A Detour
Latest Position as of 1445Z 18 42.382S 65 01.636E
Zac has had a rough couple of days out there in the Indian Ocean. The wind is mercilessly tearing at all of his attempted repairs to the forstay problem. He cannot roll in his genoa (forward sail) because the furler is not attached and he can not pull down the sail because there is too much wind in it. He has been on deck numerous times lashing things down but the wind will find any piece that is still exposed and pull at it until the sail is flogging and flapping like crazy.
He decided to pull into Rodrigues Island to do a proper repair to his sail/rigging as there is no way for him to deal with it while under way. Rodrigues Island is part of the archipelago of Mauritius and is about 300 miles from his intended port of call, Port Louis, on the island of Mauritius. He is currently about 100 miles from Rodrigues Island and should arrive there in about 20 hours, hopefully before dark on his tomorrow afternoon.
Laurence is is England arranging some supplies to bring out to Mauritius and visiting with his family. David Morris is keeping his eye on the weather which for now is clear. I am doing what I can from here to contact people in Zac's upcoming ports arranging moorings, hotels etc.
Zac is looking forward to calm water for a few days and getting Intrepid back in good working order.
Thank you all for your continued support.
Marianne
Zac has had a rough couple of days out there in the Indian Ocean. The wind is mercilessly tearing at all of his attempted repairs to the forstay problem. He cannot roll in his genoa (forward sail) because the furler is not attached and he can not pull down the sail because there is too much wind in it. He has been on deck numerous times lashing things down but the wind will find any piece that is still exposed and pull at it until the sail is flogging and flapping like crazy.
He decided to pull into Rodrigues Island to do a proper repair to his sail/rigging as there is no way for him to deal with it while under way. Rodrigues Island is part of the archipelago of Mauritius and is about 300 miles from his intended port of call, Port Louis, on the island of Mauritius. He is currently about 100 miles from Rodrigues Island and should arrive there in about 20 hours, hopefully before dark on his tomorrow afternoon.
Laurence is is England arranging some supplies to bring out to Mauritius and visiting with his family. David Morris is keeping his eye on the weather which for now is clear. I am doing what I can from here to contact people in Zac's upcoming ports arranging moorings, hotels etc.
Zac is looking forward to calm water for a few days and getting Intrepid back in good working order.
Thank you all for your continued support.
Marianne
posted by Zac at
9:12 AM
30 Comments:
Hey Zac Pac,
Read between the lines what Marianne just wrote. She is busy making arrangements for docking, hotel, etc and Laurence is busy getting the things he needs for a permenant repair to our beloved Intrepid.
Now more than ever all who belive in Zac have to pitch in to help him through this troubled time.
Take a look at what is being auctioned this week at www.barstools4u.com/zac.htm
Don't be shy. The only reason you read this blog is because you believe in Zac and what he is trying to do.
Let's all chip in and show Zac that today is the first day of the rest of his life.
Thanks.
Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com
Good call, Cap'n! You gotta do what you gotta do to keep safe. Eat and good repairs to you!
G-d bless you, MA! Thanks for the update.
~ LA in MN
Oh, my! I hope that Zac has what he needs to repair the boat, because Rodriguez Island looks very small on Google Earth. 20 hours is still a very long time when sailing in those conditions while dealing with rigging problems!
@Daveh, if you are reading the blog today, can you explain some of this for those of us who aren't sailors? And how serious will the next 20 hours be for Zac while he struggles to reach Rodriguez Island with rigging parts coming loose?
Stay strong, Zac!
Marilyn
Woodland Hills
Zac-
Rodrigues Is---a good call. Get some rest, and good food. Clear skies be with you all the way in.
Kodiak Mike
Sure am glad Capt Zac is pulling into port. Blessed lad sure needs a breather right now.
Safe journey Lord Laurence & thx Lady Marianne for keeping us all updated even w/your ever busy schedule.
WARM FUZZY HUGS Y'ALL!!!
Tomi/ATL
Sir Captain Zac YOU ARE THE MAN
Great call, Zac Great,Great call...
excellent,
super super wise..
it's already dark where Zac is, so hopefully the light of the moon,
will give you some solace...
and since your sailing due west to
Rodrigues, "we can" pray for the seas and winds to be cooperative..
whenever a rig is stressed like this it throws everything out of balance...imagine if you will if you have a bike with broken wire spokes (the rigging).. riding on concrete is one thing... start going over rough terrain and things compound (ie rougher seas stress everything on the boat)..
now if you're on level land with a bike you can moderate speed...
start going down a hill with no brakes and it gets a little hairy,
that's what it's like when you can't reduce sail,or by lowering the genoa (ie putting the brakes on)... it can't be lowered or rolled up like one of those party favors you blow on at the new years party...the wind being to strong...
the real difficulty and what to really be praying for is ... with Zac by himself... exhaustion sets in...there is no pulling off on the shoulder of the road in all this to rest and check it out.. that's why the stop over in "rodrigues" in a protected bay less wind and seas...to rest and do a proper "fix" is not only wise but paramount...
excellent Zac excellent...
