Birthday at Sea
Latest Position: 11/29/08 1637Z 25 01.1975S 51 50.530E
OK, so today being the 29th of November on this side of the world - it is my birthday. My 17th actually. The day had finally come for me to open my presents that have traveled halfway around the world! In the box from home I got some cds, a digital camera, this awesome cake that you just have to add water and micorwave and a bunch of candy from my little brothers and sisters. My grandmas sent me a bunch of snacks like Lara Bars, nuts and beef jerky. I got a bunch of cards from friends and family. Also I was given fair winds and not quite following seas but at least they are not on the nose anymore - I have been sailing along nicely at 6 knots most of the day. I spent most of the day playing with my new camera, napping and preparing the boat for heavy winds as I am about 300 miles from my waypoint off the coast of Madagascar where the heavy weather is. So it has been a good birthday - a far cry from all the craziness of my 16th back at home but my second at sea - I had my 10th birthday heading south from Neuva Vallarta in Mexico aboard my family's boat Amazing Grace. I'm about to make my birthday cake. I'll get some more blogging done tomorrow. I am working on the rest of the story of my forstay problem which should be ready for tomorrow all being well.
My ears are better - thank you for all of the advice and ideas. I never did take any antibiotics as it seems to be clearing up on its own. I still have some symptoms but am feeling better everyday.
Thank you for all the birthday wishes. It has been a good day.
Cheers,
Zac
OK, so today being the 29th of November on this side of the world - it is my birthday. My 17th actually. The day had finally come for me to open my presents that have traveled halfway around the world! In the box from home I got some cds, a digital camera, this awesome cake that you just have to add water and micorwave and a bunch of candy from my little brothers and sisters. My grandmas sent me a bunch of snacks like Lara Bars, nuts and beef jerky. I got a bunch of cards from friends and family. Also I was given fair winds and not quite following seas but at least they are not on the nose anymore - I have been sailing along nicely at 6 knots most of the day. I spent most of the day playing with my new camera, napping and preparing the boat for heavy winds as I am about 300 miles from my waypoint off the coast of Madagascar where the heavy weather is. So it has been a good birthday - a far cry from all the craziness of my 16th back at home but my second at sea - I had my 10th birthday heading south from Neuva Vallarta in Mexico aboard my family's boat Amazing Grace. I'm about to make my birthday cake. I'll get some more blogging done tomorrow. I am working on the rest of the story of my forstay problem which should be ready for tomorrow all being well.
My ears are better - thank you for all of the advice and ideas. I never did take any antibiotics as it seems to be clearing up on its own. I still have some symptoms but am feeling better everyday.
Thank you for all the birthday wishes. It has been a good day.
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
8:01 AM
59 Comments:
Happy Birthday Captain,
Great to hear your ears are better. How rewarding you are now traveling towards home and not away. Your goal is in sight. Thank you for allowing us to share in your journey.
Enjoy that cake! Blessings to you, Sylvia in Cherry Valley, CA
Happy birthday Zac, and good to hear your ears are better.
Happy Birthday Zac! May the fair winds continue!
Blessings,
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA
Happy Birthday Zac,
It sounds like you made the best of your birthday at sea. Thank God for friends and family who prepared all of this that far in advance. It sounds like you're doing to have some good snacks for a while.
So now you're 17 years old. It amazing how many people know it's your birthday today that never knew about it a year ago.
I hope all is well and you're dealing with everything that's thrown at you out there on the sea. Enjoy this time and smile because you have so many people thinking about you today.
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Happy B-Day Zac. Be safe and think twice.
Been saving the B-Day wishes until now..........so Happy Birthday old man!......you realize of course I have jeans that are older than you?
If I can, let me tell you something. I have been speaking to people since before your departure, telling them about this 16 year old kid who's parent allowed, supported, and encouraged him to answer the call of his dreams, to circumnavigate solo.
Most think I'm telling a story, some think it's cool, others foolhardy. But all of them to a person tell me now that they check in every once in a while. And a couple have even commented on my bloggings....! But they all tell me how incredible it is what you're doing, and I agree totally.
You've made the world sit up and take notice. You've handled all the situations, good and bad, with experience and courage beyond your years. You've accomplished so much and will continue to do so.
As a Dad and a parent you've made me proud to be able to contribute the little that I have, and I sit, waiting for the next thing written.
