Mauritius - 2
Nothing too exciting to report today. Who was it that said that sailing/cruising is 99% boredom punctuated by 1% sheer terror? This is probably the boring part though I'll have to ask Zac to confirm the percentages! After a day of rest and cleansing :) Zac brought the boat north to Grand Baie to complete the repairs. From what I can make out from our much interrupted Skype conversations, Port Louis is more of an industrial port where as Grand Baie is the rest stop for cruisers. Laurence hooked up with a bunch of ex-Vendee Globe racers there who will assist with the rigging repairs. The people of Mauritius have been extremely hospitable and friendly towards Laurence and Zac.
As far as Zac's schedule goes, he is planning on leaving Mauritius as soon as is reasonably possible - probably late next week. He has no choice as the Indian Ocean cyclone season is fast approaching. Once he arrives in South Africa he can slow down. How long he will stay in Durban will depend on when he arrives and where he will spend Christmas. He really does not want to be at sea on Christmas if he can avoid it. The passage from Durban to Cape Town is a bit under 800 miles and will be broken into legs in an effort to time his time at sea around the regular storm activity in that area. The possible legs are: Durban to East London, East London to Port Elizabet, Port Elizabeth to Mossel Bay and Mossel Bay to Cape Town. With David watching the weather, he should be able to sneak in and out of port without getting too thrashed.
That is as good as it gets as far as scheduling goes for now.
Marilyn has been an angel and has gently kept after me to have Zac answer the many questions fired at him via the blog. There should be an update to the FAQs coming out shortly and I will hopefully post the new ones here on the blog as well.
Cheers,
Marianne
PS Yes, Zac is officially half way!
As far as Zac's schedule goes, he is planning on leaving Mauritius as soon as is reasonably possible - probably late next week. He has no choice as the Indian Ocean cyclone season is fast approaching. Once he arrives in South Africa he can slow down. How long he will stay in Durban will depend on when he arrives and where he will spend Christmas. He really does not want to be at sea on Christmas if he can avoid it. The passage from Durban to Cape Town is a bit under 800 miles and will be broken into legs in an effort to time his time at sea around the regular storm activity in that area. The possible legs are: Durban to East London, East London to Port Elizabet, Port Elizabeth to Mossel Bay and Mossel Bay to Cape Town. With David watching the weather, he should be able to sneak in and out of port without getting too thrashed.
That is as good as it gets as far as scheduling goes for now.
Marilyn has been an angel and has gently kept after me to have Zac answer the many questions fired at him via the blog. There should be an update to the FAQs coming out shortly and I will hopefully post the new ones here on the blog as well.
Cheers,
Marianne
PS Yes, Zac is officially half way!
posted by Zac at
5:58 PM
38 Comments:
My entire family is watching and praying in Utah. Enjoy your time of rest and getting Intrepid ready for the next leg. Congrats on everything so far - you are an amazing young man!
God Bless,
Jules and the Staufffers
Hi Zac & everyone
Half way that’s so cool!
Now there’s only the other half left.
Bet you cant wait till Durban for a bit R&R,
You’ve been going nonstop, sick of sailing yet?
Was wondering if everyone was folowing Mike Perham
http://www.totallymoney.com/sailmike/
He’s setting out tomorrow!
Anna, Aus
Hi Marianne,
Question for you - one Mom to another. How has Zac changed in your eyes at this juncture and are you surprised at how great he looks or did you expect differently? Just wondering if Laurence has filled you in since seeing him.
He seems so incredibly stable and strong (in a psychological sense) and driven.
Thanks for your insight.
Maureen
Boise
re Anna
like anyone in the ZacPac is going to admit to watching someone try to beat Zac's record, HA, yeah i'll probably check it out,
ZAC CONGRATULATIONS you're halfway home, i have so been enjoying this journey
Rock on Zac
Hey Zac!
Hope Intrepid gets fixed quickly so you can continue your sailing. Great job on making it halfway! May the Lord guide and protect you the rest of the way. God bless!
Dear Maryanne,
Will Zac be anchoring in different places along the coast of Africa during those legs you mentioned? If he does, I was wondering if he has to check in with customs each time.
