Mauritius - 1
Latest Position: Port Louis, Mauritius
Spoke with a very tired Zac and Laurence this morning. It is Wedneday night in Port Louis and they have had a very long day. Zac arrived around 9:30 am. He was met by several newspaper, radio and television reporters. Clearing customs took about 3 hours and then they waited until 5:30 for the shipping agent to bring the boom down. So yes, the boom, forstay, furler, Laurence, Zac and Jen are all together in the same place! We all spoke on Skype with the little girls asking silly questions (though they did know that Zac was in the Indian Ocean!) and Ben trying to climb through the computer screen.
There is a lot to be done in a short period of time. Thankfully, Laurence has found some qualified people who have offered to assist with Intrepid.
All of the following photos are courtesy and copyrighted by Jen Edney:
Spoke with a very tired Zac and Laurence this morning. It is Wedneday night in Port Louis and they have had a very long day. Zac arrived around 9:30 am. He was met by several newspaper, radio and television reporters. Clearing customs took about 3 hours and then they waited until 5:30 for the shipping agent to bring the boom down. So yes, the boom, forstay, furler, Laurence, Zac and Jen are all together in the same place! We all spoke on Skype with the little girls asking silly questions (though they did know that Zac was in the Indian Ocean!) and Ben trying to climb through the computer screen.
There is a lot to be done in a short period of time. Thankfully, Laurence has found some qualified people who have offered to assist with Intrepid.
All of the following photos are courtesy and copyrighted by Jen Edney:
posted by Zac at
9:05 AM
55 Comments:
YEA! YEA! YEA! PICTURES!! THANK YOU Maryann and THANK YOU, Jen!
So happy they are all together there (boom and all)!
LOOK at the water! SO blue! Beautiful!
Eager for links to news stories! Thanks for the update.
LA in MN
Well done, Zac! Hope you can get some rest and quality Dad time in among all the work. Thanks for the pics, Jen. Ever since Zac first left, they've helped us to feel a part of this great adventure.
woohoooo! I've no idea why, but I'm so happy Zac is visiting Mauritius! I'll try to post links to the online newspapers when they cover his stay...
Marianne - Do you drink wine? Please treat yourself today - there is much to celebrate. I'll be toasting tonight to you and Laurence, the support of the Zac Pac, Jenn Edney, those that will assist with Intrepid and of course, our rockstar Zac.
Thanks for posting the awesome pics!! I can feel the emotion.
Maureen
Boise
Hi Zac,
great you made it to Mauritius. First port on your way home. And with a lot of support to get her well again.
And now this is a nicely flaked main. On the pictures from Rodriguez, it looked like you are in bad need for Lazy Jacks (@ZacPac: wikepedia can explain "Lazy Jacks" for you).
I did not had time to comment on the last entry, but I also smiled at the celestial navigation. It must have been like sailing through space with star above and reflected below.
In a reply to another comment. I personally like the southern sky better. The Milkyway is brighter with the Galactic Center high in the sky and there are the Magellanic Clouds. Though, on the calm night you, Zac, had just now, you were probably not able to the full splendor of the southern sky, as the moon was almost full.
All the best and get some rest.
RK
PS: For all of you who want to explore the southern sky from you computer, try Stellarium (www.stellarium.org). It is a great virtual planetarium. It is open source. And it is available for all major operating systems.
WOW, could that water be any more BLUE? Just absolutely beautiful! Zac looks great! YEA!
Now it's time for lots of work and hopefully plenty of fun.
Enjoy your Dad time Zac.
Mona
Tucson, AZ
Zac,
Seeing you there with your dad is awesome. He must be so proud of you. God Speed.
Jamie Wasson
Thanks for the update & the great pictures! By the way - when is the cutoff for sending him greetings in Durban? Thanks!
I've been following the journey for a while now, and am very curious to get some updated photos of the boat itself. Would love to see the interior especially to get a sense of what conditions are like. Since Jen is there now, I'm sure others would appreciate a photo tour of Intrepid as she looks today. Thanks. Best of luck to Zac.
Thank you so much for the pictures -- tears in my eyes, especially for the one with Lawrence and Zac... What a sigh of relief they are reunited and will begin the repairs working again together. All my best to all of you Sunderlands, Jen, and everyone helping in Mauritius... Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
Wow, arrived....!!!Great photos, I would love to post one in the Rodrigues Blog...I suppose tomorrow there will be some articles to which I would link from there as usual...it would be special with one of these great pics of Jen!
Today there was a short one in French on the Rodrigues page of L'Express but no photos and nothing new, I will add this link tomorrow on the Rodrigues blog too, it seems as if people read it as I have already found one good friend of Rodrigues within the comments of yesterday's thread here...probably on her way to become a member of the Zac Pac too...Hi, Myriam from Belgium, nice to meet you here...))