Happy B-Day Zac. Be safe and think twice.
Happy Birthday, Zak! This should be one of your more memorable birthdays. I hope that there was at least one candle included with the cake mix. We need to see a picture of that cake taken with your new camera ;-)
Keep moving forward. And, thanks for taking us along on the adventure.
Mike
Zac,
Wishing you a Happy Happy Birthday. I would like to share the cake with you. Please tell us all how it was. Keep on sailing and we understand about time on the boat. We can wait but know with enjoy your every word.
Bill
Minneapolis
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZAC!!!!!
Sounds like you've had the perfect birthday, Zac. Your blog today left me smiling and uplifted as I sensed that you too were smiling as you typed it. All in all, a very good day!
Best wishes to you my young friend!
Hi Zac,
It sounds good how you have spent your birthday so far, that cake sounds interesting...))and it is a relief to hear that your ear problems got better...
By the way, are you doing some fishing from time to time? If yes, it might be that you'll encounter something really strange as it seems there are some weirdos out there in the Indian Ocean...
Just have a look
http://insel-rodrigues.blogspot.com
Found that in one of the journals of the yachties - S/Y Valiam -who stopped at Rodrigues during the last months (by the way, you have been the last one to arrive here), and if you like you can follow Valiam too, their journal is fun and interesting to read, not overloaded with sailing expressions unknown to land rats, and they made it safely to South Africa...
Should somebody be able to leave hints concerning the identification of this weirdo, you are welcome to leave a comment...)) We are curious...
Birgit from Rodrigues
Enjoy the day after your birthday too...
aye aye el Capitan. best wishes and happy birthday. keep the sails full and keep comin in this direction. hopefully i will see you when you arrive back in the states. ronnie thompson
Happy Birthday, Zac.
Happy Birthday, Zac! Gee, I wish I could remember my 17th. It was sooooo long ago!!!
Jan from D.C.
Happy Birthday!
What model is your new camera?
Happy 17th Birthday Zac!! Hope it was the best.
Hannah in SC
Hey Zac, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Glad you're having a good day. Take lots of pictures and enjoy your cake.
Thank God for answering our prayers for your ear.
And thank you Zac for letting us all follow you on your trip. It has been an awesome ride so far. Much more exciting for you though I'm sure.
A fellow homeschooling friend :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hope the cake turns out well and don't forget to make a wish on the candles. Lots of love from back home!
Thanks for the Birthday update.
Glad you had such a cool day....resting some and relaxing some and a little more wind...
And the ears are getting better...that's what we want to hear....that's wonderful news.
We want you in tip top shape for this leg to Africa.
Guess it must feel good to be 17...and it surely will be a birthday to remember... forever!
You're doing a wonderful job.
UK friend.
Again, Happy Birthday Zac. How many people in the world can say they've spent their 17th birthday sailing alone off the coast of Madagascar on their way around the world? Glad the ears are feeling better. Hope the new boom and forward rigging are deluxe.
Sea Anchor-
I don't know if anyone actually answered the question a few days ago about what a sea anchor is or what it does. A sea anchor is essentially a small parachute that is deployed under water. It's designed to slow a boat in heavy seas, and keep the boat pointed in a specific direction relative to wave action and also reduces drifting. I too thought the tire sea anchor was an interesting....yet simple concept. I've never had to use a sea anchor myself, nor have I ever seen one used but they've always sounded to me like a lot of trouble.
Daveh-
Sorry for the bad emails. People that aren't regulars here or the newcomers might easily misinterpret other's intentions. The rest of us appreciate your knowledge and personal story input. I say yes, it does add color.
Zac....
May you go well through the coming weather.
Roll on!
Scot
California
Happy Birthday Zac! I bet this was one interesting birthday! I hope the wind picks up a bit for ya, although you seem to be doing just fine. Have fun playing with your camera, and good luck getting around Madagascar. I am glad your ears are better, and once again, happy 17th!
-Halle in Oregon
Way to go buddy! This is history you're making... how epic!!
Anyways, happy birthday and god speed.
Zac,
Your family will probably sing to you, but just in case, read on. You'll have to imagine the music (pick your favorite -- rock, rap, blues, etc.), but imagine five people singing as you eat your birthday cake:
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday, Zac's adventure continues . . .
Happy Birthday to you!