Also, how will he celebrate Thanksgiving? Zac, like our ancestors, is a pilgrim on a spectacular adventure. Continue to enjoy the journey.
God speed.
KG
Can someone explian the problems for sailing from Mautitius to the Cape? What are the dangers?
Congratulations, Zac! Half way!
Wow! I hope the repairs go smoothly. So glad you've got lots of help.
Continuing to read your blog as we vacation up in beautiful Seattle. So nice to escape the L.A. heat for awhile.
Our prayers continue...
Blessings,
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, Ca
I know Zac will enjoy Durban... its one of my favorite beach places, and the people of South Africa are warm and wonderful. I was going to comment that it might feel odd being in the southern hemisphere where he'd have a warm Christmas, then I remembered he's from LA so cold and snow like we get here in Va would be the strange thing for him.
If he is going to be in Durban for a while I'd suggest he see about arranging for a several day camping safari to Kreuger Park. I'm sure the locals there can recommend someone, and maybe some of the kids at the yacht club will go too so he'll have a great time.
I'm sure you're proud of how he's handling this adventure... you should be. He's a remarkable guy! I'm loving being a daily observer and fan. Thanks for all the effort thats going into this.
Hi,
I have added the latest links to the articles about Zac in Rodrigues and Mauritius (and a new photo), for the longer one of yesterday I have added a link to the automatically generated English translation.
Rodrigues via Mauritius
http://insel-rodrigues.blogspot.com
For all who do not want to miss Parker Fritsch, the new, young buddy of Zac, you will find there someting too...
And yes, Port Louis is a more industrial harbour and the circumnavigators very often prefer just to stock up there, and then to move on to Grand Baie in the north of the island. Grand Baie is a famous tourism spot, here tourism started in the 70ies. Some sailors even prefer moving on to Black River (west).
@Becky
Thanks for your comment on my difficulties to place Rodrigues on the guest map, maybe the cursor didn't like our slow transfer rate...))
To everyone a nice day, good luck with the repairs!
Birgit from Rodrigues
@j: My take on Mike and Zac is that both are attempting different things and both will achieve the record they set out to break, hopefully. Their attempts are too different to be compared like a marathon and a a long-distance hike.
But I wonder what Zac's take on this is.
Cheers,
RK
@ anon
I'm not sure, but I think the biggest problems in that area would be capsizing, crashing, or otherwise causing a sinking or dying situation. Fortunately, Zac is far too talented to succumb to a mere patch of water, just because the weather is huge and confused there. ;-)
Basically, the water between Africa and Antarctica has two conflicting ocean currents fighting, and causing huge seas. There are also the Southerlies blowing one direction, and weather patterns from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and blowing off of the African continent in patterns that make no sense to those of us that have never experienced them. Basically, it's an area where the happy couple of Wind and Water tend to have a lot of Domestic Violence calls.
I'm sure the more experienced sailors here can explain a lot better than I do.
Still praying daily Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
Thanks for the update Marianne. I hope Zac is enjoying his in port with Laurence. Looking forward to some more pics from Jen.
@ Birgit- It was so nice to see our new friend, Parker Fritsch on your blog. He is indeed very special and I hope that everyone here checks out his page at caring bridges. If you think that Zac is amazing, you just have to meet Parker who is fighting a tough battle against leukemia. I know that the Pac will be sure to send him thoughts of encouragement just like they do for Zac.
Marianne-please remind Zac to check out Parkers page as well. I know he'd love to hear from him!
It would be nice to hear from Zac once in a while. This is his blog after all.
I thought the 99% boredom/1% sheer terror was what they said about firefighters... :-) at least here.
Congratulations on being officially halfway! That must be super exciting.
Do you think the last half will take as long as the first, or longer?
~Jessica, Westlock, Alberta, Canada
'Be strong and of good courage, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' - Joshua 1:9
Dear Marianne,
You wrote "Nothing too exciting to report today ... " I'm confident that you will join many of us who think that'll be just fine for awhile! Booms that went "Bang". Foresails that flail. Let's all sleep without having to ponder how Zac is fairing at the moment. He's with his Dad and all is well with the world!
It's enough to pray right now that all repairs will be accompllshed 'on-time, under-budget' and the progress to SA will be peaceful and swift for Zac.
