis, Mauritius
Greetings from the Indian Ocean!
After a hectic afternoon dealing with customs, last minute provisioning and yacht prep I pulled out of Port Louis around 4:00pm yesterday to a calm, flat sea and light wind. It was good to have a slow day to finish putting everything away and organizing things for a few weeks at sea. There were a few ships as I pulled south of Mauritius early in the evening but nothing since then. I have been warned that more and more shipping is being diverted south around the Cape of Good Hope because of the recent increase in piracy along the Red Sea/Suez Canal route. I have also heard that these vessels may be turning off their AIS systems in an effort to hide their identity from would-be pirates. The ships will still show up on my regular radar however. The first days and nights back at sea are always rough because I have to get back into power nap mode. So for now I have an easy passage even though it is slow. I'll take some time today to work on a detailed blog of my time in Mauritius and Part II of my Indian Ocean forstay situation. In case you didn't know, I am 13 hours ahead of you all on the west coast of America so as you are going to bed, I am just getting up (or at least staying up!).
Cheers,
Zac
Greetings from the Indian Ocean!
After a hectic afternoon dealing with customs, last minute provisioning and yacht prep I pulled out of Port Louis around 4:00pm yesterday to a calm, flat sea and light wind. It was good to have a slow day to finish putting everything away and organizing things for a few weeks at sea. There were a few ships as I pulled south of Mauritius early in the evening but nothing since then. I have been warned that more and more shipping is being diverted south around the Cape of Good Hope because of the recent increase in piracy along the Red Sea/Suez Canal route. I have also heard that these vessels may be turning off their AIS systems in an effort to hide their identity from would-be pirates. The ships will still show up on my regular radar however. The first days and nights back at sea are always rough because I have to get back into power nap mode. So for now I have an easy passage even though it is slow. I'll take some time today to work on a detailed blog of my time in Mauritius and Part II of my Indian Ocean forstay situation. In case you didn't know, I am 13 hours ahead of you all on the west coast of America so as you are going to bed, I am just getting up (or at least staying up!).
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
5:24 PM
37 Comments:
Hey Zac,
Great to hear your back on water and moving ahead. I wish you the best, and will be heavily praying for you this leg. You take care and be safe okay?
Hi Zac, good to hear you are back on the water. I learned of your adventure about 10 days ago and have read all of your posts to date. Personally I am new to sailing (I bought a MacGregor Venture 25 in August, having never sailed a minute in my life.) and have found your blog very interesting, educational and exciting. Since I've read through all of the archives, I decided I needed something else to read while waiting for your next entry, so I bought Joshua Slocum's book. But I still look forward to reading all about your adventures in Mauritius and those yet to come.
Much luck,
Chip
Great to hear from you again Zac, it is getting exciting to see as you draw closer to getting through the rough terrain of ocean and on to better seas(after Cape of Good Hope), hope your next leg is uneventful and safe!
Ray & Deanna
Clovis, CA
Hey Zac,
You're on your way again! Wishing you a quick and safe passage to South Africa. Happy upcoming birthday!
You are always in our prayers...
Blessings,
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA
ps I usually post as jlh but am having problems with "cookies."
Hi, Zac. Good to see that you're back out on the open ocean. Do be careful of these big freighters. I have been hearing that there has been a significant uptick in piracy off the coast of East Africa. I would expect, therefore, that these commercial ships would be doing just about everything to keep themselves safe and operational. Going around the Cape would probably be a viable option for a lot of ships. Keep yourself safe and VISIBLE to these behemoths.
Break a leg, Cap'n Zac!
Scott
:)
Hi Zac, Glad to hear you are back at sea.
Can't wait to hear of your time on Mauritius.
Wishing you all the best on this next leg. We will be sending all good thoughts your way. Stay safe!
Sail On!!!!
Liz and Family
Hi Zac,
Glad to see that you have time to give us a quick update,
We will be praying for you safe passage as you move forward to your next destination.