I am so glad that everything seems to turn out fine...and eager too to hear more...I hope the repairs can be done easily, sometimes it is a problem to find the qualified people when one is in need of them...
BTW, I have just visited the Guest Map and I am giving up now...after lots of trials to position Rodrigues correctly on the map, it ended still where it does not belong...Positioning would be easier by using the coordinates... I let it now...
Zac, hope you find some time beside the repairs to enjoy your visitors and a bit of the island.
Birgit from Rodrigues
Rodrigues via Mauritius Blog
http://insel-rodrigues.blogspot.com
And here the link to the samll French article (which is not yet about the arrival in Mauritius)
http://www.lexpress.mu/display_article_sup.php?news_id=117743
I was happy and smiling from ear to ear as I read Marianne's post. The photos were as great as the water was blue. All went well until I got to the photo of Zac and Laurence and then ... well, big boys don't ... yeah, right! What a bunch of patooey! I did so there it is. I yam what I yam! I don't know if my subconscious transposed me and my late father, or if it was me and my own wonderful son! Whatever. It was good.
Hang in there Zac. Be safe and be sure. We're waiting and will do so for however long as it takes. For many of us vicarious adventure seekers, you ARE us!
The Croaker
How exciting to not only make it past the half-way mark but also a major destination!! So proud, so proud......Zac you look terrific. This voyage has made a man out of you.
Great to see such beautiful pictures. Keep them coming.
KG
I agree with the comments from everyone else about the photo of Zac with his dad! When it comes right down to it, there is nothing better than close family relationships. Thanks Marianne, for sharing these wonderful shots of two of your heroes!!
Many blessings on your return trip HOME Zac.
Father and son....wonderful!
Someone said that you are on the way home now....I can hardly take that in but yes, I guess you are Zac.
But enjoy as much as possible as you make your way toward your destination....lots to do before then.
Guess you will be having a few nights of real sleeeeeep. Do hope so.
So good to see you looking so well Zac.
Thanks to Jen for superb photos.
UK friend
BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL....what a journey! zac and lairence and the boon...TOGETHER. (and to jen...thanks for the pics!).
all my best for a restfilled and successful stay in Mauritius.
john baker/w hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com
Thanks Jen for the beautiful photos. Now, if that isn't a real tearjerker of a photo of Zac and Laurence. Laurence looks to proud and deservingly so.
We couldn't have imagined what a beautiful place Mauritius is. The beauty of following Zac's journey is learning about all the places Zac has visited.
Zac & Laurence,
Hope the repairs will go well and you'll be able to find time to enjoy yourselves. Take care!
Dick & Gin
Upland
Must be a relief to finally be in a port where you can make permanent repairs! Congrats on being over halfway to your goal. Now onward to beat storms and continue on your journey to claim your "big prize!"
Go Zac!
Tripp
A picture is worth a thousand words!!
Thanks to Marianne and Jen for sharing, we love photos!!!
Hugs,
Anita
Waterloo, NY
i was so excited and typing so fast---my apologies to laurence and to the boom (for such poor spelling)
john baker
Thanks Jen! Great pics once again. Can't wait to see more.
It's great to see Zac and Laurence in the same frame and smiling. I had the same reaction as many of you. That blue looks like it came out of a crayola box. Magnificent!
Am anxious to hear more, especially Laurence's assessment of Intrepid. As for Zac, he looks fantastic! I just love that long hair! Speaking of which, we've been so focused on the hair on his head; has or does Zac ever need to shave? Inquiring minds want to know!
Hurrah for bare feet! Sir Zac, do you get that privlege often?
Allison
Happy to see Zac & Intrepid are safe and looking happy. Now it's rest for both, hot meals, family-time & repairs. We "Zac-pac'rs" can rest a bit as well and get ready for the next leg of the journey. Enjoy your time on land, Zac!
Jeff
MDR via Santa Clarita
Hello to Everyone,
Marianne, thanks for posting the great pictures. The father and son combo looked great. I'm sure the whole bunch are extremely tired right now and all are in need of a good nights rest.
Many repairs coming up in the next few days. At least everyone should get quite a few new and interesting pictures.
Zac, enjoy your time on the Island. Eat plenty, sleep well, and get those repairs done.
R and R (Rest and Repair)
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Genoa.............
There's a multiple choice test in the morning!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genoa_(sail)
(For all the non-sailors out there.)
Glad you made it in, Zac!!!
BTW.......I love the pics from Mauritius. It looks like almost a differnt world! The water is amazing. Thanks, Jen!
To all Zac packers that were at the fundraiser..