I've had some wonderful adventures, but this circumnavigating thing so far is my favorite, and only my mind is there.
Let Zac the Man know that we're just as interested in his adventures on land and at sea. I hope that the pleasure he gets from them offset the effort of getting to them.
The Croaker
Greetings Zac, Suderlands, "Newbies" and Fellow Zac -Pac!!
Good to hear repairs are underway! You'll have to let us know just what had to be replaced/reapired, hopefully the list won't be too long.
Welcome to all new readers of Zac's blog, you're all in for a treat, and this is also a great place to meet new friends.
Blessings Zac, Laurence and all who have jumped in to help get Intrepid ready to head to Africa.
Hugs,
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Zac, Don't worry about Mike. Go to sailfar.net and you will find that everyone there is supporting you. You are so much of a better sailor than he. I would like to see him cross the I.O. with a broken boom. Have you ran into or talked to the Polish girl? I think she might be right behind you. You are living my dream while I'm stuck here in Iowa. Good luck to you, and have fun. Marc
yay! halfway! I'm glad Zac is finally getting some good rest (I'm sure a hot shower is a plus too after all that sailing time). And it's good that he's getting his boat fixed and that the people in Mauritus are being so helpful. I hope he has a good time with his dad while he can.
Prayers and blessings,
EmilyAnne
Fayetteville, NC
Hello All,
Thanks Marianne for the 99% report that will be confirmed by Zac.
So now Zac is half way around the world and his journey half completed. He's officially now "Coming Back Home". We'll forget about the other half of this world journey for now. It's R&R time right now.
Please let us know how all the repairs are going with Intrepid.
R and R = Rest and Repair,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
We'll see how things go with Mike Perham. I have my doubts but wish him all the luck he can get. Money can't buy everything he needs.
Have a nice weekend everybody
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
Funny, after 2-3000nm legs, 800nm seems short, but this leg around S. Africa will be a challenging leg for sure...
I'll personally breathe easier once he’s around the cape, oh but of course, there will be others that Skipper and I will be anxious about…
As far as the 99% boredom punctuated by 1% terror… I’ve never bought into those percentages unless it’s summer sailing on a lake or something…
With Zac, while I’m sure he’s going to say it’s really been no big deal (he’s a cool hand luke), I’m sure he’s had his moments (not just the wooden fishing vesell off of PNG) that he’ll “admit” to later on.. [laughing]
Daveh & Skipper
@ Birgit..Awesome pic & article..im diggen Zac's designer head band!!
It's just amazing what he is doing..I tell everyone i can him. I mentioned to his mom at the fundraiser that i felt like a stalker lol but like i said in Zac's birthday card, having a myspace lets him and anyone else know a little about me/us so if you don't have one, get one so Zac can get to know us too.
To the Capt. of Intrepid..AMAZING job of getting you and your lady of the sea safely to Mauritius!! I hope you and your dad had a little celebration too.
Your a rock Star Zac!
Take care and have fun!!
Laura BD CA
Whoops almost forgot to thank Marianne for answering some of my questions. Thanks Marianne..
Zac,
Hope you are able to go through the entire boat about 5 times while in port. From reading the other posts it sounds like the stress of heavy seas can be hard on even a new boat. At least you have been able to locate the weak points. Glad that Laurence is able to assist.
Auburn plays Georgia this weekend just in case someone in Grand Baie razzes you about your G shirt! (Ok, I admit that it is not likely but it could happen!)
Best of luck,
Steve
Birmingham, AL
Pictures Pictures Pictures !!!!
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Hi ZacPacers,
when you want to know what Laurence and the ex vendee racers are talking about, check out
http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en/
Currently, another edition of this race is on.
And another sailing race around the world is starts Leg 2 tomorrow from Cape Town towards Mauritius and on to India:
http://www.volvooceanrace.org/
Their race tracker may allow to easily check what winds Zac will encounter.
And then I enjoy sailing around the world virtually with these races. You find my virtual boat called "dunbur" sporting the colors of the Cal Bears, in the virtual regattas sponsored by these two races.
See you on the virtual ocean.
Cheers,
RK
Hi,
YESSSS!!! Zac's halfway there!!! My family and I will be praying for him. I think it's sooo cool that he's homeschooled like me. GO ZAC!