Be safe!
God speed and Fair winds
Sherna
Hey Zac, ugrib shows light stern to port quarter stern winds for the next 5-7 days... Maybe a bit of a beam wind here and there, which would be nice as light as the winds are...
We're all glad to see you moving on, but of course, be safe, alert, and generally, just be Zac....
Daveh & Skipper
Zac, stay safe on the next leg. May you have good seas & great winds. Looking forward to hearing about your last stop.
Jeff
MDR via Santa Clarita
Ahoy Captain Zac!
Back on the water; outstanding! I'm sure there a lots of items to be stowed away, by now you must have a great system.
I'm excited for you to arrive in Africa, it'll be a great time for you to rest and see the sights.
It's o'dark thirty here, so it's got to be about 9:30 PM on the good ship Intrepid. Do you find it hard to believe you are on your way home? It seems like such a short time ago you left MDR, but of coarse I'm "armchair sailing"!
I'm sure you have some provisions aboard to celebrate Thanksgiving and your 17th Birthday! I celebrated my 49th b-day this year sailing with some friends, it was awesome!
Like Peter, I'll be sending prayers your way for this leg! God's angels are about you; God is always with you, the key is to be still and listen <><
Hugs,
Anita Miracle
Waterloo, NY
Captain S/V "Wombat"
Avid Zac fan
Proud member of The Zac Pac!
Seems by the time I get to read the blog & the comments, my thoughts have already been written. That's a good thing that so many of us are thinking similar thoughts about Capt Zac.
In case I don't get the chance in the next day or so, Happy Thanksgiving Capt!
Warm Fuzzy HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
Hey Zac! Good to hear from you again and that you're back out on the water!!! Be careful of those other ships because I speak for us all when I say that we want you to be safe. I can't wait to hear from you again!! Oh yeah, Happy Birthday and Happy Thanksgiving!!
Lots of hugs and prayers,
EmilyAnne
Fayetteville, NC
Well its Nov 26th today so that means its the 27th 4u so HAPPY THANKSGIVING Capt!!
Have a great sail.
Stay safe and dry
Laura
Bermuda Dunes CA
Hello Zac,
Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving. I know it will be hard passing this holiday time at sea and you'll long to be at home with your family. Please remember that this adventure is something that most people only dream of doing and you're the one actually doing it. I know you'll miss you family on this day but what you're doing is incredible and you'll remember this your whole life. You'll always come back to these memories and wish for another chance to do the same.
I'll be thinking about you on Thanksgiving and I will include you in my families Thanksgiving prayer at dinner time.
Have a great sail young man, stay strong, watch for those ships without AIS systems on.
Sail On and Smile,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Zac – Good to hear you got off safely and are in calm seas… As I write this, it is the eve of Turkey Day for you. I’ll say again that as I reflect on all that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving, I include you and your family – you are inspiring, talented, and gracious. Thank you for sharing this adventure with all of us! Take good care out there – you are in our prayers.
Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
PS Happy Thanksgiving to the Sunderlands and all the Zac-Packers!
Zac- it's good to see you're on your way again with a secure forestay, new boom etc. Question for anyone: Does your (Zac's) AIS
transmit or only receive? There's a cool website that shows ships with AIS transmitters at:
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/default.aspx?level0=100
I've never been able to pick you up but maybe you only receive that info. Thanks and be safe on your way to Durbin! Dave C. Tacoma, WA
Hey Zac,
So good to hear from you again. I wish you swift and safe passage to Durban.
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birthday! Hope you packed some special treats to celebrate both.
Good thoughts and prayers going your way each day.
Stay safe.
Mona
Tucson, AZ
PS. Happy Thanksgiving to Team Sunderland and all of the Zac Pac!
Zac-
way to go, dude. It's time to set sail for Africa. You'll have a birthday present from Alaska waiting for you in Durban.
