A Good Night's Sleep
Hello All,
I spoke with Zac briefly this evening/his morning. He has been busy already with the locals coming to see his boat and then the Coast Guard boat that he moored up against at the sea wall needed to go out and so needed Zac to move Intrepid. That was a blessing in disguise because Zac then had 10 guys on board to help him pull down his twisted and jammed up genoa. It sounds like it just about took all of them to get it down. He has been visited several times by customs already this morning as they finish up the large pile of paperwork required to enter the island. The librarian met Zac on the dock and brought him 2 freshly-baked rolls and a book that all cruisers visiting Rodrigues Island sign. He was to sign it and return it to the library later. He is hoping to check out tomorrow so he has a lot to do today. First on his list? Go buy some food!
Unfortunately, that is all for now. He will call his tonight/my morning to check in and perhaps send a bloggy note for you all!
Many thanks to all of the kind folks over at Rodrigues Island - Kisna and Mariana at the Tourism Board and all of the Coast Guard and Customs guys. Thank you also to Fred Cook of Schaefer Marine who is sending a new furling system out to Zac via Laurence in the UK. Thank you to Oliver McCann and Adam Loory from UK Halsey Sailmakers for assisting in getting Zac a new genoa and generally offering good advice and counsel.
Cheers,
Marianne
PS: This email just came in:
Marianne,
Your son is just in front of me. He seem to be really in good health. He’s young but I think he prove to all those who consider them as “ADULT” that he’s much more adult than them.
Kisna
Rodrigues Tourism Office
PPS: For any of you with access to the LA Times - be watching for an aticle on Zac in this Sundays paper.
I spoke with Zac briefly this evening/his morning. He has been busy already with the locals coming to see his boat and then the Coast Guard boat that he moored up against at the sea wall needed to go out and so needed Zac to move Intrepid. That was a blessing in disguise because Zac then had 10 guys on board to help him pull down his twisted and jammed up genoa. It sounds like it just about took all of them to get it down. He has been visited several times by customs already this morning as they finish up the large pile of paperwork required to enter the island. The librarian met Zac on the dock and brought him 2 freshly-baked rolls and a book that all cruisers visiting Rodrigues Island sign. He was to sign it and return it to the library later. He is hoping to check out tomorrow so he has a lot to do today. First on his list? Go buy some food!
Unfortunately, that is all for now. He will call his tonight/my morning to check in and perhaps send a bloggy note for you all!
Many thanks to all of the kind folks over at Rodrigues Island - Kisna and Mariana at the Tourism Board and all of the Coast Guard and Customs guys. Thank you also to Fred Cook of Schaefer Marine who is sending a new furling system out to Zac via Laurence in the UK. Thank you to Oliver McCann and Adam Loory from UK Halsey Sailmakers for assisting in getting Zac a new genoa and generally offering good advice and counsel.
Cheers,
Marianne
PS: This email just came in:
Marianne,
Your son is just in front of me. He seem to be really in good health. He’s young but I think he prove to all those who consider them as “ADULT” that he’s much more adult than them.
Kisna
Rodrigues Tourism Office
PPS: For any of you with access to the LA Times - be watching for an aticle on Zac in this Sundays paper.
posted by Zac at
9:35 PM
28 Comments:
Hi There Zac, and Team Sunderland..
Wonderful news, sounds like you will be in good shape soon.
Proving himself more adult than most... yep, that's the Zac we have come to know!
Don't forget to grab a Bic lighter or two..
Blessings,
Bob in OKC
Zac,
As the rivulets follow the waves to the sea,
So may his blessings, follow thee.
Flora B. Mann, 1906-1975
Sounds like you are doing OK Zac. You are with a great group of people and your enthusiasm is what attracts folks to react to you the way they do.
Zac Pac
Now more than ever, Zac needs your prayers and your support. Thank you to all who have placed bids on this week's auction items. If you have not yet done so, you may see the items at www.barstools4u.com/zac.htm
If you have any questions about the auction, drop me an email.
Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com
And again, Zac has made friends. That's what happens when you go open minded through the world.
Way to go, Zac!
All the best,
RK
You know, Zac, if you wanted to go island-hopping, all you had to do was say so! You didn't have to shred your rig! ;)
Rodrigues Island must be all abuzz having such a famous visitor. So what do the Rodriguens do on their little seamount?
It is now almost 11:30am where I am; the same time as where Zac is (unless they’re on daylight time?), and I was eagerly awaiting today’s news. That was a nice comment from Kisna at the Tourism office.
