On to Mauritius II
Latest Position: 11/09/08 0427Z 19 46.687S 62 24.738E
When Zac went into town at Port Mathurin to complete his final business there (customs and buying diesel) he entered the towns Saturday Market. There were all kinds of foods and goods made by the locals etc. He bought a few things and went back to the boat to make sure what the exchange rate was between the Mauritius Rupee and the American dollar. One hundred rupees is the equivalent of $3.10. He picked up some wooden flutes and a bongo-type drum for the kids as well as a new stash of headbands to keep his hair out of his face! With 100 rupees left at the end of his 'shopping spree' he dropped the money into a slot-type machine to be done with it. He ended up winning the jackpot of 500 rupees. Yes, $15.00! He was happy to learn that his rupees will still be good in Port Louis, Mauritius.
Diesel loaded and provisions stowed he motored out through the reef passage back into the Indian Ocean. He was met promptly by the obligatory 20 knots out of the east. He sailed past the huge outlying reef surrounding the island and back on course to Port Louis. He was in great spirits and happy to be back on the water.
For those of you who are hearing of Zac's trip through the La Times article coming out this weekend, this blog is usually written by Zac except for times when he is too busy to write and then I (mom) relay what has been going on. Also, when re-reading the article I realized that in trying to summarize Zac's trip thus far, it sounds like a bit of a nightmare. There have also been many incredibly good times for Zac on this trip. That is the nature of sailing and especially cruising (long term sailing). There are higher highs and lower lows.
For more information on Zac and his trip you can go to Zac's site and read the FAQ section and also on the blog you can read the archives of his blog back to April when he and his dad and half of Marina del Rey put Intrepid together for this trip. I would caution people not to jump to conclusions about who Zac is or what the trip is unless they have done these things.
Also, please feel free to shoot any questions you may have either for his parents or for Zac to zacsworldadventure@yahoo.com
Zac had a long night of massive squalls with lightning and thunder for much of the night. It is like the Indian Ocean is trying to give him as much grief as he can before Zac finally passes through! To add insult to injury, the forecast for the next 2 days is a dead calm!
I spent a few minutes on Skype with Laurence and Jen from the airport in Dubai this morning. They were pretty tired but excited to finally get to Mauritius and Zac.
Cheers,
Marianne Sunderland
Mom
When Zac went into town at Port Mathurin to complete his final business there (customs and buying diesel) he entered the towns Saturday Market. There were all kinds of foods and goods made by the locals etc. He bought a few things and went back to the boat to make sure what the exchange rate was between the Mauritius Rupee and the American dollar. One hundred rupees is the equivalent of $3.10. He picked up some wooden flutes and a bongo-type drum for the kids as well as a new stash of headbands to keep his hair out of his face! With 100 rupees left at the end of his 'shopping spree' he dropped the money into a slot-type machine to be done with it. He ended up winning the jackpot of 500 rupees. Yes, $15.00! He was happy to learn that his rupees will still be good in Port Louis, Mauritius.
Diesel loaded and provisions stowed he motored out through the reef passage back into the Indian Ocean. He was met promptly by the obligatory 20 knots out of the east. He sailed past the huge outlying reef surrounding the island and back on course to Port Louis. He was in great spirits and happy to be back on the water.
For those of you who are hearing of Zac's trip through the La Times article coming out this weekend, this blog is usually written by Zac except for times when he is too busy to write and then I (mom) relay what has been going on. Also, when re-reading the article I realized that in trying to summarize Zac's trip thus far, it sounds like a bit of a nightmare. There have also been many incredibly good times for Zac on this trip. That is the nature of sailing and especially cruising (long term sailing). There are higher highs and lower lows.
For more information on Zac and his trip you can go to Zac's site and read the FAQ section and also on the blog you can read the archives of his blog back to April when he and his dad and half of Marina del Rey put Intrepid together for this trip. I would caution people not to jump to conclusions about who Zac is or what the trip is unless they have done these things.