Kodiak Mike
Zac, glad you're back "on the road"! I would think large vessels like that would not be "allowed" to turn off their AIS; seems dangerous. But I know nothing of such things...
It sounds like you'll have to stay on your toes (as always) on this leg - snarky weather and what may be some heavy traffic. Play it safe and err on the side of caution, Zac.
Cheers to you and all!
willy
milford, ohio
Hi Zac,
Glad to hear you're back sailing on a calm, flat sea and light wind. Like you said, time to do some organizing. Keep safe and watch out for those big ships, which may be a blessing in disguise just in case you need an SOS. May kind winds take you safely to Durban. Take care, stay harnessed and Godspeed.
Dick & Gin
Upland
@ pretty much all above me here
Ditto.
Still praying daily Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
Hi There Zac!!
Well here's wishing you a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! And may this leg be much easier than the last. At least now you are sailing towards Home... Take it all in Captn Zac, enjoy and be glad in all that you have done and have yet to do. May you have sunny days and fair winds for the trip to Durban. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Bob in OKC
Sir Captin Zac "YOU" are the Man..
a half a world under your belt...
and a half to go...
what a fantastic adventure you have taken us on, these last 166 days... and still two away from numer one and seven...
"You, are the man"...
your wisdom and levelheadedness has stayed by you and served you well,
so many "lessons" learned and "caught"...for "all" of us...
"Thanksgiving" tomorrow..
so for what can we give "Thanks"...
first and foremost, your safety,
especially as we grow in our understanding of all the dangers
that exist.
secondly we can give thanks for some incredible parents, Laurence and Marianne, who have shared so openly with us all, showing their great love for you and deep concerns of real dangers at times, being quick to go to prayer...
thirdly Team Sunderland all your beautiful brothers and sisters
A-T-J-K-L-B...and their support for you...and you for them...
of course the "Zac Pac" and all their support in any and every venue, across the board...at all times day and night...
And all the "Team Zac,s" around the world, who have stepped up to the plate when needed, invaluable...
so we have much to be thankful for
and especially answered prayer..
sail on Captain Zac sail on
always in our hearts and prayers
mark n adino vicksburg,mississippi
zac -- it has been a number of weeks since i have written ---- so glad to hear you are back ay sea!.
you remain in my prayers (and will especially on thanksgiving).
God Bless All.....
john baker/w hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com
God Bless and Psalm 91 Zacster! We'll be praying for you and Happy Birthday!
Hey Zac,
Everyone else has said everything that I was going to say so well I don't think it was necessary to comment but I wanted to anyway!
I'm very glad you have done so extremely well this far and pray you continue to do so.
God is wonderful at answering prayer and He has answered all mine for you. But, more prayer coming your way tomorrow; hey, it can't hurt!
Have a wonderful Thankgiving and bithday Cap'n!
A homeschooled friend :)
Update on Mike Perham --
His father posted an entry this morning saying "the poor fellow's been a bit busy battling 50-knot winds and rising seas."
And that his autopilot had gone out in the middle of the night. They think they have the problem solved, and he's continuing to sail.
Last night I posted a message (but haven't seen it on the board yet) that included instructions on how to use a great weather site to check on wind and wave conditions for Zac and Mike's location.
In that e-mail I said it looked like Mike might be in for a rough night because of the forecast charts -- and that the forecast looked like great sailing for Zac -- wind but not too much.
--Grant Fjermedal, Seattle
Ahh poop..i forgot to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY..Don't forget to pick up your package when your back on land..
Laura
Bermuda Dunes CA
Happy Thanksgiving, Zac! I am thankful for having the awesome opportunity to experience your journey via the blog. During these hard times at home (nothing specific, just the economy in general), it's fun to be out there on the adventure with you!
Hope you at least have some turkey jerky with you out there!