I am constantly impressed by what I see as the thoroughness of the preparations for the voyage. First off, there is the training, experience, and ability to react under pressure that Zac has. That had to come primarily to his upbringing.
Then, there is the most recent example of changing plans and making make landfall at Rodrigues, which was not an intended port-of-call. Usually, a mariner will want to study and familiarize themselves with the bay, or harbor, or port that they will be going into, along with the approaches, which as we’ve have seen so far on this voyage can be very challenging and downright tricky. Having to figure out a new location on short notice is very difficult. Once, again, however, Zac has done it!
I continue to offer my prayers for fair winds and safe home.
'Papajock'
(Currently in Azerbaijan)
Hello Zac,
Your effort is very impressed. Keep trying.
Don't forget to buy matches for your stove.
Cheers,
dicactI woke up an hour ago and can't go back to sleep, so I did the logical thing --- checked Zac's blog for any updates. Thanks, Marianne, for the latest information on Zac's arrival and chores on Rodriquez Is. The news is all good this time. Maybe I'll be able to go back to sleep.
Looking forward to tomorrow's post.
The Croaker
I don't comment much, but I check on Zac's BLOG frequently. So relieved to know he's in port, even if for a short time.
Zac - God Bless you and your entire team.
I am so happy for you Marianne.
How wonderful for someone to think of sending such an email saying that....your son is just in front of me......that must have been worth more than anything, to read those words.Big hugs for you.A little bitty tear fills my eye!
The Lord providing for Zac's needs is another tear jerker!10 strong guys, just there, ready to help.....amazing.
Good to hear of all these wonderful, helpful people all over the world, helping 'our man.'
It's truly, a once in a lifetime experience, to be part of the Zac Pac.
I am so thankful Zac is safe and can EAT and regroup.
UK friend
Hello Zac, Sunderlands and fellow Zac Pac!
Good to hear that Zac is making progess with repairs. Many blessings to those helping Zac along.
Looking forward to reading the next "chapter" of this awesome adventure!
Sail on Captain Zac!
Hugs, Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"
Zac
GO GO GO !!!!
dont't stop for too long.
you may have a competitor challenging the record of youngest to sail around the world also .
/Sail on!
john
Hello Everyone,
Thanks again Marianne for the wonderful update. It's nice to hear that Zac had help getting the jammed genoa down, those blessings in disguise always seem to come at the right times.
It's great that Zac can get some food and finish off some repairs. It's always nice to hear the news when Zac is welcomed into an Island and people are willing to help.
R&R (rest & repair)
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
As many of us have said in the past, Capt Zac is wise far beyond his years. Goes to show the loving guiding hands Lady & Lord Sunderland have. Bless them all!
Good Luck w/the sails & rigging Capt! Glad you made it into port safely.
Warm Fuzzy HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
Hi.
If sommebody likes to see how the Furler system looks and works - here is the link:
http://www.furling.com/overview.html
My guess is that he lost the bolt under the drum.
Axel
heye@madisoncouny.net
@ The Croaker.....LOL!! I do the same thing!!
Anita
Been out of town this week, so just now catching up -- so glad that the detour has proven another wise decision, and shown yet again that there are friends all over this great world... Looking forward to the next post, and especially reading about the father & son reunion coming soon... Take good care everyone -- Sunderlands at home and those traveling by sea and air. Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
Rodrigues Island appears to be a sleepy little island filled with kindness and light. A librarian arriving with freshly baked rolls; what, no books? I'm sure it will last in his memory as the "best bread I've ever had." And a group of guys whose job isn't to unfurl your sail, but chip in to do it just the same and I'm sure without Zac having to ask for their assistance.
Finally, the most poignant moment of all is when Kisna (sounds like she's a mom) takes a moment to e-mail you as she gives Zac the once over and reports her assessment to an anxious mom and a sea of bloggers. Her thoughtfulness is something that I'll not soon forget!
@ Peter - I miss your "voice" here on the blog. Where are you?
Hey Zac,
Way to go, young man, way to go!
15 miles to the halfway point, can you believe that you have come this far alone? Seems like it was just last month you shoved off.
The challenges appear to be relentless but you are rising up to meet them. I don't think anyone could possible ask more from you then what you are currently delivering. Keep your
eye on the deadline of MDR and keep moving.
Good idea to stop for a couple of days, rest, eat...loads of work ahead in Mauritius, it will be good to see Dad. Hope you make it there unchallenged for a change!
Kate
Yo, Cap’n Zac!