What flavor is your cake?
Does it have frosting?
Do you have candles?
Are you wearing shorts still?
His abundant blessings to you, your family and all the Zac-Pac!
Gayle, Brian, Xan, Riley, Jesse
Hey Zac!
Happy birthday! Glad your feeling better and that your having a great birthday! God bless!
P.S. Hope you had a good Thanksgiving too!
Happy Birthday Zac!!!!
You have accomplished a great deal thus far.
You may have started out as a young boy at 16, but have since proven to be a young man of 17.
Enjoy your day.
In our family, we celebrate birthdays all month. Since you started celebrating with your dad perhaps you can continue all the way to Madagascar.
Smooth sailing to you.
Bill and Linda
Camarillo, Ca
Zac:
Now it's official everywhere. It's your birthday, so
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Sounds like all the constellations came into proper alignment for your birthday to be as enjoyable as possible in the Indian Ocean ... a cake, gifts, fair winds, cooperating seas ... Hope that you are appreciating it all and feeling good!
May the feelings and the weather continue to follow you as you heel and yaw on to the next stop.
The Croaker
Happy 17th birthday, Captain!
Good to hear you're feeling better. God's blessing follow you the rest of the way around the world.
~Jessica and Rosemary from Canada
'Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' - Joshua 1:9
Happy Birthday Zac!
We were thinking of you today and hoping you were having a great day.
Looking forward to reading your posts about the forestay problem on the Indian Ocean.
Jasmine Wevers
Lake Tahoe, CA
jwevers@qbaroo.com
Sounds like even Neptune is granting you a boon on your 17th. Enjoy the respite, it is most certainly well earned.
May the Legion of Angels your ZacPac is praying for continue to keep you safe, nourished and protected. Maybe the Heavens will bless you w/a starry site beyond written words.
Stay safe Capt.
Thx Team Sunderland for permitting us to share in this wonderous moment.
Warm Fuzzy HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
PS - keep taking the anti-inflamatory along w/your anti-malarials. The ear will feel better as time continues to bring you closer to home.
T.
Happy Birthday, Zac! What kind of camera did you get?
Happy B-Day, Cap'n Zac!!!!!
So you're out of earshot but trust that every single one of us is singing "Happy Birthday" at this very moment. We'll throw you a HUGE Happy Birthday/Happy Thanksgiving/Merry Christmas/Happy New Year/Welcome Home party when you get back!!!
Scott
:)
happy birthday man. i am just random person that just come across your story online and realized that it was your birthday today so i had to drop a line. happy birthday and know that what you doing is pretty sick so good luck
hey zac this is hakim ( a moroccan kid from chicago) just want to say happy birthday and best of luck. i know as of today that you are 300 miles away from madagascare wich is not very far from my home so if you want to add a destination to your trip my family in casablanca mororocco will be happy to host you casablanca is ostal and you can dock there am assuming. good luck dude.it will be historic for my family.
hakim
Gee, Zac - I'm nearly 50 years older than you, but sharing your adventure through your blog has me feeling 17 all over again.
By the time you see this, if you do see it, your birthday will be past. You'll have memory of your cake, though. Enjoy that memory.
God Bless.
I've been following your journey since the beginning, but never commented ... but we share a birthday, so I definitely had to wish you a happy birthday today! How wonderful for you to be following your dream so young -- and thank you for sharing it with the rest of us!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ZAC!!! So glad you got blessed. Still praying for safety on your journey. Hope that everything goes well at the next stop...
God bless you!!!
Elissa R. Walther
Houston, TX
Happy Birthday Zac
xoxo
The Ziegler Family
Happy Birthday Zac!
Was the wind the best birthday present? Probably just a very welcomed one.
All the best, take care, and
fair winds and following seas.
RK
Groovy day!
I'm sure that I had a 17th birthday, but for the life of me I can't remember it. That's just one of the side effects of living a life full of "I could have's" instead of being like Zac and saying "I did".
Happy Birthday!
Feliz cumpleanos!
Ois Guade zu Deim Geburdstog!
Chronia Pola!
Yom Huledet Same'ach!
Buon Compleanno!
Otanjou-bi Omedetou Gozaimasu!
A Freilekhn Gebortstog!
and just in case you run into a Klingon,
Quchjaj qoSlIj!