Dana
Santa Monica
Hi Zac,
Glad you are back on the water and that you have had time to rest and make the necessary preparations for the next leg of your journey. I wish you all the best and will keep you in my prayers for a safe and uneventful passage to your next destination.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Terri
Mission Viejo, CA
Happy Thanksgiving to Zac, the Sunderland Family and the ZacPac~
Hope this day brings many Thanks for all that’s been given and many prayers for our troops overseas and for Zac’s safe arrival to the next port.
Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year. This year when you shop online you can help fund Zac’s trip just by doing your normal online shopping through the Aisle19 link on Zac’s page. Every purchase made through Zac’s Mall will earn him cash back from the merchants you shopped at. Just another way for Zac to fund his trip.
For those wishing to have their own FREE Aisle19 savings portal you can signup at
http://www.aisle19.com click on JOIN NOW…Enter Zac’s six digit number 519277 and follow the instructions on the screen. You save and you help our favorite Solo Circumnavigator eliminate some of the debt this trip has accumulated.
If you’d like more information on just what is Aisle19 you can watch a brief video here…
http://www.thesecretofaisle19.com/
Again…. Happy Holidays everyone!!!
The Ziegler Family
Hi Zac,
Wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving and that everything works fine!
To all
I have posted something about S/Y Nereida in the Rodrigues blog, as Jeanne was here last year in Rodrigues. She lost her boat in the end of June just when she was so close to home, for those who are interested
http://insel-rodrigues.blogspot.com
And here some funny Happy Thanksgiving wishes...
http://die-K-files.blogspot.com
So to everybody
Enjoy the day!
Birgit from Rodrigues Island
Hello Captain Zac,
A special Thanksgiving greeting to you and Happy Birthday. Thanksgivings! So many to begin to count - you are again underway with your new boom and equipment and you're half-way to achieving your goal. How thankful I am that you have been safe thru peril of all sorts. God bless your continued voyage and in this 17th year of your life. You are a remarkable young man. You and your family are in my prayers.
God Speed,
Sylvia in Cherry Valley
From all I've read, Zac, you're rested up, recovered from flu, outfitted, stocked and stowed.
So, all I can do is pray for safety, good weather and your continued delight as you now "work your way home".
TO ALL OF US WHO DO NOT BLOG...
LETS SAY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ZAC!
EVERYONE!
RICH IN SAN DIMAS
Happy Thanksgiving! Glad to hear you are back at sea and wishing you a safe voyage to South Africa. We continue to keep you in our prayers!
Warmly,
The Tanguay Family
Santa Cruz, CA
Zac,
I was once at sea during the Thanksgiving holidays and I must say that I hope that you have provisioned better than we did for your Thanksgiving "feast". We were on a leg from Bora Bora to Hawaii and the shopping facilities in Bora Bora were very limited to say the least. We thought we had stroke gold when we purchased a tin can of goose from the local market but boy were we wrong. My husband had punctured the freon tube from our dorm fridge a few days out of Bora Bora( I think I have told this story before) and we had no fresh provisions left by the time Thanksgiving rolled around.
We so looked forward to that Thanksgiving meal! We were all set with our instant mashed potatoes and our canned vegies and just could not wait to open that can of goose! Unfortunately the label was in french and all we could really make out was that it was "goose" Canned meat was hard to find back then and the selection was very limited. How bad could it be, right? Well, to make a long story short... When the much anticipated time came for two hungry sailors to open the can of french goose we were shocked to find a can of chicken broth and a neck bone! The only ones who enjoyed that Thanksgiving goose were the fish trolling behind the boat!
So, Enjoy your calm seas while you have them and use the time to prepare yourself a nice meal. I am sure it will be much better than the canned goose! Eat, rest and relax. The seas will not stay calm forever. You will be on your way soon enough.
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birthday.
Enjoy the solitude.
Tammy in Ohio
formerly S/V Carolina
@Team Sunderland and the Zac Pac... Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
I agree with RIch in San Dimas
it would be nice if ALL of the regular readers who do not typically write drop a line of Thanksgiving well wishes.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home