Mauritius - 4

So much going on here and on top of it all the flu is running through our family on both sides of the world! I gently nag Zac for some blogs but he gently reminds me that he has the flu and is working all day while recuperating from crossing the Indian Ocean all the while prepping for a difficult passage to Durban at the beginning of cyclone season. It is either me or nothing I'm afraid!
Zac is still recovering from the flu and is almost able to smell and taste again. He has been working hard on the boat - cleaning, organizing, troubleshooting a few systems that are not 100%. He has a great group of guys around him to assist and guide him in Laurence's absence. Today is a big work day with various rigging jobs, reattaching the stainless steel pulpit and lifelines. He will be having dinner this evening with the (American?) Ambassador of Mauritius.
Laurence is on his way home via Dubai, London, San Francisco and finally LAX where he will pick up his car and drive home. Unfortunately, his luggage is in Chicago but I'm sure it will arrive eventually.
There has been a lot of talk lately about pirates, the Volvo Ocean Race and Mike Perham. It really is an amazing time on the water these days. Our family has been following the piracy off of Somalia and now the insurgents trying to take the capital of Mogadishu and the poor, Kenyan fisherman a bit further south who are struggling to make a living in an increasingly global economy/marketplace. There are many sides to these stories, many that go far back in history and are not quickly understood.
The Volvo Ocean Race is on again with it's boats rounding the Cape of Good Hope in 30 knot winds and 30 foot swells. They have injuries and boat damage but are pressing on to their next scoring way point at 58 degrees east. There was some talk of one of the boats heading to Mauritius for repairs but that appears not to be the case, at least at this point.
Mike Perham is on his way. He is the 16 year old from the UK who is attempting a solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation. We have been keeping track of him for some time now. He is undoubtedly very qualified and has prepared well for his voyage. His trip will take him around the Southern Ocean including not only the Cape of Good Hope (Africa) but also Cape Horn (South America). We did discuss this route when planning for Zac's trip but the idea was quickly discarded as being too dangerous. Many sailors survive such a trip but there are many who don't as well. Zac's idea was to be able to stop and see the world and experience a bit of it on his way. We have the highest regard for Mike and his family and wish him well. (I would love to talk to his mum!) The two trips are completely different with Perham going fully sponsored in a million dollar racing boat. I don't think it makes either trip better than the other. No matter what happens both young men have extraordinary strength and vision to take on this monumental task and are to be commended for it. If Mike and Zac both complete their journeys as planned Zac will still be the youngest American solo circumnavigator and a very accomplished sailor.
Zac is on track to leave Mauritius for Durban, South Africa at the end of the week depending on weather. The leg is just over 1500 miles and should take 10-14 days depending, again, on the weather. There is, reportedly, a storm that lives off of the southern tip of Madagascar. Zac's job will be to stay far enough south of Madagascar to avoid this storm without going too far and getting blown south of Durban and needing to beat to get into port. He will celebrating his 17th birthday (November 29th) and Thanksgiving at sea.
All the best!
Marianne