"YOU ARE THE MAN"
20 hours,
we can and will "BE PRAYING"
counting down the hours...
with you all...
mark n adino vicksburg,mississippi
You keep it up Zac don't give up. God will give you the power and the energy you need. Just trust in him. Have a nice trip still.
Also for crying out loud relax a bit. Don't stress yourself.
Well I'm praying for you.
~Whitten
Zac my Man. We have a new President elected. I will make sure Mr. Obama is aware of this undertaking you are doing. Mom makes it sounds like everything is cool. We do understand the position you are in and how rough it can be out there especially when you are dealing with repair issues. Just keep on hanging in there. You are doing fine. Know that everything is in Gods hands.
God Speed my friend.
Chris Alhambra, CA
Thanks for the update, we're all keeping Zac in our prayers. Thank God for the Cutter rig (and a lot of other things I'm sure). Zac, hang in there buddy.
Dave
Hi Zac.
This is a very good decision. The island will protect you from the wind and more importantly the waves. I am sure you have the necessary parts on he boat to fix the problem.
If not – it looks like there is a little boat yard in town. At least I see a slip with a boat on it on Goggle. As long as you are at it just check if the mast food is still where it belongs.
All the best for the next 20 hours. You will probably hand steer to avoid any hard movements.
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
Thanks for keeping us updated. We will pray.
Bill
Minneapolis
Sounds like a good decision to me. Zac needs some rest and Intrepid needs some repairs. It a win-win situation.
I like that expression that Tomi used in reference to Zac: "Blessed lad." That's nice, and we'll continued to pray that he will continue to receive God's blessings.
from Iowa
@anon Chris,
Though I respect your intentions, I believe that President Elect Obama will already have his hands full. Let's keep this at a local level. . . .don't believe that you can influence him and get him involved.
thanks for keeping us updated Marianne. Wise move on Zac's part, he's made great time considering all this leg has thrown at him.
Eat Eat Zac!
Jen
Hello Marianne, Zac, & The Pack,
It looks like Zac is having some challenging times out there. I'm sure while docked or moored these repairs will be much easier to handle.
We'll be praying for Zac's safety and speedy repairs.
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
It's a great call pulling into Rodriguez, if only to get a breather, make some repairs to the rigging and prepare for the run to the next real stopover.
It is amazing how much stress is put on all aspects and equipment of a boat when circumnavigating. I know space can be an issue, but now might be the time to think about redundent shackles, pins, turnbuckles and other standing rigging and furling hardware. It is a lesson learned, and one not to be fearing going forward.
Zac, as always I am awed by your ability to think and act under pressure. Your Dad taught you well, and we all know it sure is nice having an expert shipwright looking over your shoulder as it were. Keep pressing on, and I'll keep hoping for those calm, water, brisk breeze, and golden sunset days.
Hello Zac, Sunderlands and ZAc-Pac!
I agree, stopping off and getting some repairs AND rest are in order, wise decision!
It won't be easy Zac, but as stated before, nothing worth having ever does.
No doubt you'll weather this like the champ that you are. Blessings young man, God's help is right there with you 24/7.
God Speed
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Zac, good call on stopping to do repairs under more favorable circumstances. Your calm and cool headed horse sense under pressure never ceases to amaze! You are far beyond your years. Ever thought about running for president some day? It is not for the weak nor for one likely to panic. You're the man.
The Croaker
To Marylin:
Imagine a sailboat as a bow and arrow. The mast is an arrow, and the hull (body of the boat) is a bow. Ordinarily there are two strings on the bow/hull, the one in the front is called forestay, and the one in the back is backstay. When the boat is properly rigged everything is in balance. On Intrepid one of the strings (forestay) is breaking, fortunately for Zac he had a cutter rig - that is two strings in front of the boat, otherwise his mast would not have survived.
The problem is that Intrepid is out of balance and the strong wind and waves put additional pressure on the equipment that works i.e. holds the rest of the mast and sails together. Zac cannot furl (take down) a sail in front, and the sail is thrashing about further damaging other parts of the boat. So the situation of quite serious, more so by the fact that even after Zac pulls into Rodriguez, he is unlikely to make complete repairs because of the lack of equipment and tools on the Island. So our captain still has 300 nautical miles (from LA to San Francisco) in a compromised boat with the hurricane season approaching.
Good luck Zac, I think I, and the rest of the Zac pac will relax only when you pull behind the Marina Del Ray breakwater. Until then, goodspeed kid.
Zoran
@anon Zoran
Thank you so much. That explanation really helped me understand the problems he's having with the malfunctioning parts of the yacht. I hope he can get it fixed well enough to make it the 300 miles to Port Louis (I think that's his stop in Mauritius). At least he will get some sleep in calm waters and be able to get it a bit more stabilized.