Still praying daily Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
We share the same birthday, and adventurous spirit. Hope it was a good one for you too.
Happy Birthday Zac!
Jen
ps... pretty cool that someone blogged today that they just found out about you on the day of your birthday!
Happy Birthday Zac! It's sad that you have to spend it alone but you are chasing your dream and you're never really alone with all of the people pulling for you!
-Bill
San Diego CA
Happy Birthday Zac, bet some home made mash potatoes would go good with that birthday cake. well in about 6 months, you will be able to eat your mother's great home cooking again. Safe journey.
Ron
west Fargo, ND
Happy birthday Skipper.
Sounds like you are getting pumped up for that next waypoint. Stay stoked!
Happy Birthday Zac. I am in awe of you and the courage discipline you show to pursue your dream. From the many birthday comments, it is obvious I am not alone. You have touched people of diverse backgrounds and generations. Thank you for sharing your journey. I am inspired every day when I visit it.
Happy belated 17th birthday Captain Zac!!! I still remember my 17th birthday and my senior year at high school. I could not even imagine way back then going on an adventure like you are on. I did have tickets to go to Woodstock but my parents wouldn't let me go so I had to sell them. That is about as adventurous I could get at 17! But you Zac, the man (and truly a man you have become), have probably the best birthday present any person on this Earth could ever receive; The gift of open seas in the face of God and a chance to do what no other 17 year old has done before!
Sorry I missed it but I was camping up in the mountains. This next leg is a treacherous one and I'm glad you got your "girl" in excellent shape for it. Those pirates are getting crazy out there. Can you turn off your AIS system as well or is this too dangerous?? Maybe a little radar blip wouldn't interest them but the AIS just tells them what they need to know to attack. Maybe you would not be "interesting" enough anyway but turning it off might be wise. Just a thought.
Be careful and be prepared and make sure all your reef points work!
Patrick
Zac,
How fun to read your birthday wishes two weeks later. I imagined you relishing them one by one...
I've been thinking about you, but not checked the blog in a while, so I spent the evening catching up. And what a treat...
Wow! The lightning storm!
Unbelievable.
Peace,
janet.
P.S. The calendar on my kitchen wall is a great reminder that you're making your way home.
"The day had finally come for me to open my presents that have traveled halfway around the world! In the box from home I got ... and ... AND THIS AWESOME CAKE THAT YOU JUST HAVE TO ADD WATER & MICROWAVE"
I love the youthful glee of this young MAN obviously being so uplifted by such a [relatively] "simple" gift in amongst some of the more expensive techie gadgets!
:-)
Happy birthday you record breaker! Good to hear your ears are better. Your 17 that's funny so am I :)
from bubble chip
Happy birthday Zac we're learning about you at school, for our survival topic! It must of been really crazy to have a birthday at sea. Was the cake nice? Be careful not to lose your camera when a wave comes. Also was it really lonely?
From Bella + Daniel
Hope you had a good birthday. It must be really boring being on your own but it sounds like you had a good day. Hope your camera keeps away from the water. Did the cake taste nice?
From DanACW
Haha
B-day at sea I cant believe that you didnt have anyone to watch you blow out the candles OmG =)
Was the cake nice ???
and any way happy b-day !!!!!
love
Edward Cullen and Horsey Hannah ;)
Wow captain how was the groovy cake? Pretty salty if you used sea water! eewwwwwww. :) ()_() ()_() ()_()
(o//) (O o) (X X)
(O O) (O O) (O O)hope you like the bunny's :)
Happy birthday dude,
Hope you enjoyed your presents!
What was it like spending your birthday alone at sea?
From JIMBOB FRED
Happy Birthday Zac
We are learning about you at school that why we are sending a comment so late.
How was your birthday at sea?
Most of my birthday's are with my family unlike your birthday at sea.
What kind of cake did you have?
We hope you had a great birthday at sea.
We are big fan's
from Ronnie and Roxy
DEAR ZAC,HOW WAS YOUR BIRTHDAY? Did you like the cake that you made?I'm a big fan of your blog.Hope you had good picture with your new camera.
from BMG GSTAR and Miss cool
Happy birthday Zac love from princess sheeba.
Im glad your ears are better, and Congratulations on sailing the world
Dear Zac
Happy Birthday,
Did you take loads of pictures hope you didn't get your camera wet.
From Lara & Superman
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