I donated a hydro-floss (water pick type)for the auction that i didn't see on the table when i arrived( i was a little late) I have Bill Mann checking into it b ut he's been so busy, i thought i would just post this.
I will need your name and address so i can send you a receipt that you will need to mail in with your warranty.
Please e-mail me @lmacdougal42@yahoo.com
Thank You
Laura
Yo, Cap’n Zac!
You be lookin’ MIGHTY fine there in Mauritius…WOOHOO….finally in port!
Sleeeeeeeeep…blissful sleeeeeeeeep…hot foooooood…DAD!...Jen!...downtime…life is good, huh?
But wait! What’s that I spy in Laurence’s hand?
Is that a new verion of the infamous “Itrepid’s Action Items” list?!?
[!!Flashback Alert!!] I’m sure I’m not the only ZacPac member who is thinking about all the work done in Darwin to get the Intrepid ready to continue on her journey across the Indian Ocean…
Ya better get out that “Do Hard Things” T-shirt…you’re all gonna be busy….but we know that you’ll take care of bidness and get your beautiful boat all ship-shape and super seaworthy because there are some big challenges ahead and we want you both to be ready to face them!
Don’t forget to have some fun too…can’t wait for the next installment w/ more cool pictures! (I wanna see the new boom!) And hey - any new videos?!?
Keep on keepin’ on, Cap’n!
Kat
I check here about once an hour when I expect you to have arrived in a port. What a thrill to see you have arrived safely - and with pictures, excellent! Mom must have printed a big copy and posted it to the refrigerator by now! Zac, you have grown in your capabilities so much on this trip! What a man!
Bob Wilson/Laguna Niguel
Yeah woohoo!!! You made it to Mauritius. Keep on Terminating those seas.
What is all that publicity like.
P.S. I should have the report on here bye Late Nov. or Early Dec.
I'm actually advertising this page on forums just to see if more people will watch your blog. We're praying for you.
~whitten
We love you Zac and Laurence too (and Marianne, whom I sure is weaping at the photos… )
What a reunion, I think about my son.... Son of a son, of a sailor… Seriously… He watches Zac, I need to get him to post a blog… 11yo today…
The images made me, well, let’s say, have a little extra lachrymation (look it up)…
God bless you both!
Daveh & Skipper
Zac,
AWESOME! Over the last 36 hours my family got a big charge as I kept running to the computer, muttering "Is he there yet? Is he there yet?" like a little kid.
It's so good to know you are safely in port! We are all anxious to hear any details about your last leg, if you ever have a moment. Otherwise, you can know we'll all be the first customers in line for your book! Guaranteed sales!
Marianne, what you must be feeling! I can't even begin to imagine your joy at seeing Zac and Laurence together. Would have liked to hear the girls' silly questions. But I can just imagine Ben trying to climb through the computer screen -- that's indeed priceless!
Blessings!
Gayle, Brian, Xan, Riley and Jesse
Wow! Great job, Zac! So glad that you and Laurence are together again! It sure is beautiful there.
Thanks so much, Jen, for the wonderful pictures.
Blessings,
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA
Awesome pictures! Glad to See Zac is doing well and finally on land. I sent his birthday card today so hopefully it'll get to him in plenty of time.
And Sunderland family, I've been praying for you (and Zac) often, with Zac being halfway across the globe and all. (As cool as that is! What an adventure that is for him!)
Keep up the good work Zac! Enjoy some rest.
Emily
Fayetteville, NC
Good job on making it to Mauritius! I hope you can take a break and get to know the people a little bit. It seems unfortunate to rush from place to place like this... why the rush? You get to be in these amazing places without ever taking a true deep breath among such rich cultures. Best wishes for the rest of your journey. Kathy H.
Hi Zac, It's me Parker. Hope you get some rest and your boat gets fixed good. I had to go to the hospital for some bloodwork today, but I'm doing good. I sent you a birthday card. I hope it gets there, cuz I didn't know how many stamps to put on it. Take care.
Your buddy, Parker
caringbridge.org/ca/parkerfritsch
Love that 'Zacinator' photo!
Look at it closely once more. Zac in bare feet!
What a guy!
Zac: enjoy the time with your Dad. He and your Mom have been somewhat the same great troopers that you are.
God Bless.
good on you ALL!
Hi Zac,
Welcome to Mauritius! I don't know what to say other than it is almost surreal to see photos of you and your dad together. You look more mature in every passing leg of your journey. Your dad looks just like he always does, proud of his son and happy to be with you again.
With our world of instant gratification, just to see you there as we did in other locations is such a blessing.
You are far away, but it doesn't seem like that to us bloggers. Only you who has been in such open seas, all alone seeing the stars meet the water, can only truly understand how far away you are, and how far you have traveled.