Marilyn
Woodland Hills
Zac, as always you are in my prayers. Your unscheduled stop to Rodriguez Island was a wise choice, just as you made the choice to stop in PN. Things like what has happened to you on this leg is unpredictable, so thankfully there is an island for you to get some rest,on your way to Mauritaus. This stop will help you think clearly on how to fix your rigging well enough to get to Mauritaus safely. Fatigue is not good for the mind!! You are doing amazing. Don't be discouraged. Intrepid is a beautiful vessel. Mother nature is just testing her sea worthiness. She is strong and so are you!!
I will be glad when you and your Dad have reunited! I put your birthday card in the mail yesterday! South Africa awaits!!It is exciting you are nearing your half way point of your adventure.
Marianne, thanks for the update. You and Laurence are also in my prayers daily. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet you and Laurence at the LA Gathering. It was an event I will never forget. I can't wait for his homecoming!! I guess I am a little premature. but the anticipation is so exciting!!
Hugs, Prayers, and Positive thoughts, Zac. The Zac Pack all believes in you!!
Debbie
North Hills, CA
Zac, here is one more person praying for you :)
Bill, I can't get the link to the auction site to work. If anyone else is having trouble with the link, please remember that you can donate directly to Zac from his store on this site. I just did it and it was very easy! Hope lots of people will help him out!
Patty
Des Moines, WA
Hang tough LH!
Meanwhile...Just a thought but maybe one of the old salts can explain how differcult it will be to do a proper repair even when onshore
Do U think the top decking is alright or did the furling motor damage it when it got loose? Will the genoa have any hardware at the ends which get fatigued or can damage the boat when its whipped around in the wind? Also from a general wear and tear on a 'journey this long stand point', How will the sails hold up to being under constant tension, UV, and perosity? Can do the entire journey on one set of sails?
Thanks.
Good Morning Captain Zack et al:
Your adventurous spirit is refreshing and I always check the blog site several times a day looking for updates and to read the comments.
May Poseidon calm the seas and provide the wind so that Captain Zack has safe passage during his adventure.
Mom & Dad, thanks for the updates.
Zack Pac It is great to see people come together in support of an individual on a historic quest.
Best Regards
Rev. Mr Bob
Wow, I was on Google Earth the other day scouting around Zac's location and saw Rodriguez Island. I took great comfort having an island with close proximity to his path if he needed safe harbor.
@anonymous... I understand what you are saying but in due time I don't think it would hurt if President-Elect Obama knew about Zac's endeavour. Zac is an ambassador wherever he lands (even if it is unofficial). As head of state-elect, Obama should acknowledge the best that this country has to offer... We all agree, Zac is exceptional and extra-ordinary for taking on this daunting task.
Sail on Zac and be safe...
Ali
Intrepid is the perfect name for this boat and this SAILOR...so proud of Zac's continued efforts and level head. More prayers for you today...wishing I could do more!
Well, it's around 8AM for Zac right now... I tend to think he didn't sleep much last night and will cat nap today, but that too will be tough because he's thinking about how to get into a narrow, crooked channel, not point to much and load up the mast with a cutter-stay only, AND he can't drop or furl the jib...
Makes things very dicey and tossing the hook even more difficult... Possibly he can get a tow or pilot vessel for assistance....
Man....
Daveh & Skipper
good work hang in there youu can do this how about some pic for thouse how dont know about sailing i thank thay would like to see wat your up agenst take care
Bilgerat 101
Bill,
You're absolutely right! This blog is the fabric that binds us all together in support of Zac. Obviously, it takes constant funding to recoup the costs that are involved in such an enormous undertaking.
There are a number of ways to donate to the "cause". This gives everyone the choice of how they would like to contribute:
1. Cash donations are always welcomed via the PayPal donate links;
2. Bill has worked tirelessly to organize and facilitate a silent auction with unique and special items donated by the Zac Pac;
3. Zac's Store sells T-shirts;
4. And, (you didn't think I'd leave this out did you?) GiftClix donates 90% of the sales commissions on purchases made at sponsor stores. Visit zac.giftclix.org before you do any shopping online.
Think of it this way: if you shop online anyway, and you don't shop at Zac's GiftClix site, the sales commission doesn't go anywhere. The store keeps it! Personally, I don't buy anything online unless I buy it from one of Zac's stores.
Christmas season is upon us. Please visit the site and check it out. I'm adding more stores this week, and I'll be adding a bunch more special promotions (use the Power Shop button) that are only offered to GiftClix shoppers.
Were I not "stranded" on the sandy shores of the Dominican Republic at the moment, I would have already done this. Now that I have worked out my Internet connectivity problems, I'll get things rolling.
I hate to sound like a broken record, but remember, if you are going to buy something anyway, make sure you are supporting Zac with your purchase! It's that easy! And please let me know (via Customer Service) if there are brands you would like to see on GiftClix. Five new stores came from Grandma Carol's request at the fundraiser.
Zac: I have resolute faith in you and your ability to handle your situation with aplomb. You take care of your end; we've got your back, dude! Yeeah!
Troy the GiftClix Guy
Cabarete, Dominican Republic
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