Joy =D
This comment has been removed by the author.
Three cheers for Zac! He has officially sailed half way around the world!
It has been so cool to follow your trip Zac. Espesially since you're homeschooled like me (as country girl said). It has also been amazing to see the faith you and your family have and how other christians are praying for you. My prayers join theirs in asking for a continued safe journey.
Thanks Mrs. Sunderland for the updates.
A friend
Its great to hear that Zac is at the half way point now. Hard to believe a lot of us have actually followed this from the beginning.
It all seems so easy reading about it from our computers. I'm sure its not the same for the Sunderland's or Zacs support team helping him in his navigation!
Even Zac has made it look fairly easy by showing his skills, and obviously his maturity, to be able to get through this first half with such amazing success.
So the old saying can be asked. Is the glass half empty? Or is it half full? I'm sure Zac looks at is as half full. We all wish him the very best in this next half.
I hope with his confidence to have accomplished so much so far, that he will be able to really enjoy this part. I hope he will be able to stop and smell the roses. I hope that this life changing experience brings him home as one of those rare people that can change other peoples lives. That he can be a leader this country so sorely needs more of.
Certainly he and his family have brought us so much already. They are truly special.
"Sailing to me isn't just about boats and it isn't about the destination," Goodlander says. "It's about freedom, it's about passion, it's about lust, it's about life."
I just thought this quote from Captain Fatty hit the mark.
We wish you a safe Atlantic crossing.
Marcia and Greg
Checking the comments after I make mine. I find one from "johnk". There's another one who is clueless as to what is going on here. Obviously, he's just found this blog and hasn't bothered to investigate the background and history of this event.
So, johnk, welcome to this site, but first you need to get your head screwed on straight, find out who's who and what's going on. Go back to the beginning of this adventure and read all the original posts and the comments. You need to get squared away on exactly who is Zac, Marianne, and Laurence and how they fit into the scheme of things.
Yes, everyone participating here loves it when Zac does the posts; however, reality and practicality frequently intervene like saving the boat, staying alive, sleeping, etc. We now consider a post my Marianne (Mom) or Laurence (Dad) as being relayed straight from the horse's mouth.
You'll come to recognize many participants on the site (commenters) and what they contribute to the community. Some just offer good cheer and best wishes. Others are experienced seafarers who make well informed suggestions for problem resolution. You will learn a lot from them.
Hang in here. You'll be part of a significant story happening in real time.
The Croaker
Hey Zac, I heard about what you are doing and I think it is awesome! My name is griffin and I am ten years old from Fox Island, Washington. I took my first sailing lesson this summer, so I really appreciate what you are doing. my family is currently vacationing in Wailea, Maui and was wondering if you were passing by? Good luck and be safe.
Griffin Doane
Hi Zac! I saw the post you left on my page. It's so cool having a buddy on a boat on the other side of the world! My grandpa was a big sailor. He did the transpac to Hawaii a few times and some other big races. He just cruises with some of his sailing friends now though. He used to take me out in his boat when I was little, before I got sick, but I don't really remember it. He sold his boat and moved to Fresno when I got leukemia to help my parents take care of me and my little brother. I think he misses it sometimes.
I hope you get your boat fixed. Maybe I can see it someday when you get back.
I'm going to Hollywood this weekend to go to a fundraiser for getting people put on the National Bone Marrow Registry. Wish me luck. I have to talk in front of 500 people! Yikes!
Catch you soon. Your buddy, Parker
Congrats, Zac. You're half way home!!! If you weren't so far away, we'd all throw you the biggest slam bang celebration you've ever seen. Of course, you're not, so we'll have to wait until you make it ALL the way home and THEN we'll throw you the biggest slam bang party Southern California has ever seen!!!!
High five!
:)
Scott
Yay, Zac!!-HALF WAY!!-
Well, keep up the good work!
Many Blessings-
Nicole
Wow, half way. I'm sure Zac and definitely not mom and dad feel this way but it really seems like time has flown by. I can't believe it has been around 5 months already and he is half way. Like someone else already said, it is coming home time now.
Way to go Zac and may God continue to hold you close as you journey back home, the other half of the way.
Renee
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