Thank you again for allowing us to be a part of your life and your journey. Your incredible mom has taken care of us bloggers, and you are all a bright light in this world full of troubles.
Peter
Yes! You are reunited at last! Both 'boys' look great and pretty tired. I hope the first day you won't have have a 'wake up' call Zac.
The pictures are a special treat. Thank you Jen and Marianne!
@Birgit:
I'm sorry you are having trouble placing your name on Rodriguez. It is still wonderful that it is there; and wonderful that you are there too. Thanks again for your pictures. It was hard to see Intrepid with her sails all askew, yet that would be an understatement for Zac who was there to handle the crisis!
Rest weary travelers.
Whew!~~~And thank goodness for Skype, so at least they can see each other. Not long ago, that was not possible. Did you happen to get that on video...Ben trying to crawl through the computer screen? :-)
Nagaa (peace)
Great job cap'tn Zac.
You look 10 years old and that much wiser. The sea tends to do that to you, does it not?
Thanks for the great pics! And thanks to the Zac Pack for the purchase and the shipping of the boom. I only wish that I was able to be there for the signing. I hope that the teen that went in my place signed for us both!
Though all the troubles that you went through seemed pretty hairy to those of us on land, I know that they probably seemed pretty routine for you. Things go wrong when you are blue water sailing, and you jerry rig them the best you can until you hit your next port. These things happen no matter how old you are or how well prepared the boat is. Things wear out under constant use and that is the life of a sailor. I think that you have handled the past month with much grace under pressure. Your pit stop to Rodriguez Island was very impressive.
Have fun in Mauritius. You deserve some R&R.
Love the hair and the bare feet. Watch out though, my husband once broke his toe when he was on deck barefoot.
Can't wait for more pics. BTW ... I agree. Great flake on the main!!!! Hard to do by yourself but you are a pro!
tammy
tlnj2003@yahoo.com
AHOY MATE!!! ecstatic you made it bro!
It's easier to handle the throttle with bare feet than with shoes LOL
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
Dear Zac,
Congrats on overcoming your sail obstacles and having a successful journey to Maritius! Enjoy your down time with your dad!
I was wondering if you have any problems getting your "land legs" back after sailing for long periods? I'd think your brain might be hard to turn off and you'd have a rocking sensation on land for a while!
Good luck to you!
Jan from D.C.
latest news article (in French)
http://lexpress.mu/display_search_result.php?news_id=117789
:)
How Cool/Weird is that? Having articles written about you on the other side of the world - in French? Just some long-haired, bare-footed boarder from Cally...hee hee! Yeah, right!
Thanks for the update and new pics! God bless!
Way to go Zac! Awesome pictures. Heading home is a really nice thought! Thanks to Daveh I learned a new word too. Intrepid kind of reminds me of my first car. After a few years it seemed like the only item that hadn't been replaced was the steering wheel...and it was broken.
Hope you enjoy your time in port.
Steve
Birmingham, AL
Way to go Zac-man.When you get to Durban take some time to hit the surf breaks - I hear some of the best in the world. Also, a card from me at the yacht club. Keep on truckin'! Godspeed bro.Bigwavedave
Greatn to hear you are safe and in port for repairs and a rest. can you tell me if you use a chart plotter to plot your course? if so are you notified when you reach a certain waypoint to change course?
also it would be grait to see a up dated video clip of your journey? pictures and videos really give us a good sense of what you are going thru. god bless and sail safe
arg! this is so unfair! you're in Mauritius and I'm not there! I'd have loved to pay you a visit and meet you and see your boat! Good luck with your repairs, and I hope you enjoy your stay :) Let us know what you think of Mauritius, I'm dying to hear your opinions :)
Very happy that all is well. Glad that Baby Ben hasn't forgotten his big brother :)
from Iowa
Following your story, Zac, from Santa Clarita, CA. You are an inspiration to teenagers everywhere (esp. my 16 y.o. son)! Love the photos. God Bless You on your journey home.
WTG Zac!!
So glad all is well in Mauritius..we all know who will be getting a good night sleep for a few days..that would your Mom!! Im sure you and your dad will be get much needed rest after your repairs too.
I have a few questions.. how long do you plan on being on Mauritius?
And how long will the leg to SA take? {your b-day gift should be waiting for you at the Yacht Club}
Sheesh, im gonna have withdrawals this weekend being away from my laptop..going to Glamis and don't have a wireless card..maybe Glamis has a "hot spot' haha don't think so..
Stay safe and have fun!!
Laura
BD
oops... I meant ten years OLDER...
that's what I get for typing when I am still on my first cup of coffee
Tammy
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