I may not have commented in a while, but I’ve been reading your blog and all comments EVERY day! If this “excursion”(!) of yours doesn’t turn into a best seller, I don’t know what would!
Your presence of mind, flexibility of plan, ability of skill and calmness of spirit are nothing short of phenomenal for one so young in years…you continue to amaze us all!
Like another commenter said, being a member of your ZacPac is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you so much for this!
And ya know what? When I think I’m having a bad day, I just have to laugh at myself – knowing what a REALLY bad day is after reading about some of yours recently!
I so envy your getting to see all of these beautiful places, and learning about the different cultures, and meeting so many helpful and generous locals. If only more people had the opportunity to enjoy a global experience, I think the world could truly be a happier and more peaceful place.
Carry on, Cap’n….and be sure to let us know if you find a Rodrigues Burger!
@ the rest of the ZacPac and especially to Laurence and Marianne – YOU are all amazing too!
And special blessings on the Rodrigues Islanders who are now “on board” this adventure! WOOHOO – YOU ROCK!
Kat
Hi Zac,
Sometimes we curse events that are not going our way only to realize that without the problems a respite in Rodrigues Island would not have been possible. The one aspect of your trip that seems a bit sad to me is that you have time constraints that haven't allowed you to explore some of the remote locations that you have passed. Imagine being 100 miles from the Grand Canyon and not taking the time to see the setting sun slip beneath the rim.
Best of luck with the repairs, enjoy a few hot meals, sleep well and make some new friends.
Steve
Birmingham, AL
10 guys to get the jib down??? Did anyone go up the mast first? Was the Jib Halyard pinched between the shiv and the mast head????
Does Zac know why such resistance was encountered?
Daveh & Skipper
Dear Zac and Team,
It brings tears to my eyes to read your accounts, over and over, how you are trusting the Maker of the heavens and the earth, and everything in them! Our GOD is forever Faithful!
I would like to share the words of a song the LORD gave me years ago, at a time when everything in my life was fine, in my eyes. He saw ahead and provided:
Faithful Lord, I have found You Faithful
Faithful Lord, You are proven Faithful
Is there any trial I can't face?
Is there any place I can't go?
No, Lord, I have found You Faithful, You are proven Faithful!
Now anytime I am feeling overwhelmed I sing the song He gave me and I am encouraged to keep on trusting Him, because He is Faithful forever!
Sail On Zac!
Tamara
Hey Zac,
Seems nice for you right now you have a team that is helping you out. You are being treated quite nicely. Just remember those people were sent by God. Not by coincidence. So thank God for His help.
~Whitten
@Kat, so beautifully said!! Just reading all the comments from everyone and especially the E-mail sent to Marianne from Kisna, sent tears streaming down my face!! I am sooooo proud of Zac too, and proud to be a member of the Zac Pac!! I guess I am not alone, checking the updates frequently!! I don't know what I will do when he gets home!
Zac, you did it again!! We worry, you come through unscathed!! Your angels and faith, and of course your proven skills at sea has gotten you through the toughest of times. Your wonderful friendly, personality, has people all over the world waiting with open arms!! So glad the coast guard was there to help! What a blessing for them just being there!!
Stay safe Zac, I am anxiously waiting for your arrival to Mauritius, and you reuniting with your Dad!!
Hugs and prayers to the Sunderlands, and also to my family of Zac Packers!!
Debbie
North Hills, CA
Zac,
Hope that all goes well with your work. You have worked so hard to get to this point. It must be stressful for you. I know that my kids enjoy their down time. I think about your down time and hope that you have some - you are, after all, only 17 (almost).
MN Family
Great news! Zac, you are amazing. Ten guys to help, new friends on the island...Such
blessings!
Good luck with the work that needs to be done.
Looking forward to Sundays paper!
Our prayers continue...
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA
And more and more prayers are answered for our Zac. I sit here just awe struck at how faithful God is and how many people hear His call to open their hearts to meet the needs of this incredible young man.
Marianne and Laurence, thank you for sharing him and his story with the world so we too can answer our call.
Much love to all of you - Team Zac, from one proud Paccer Kathy, Bend, OR
I'm really glad to hear everything ended ok. This is my first post since the "soccer game phone call" and once again I stand in aw. This is quite a testament to how far Zac has come in his skills, his knowledge and his...well just plain guts.
It also never ceases to amaze me how, when you need people the most, they come out of everywhere. The constant goodwill of friends and strangers is quite amazing. It shows how much Zac is loved and supported in this incredible sojourn. He should, and I'm sure has, drawn strength from this phenomenon.
Rock on Zac!
Scot
California
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