Also, please feel free to shoot any questions you may have either for his parents or for Zac to zacsworldadventure@yahoo.com
Zac had a long night of massive squalls with lightning and thunder for much of the night. It is like the Indian Ocean is trying to give him as much grief as he can before Zac finally passes through! To add insult to injury, the forecast for the next 2 days is a dead calm!
I spent a few minutes on Skype with Laurence and Jen from the airport in Dubai this morning. They were pretty tired but excited to finally get to Mauritius and Zac.
Cheers,
Marianne Sunderland
Mom
posted by Zac at
9:01 PM
32 Comments:
JACKPOT! lets keep that good luck going forward Zac!
So glad to hear Zac is back on the water!! Dead Calm.. uggh, although it sounds like the motor is better(?) so at least he won't be sitting there like a cork.
The TrackZac Map combines Zac's Blogs with an interactive Map that shows Zacs Route, Blog Positions and keeps track of time and distance.
1) For newcomers, the TrackZac map is an easy way to catchup on Zac's story. The catchup mode allows new users to see a quick summary of the blog entry in a map popup by clicking an icon or list. (To use: disable the Quick Link option under the Map options). By default each blog will be opened without a preview.
2) There is also a smaller version. It is not fully interactive (loads faster) but it will automatically update the map position (if available) and blog link (bottom left) when a new blog post is made. You can also see a detailed view of Zac's positions reported in the last 10 blogs by clicking on the map.
You can even email, IM or add it to your website or blog by visiting I'm Tracking Zac.
Zac is more than half way home and there are lots of great things the Zac Pac is doing to help support the Team. Now we need to start spreading the word, beyond the resources we have all ready applied, to get new supporters for the second half of the adventure.
Hopefully this will help spread the word. I've added it to four of our sites/blogs.
Comments are always appreciated!!
Enjoy
Chris
Yea Zac!!!
Very cool you got a little spending cash from the one-armed bandit!! You had luck on your side as those machines are usually not so generous!
You're an awesome big brother, shopping for gifts to take back home, what kid doesn't like musical instruments?? :)
The photos of Intrepid on the last blog spoke volumes! Her head sail was a mess!! WOW, Like I wrote eariler, no way I would have wanted to have that repaired or corrected at sea! Good decision on your part to make a stop over. I can imagine the noise and danger that sail flapping and snapping in the wind posed. What type of new sail will you have? Perhaps mylar??
My sister spent 2 weeks this past August in Africa and LOVED every moment. She was in Botswana at one of the game reserves and also Dijuma (sp?) She's told us over and over it was a trip of a lifetime, and the people there are fabulous. I'm excited that you and your dad will be going to such a special place.
Zac, are any of your brothers or sisters as interested and skilled in sailing as you?
Blessings as you sail on to your next port, I imagine you are anxious to get to your dad!!
Be safe, hugs,
Anita ~_/)
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"
Hi Zac,
It has been a long time sense I have wrote anything to you. But, that does not mean that I have not kept up with what you have been doing.
If I had the money and time I would have loved to go to LA for the party in your Honor. It looks like it was a fun time.
It is that point in your adventure that the mechanical things will be stress out. It sounds like it is started. But you seem like you are thinking things though and coming up with fix's.
The Indian Ocean is getting you ready to go around the Horn. I know that you will make it around. I have been around the Horn, but on the USS Enterprise.
It would seem like you are making great time. Before you know it you will be back home with your family and friends. Keep looking forward, you are doing great.
Until next time.
Gary, Houston, Tx
Zac,
Hmm, No drivers license, no haircut, but hitting the jackpot already. Las Vegas, watch out in about four years and almost one month.
For those of you joining us for the first time because of the article in the L.A. Times today, a warm welcome. As the comments from the readers of the blog will attest, there is a warm caring group of followers of Zac's exploits. As Marianne stated and as Zac has written, there have been some very anxious moments during the voyage and some incredibly high highs, such as when Zac described the feeling of being on the Pacific Ocean with the moon beaming down and the phosphorescence of the white caps on the surface of the sea.
Many of the commentators have become friends and carry on email friendships outside of the blog which has expanded all of our lives.
It is so refreshing to see the sort of article that showed up in the paper, rather than the gang shootings, drug busts, low test scores, and hopelessness of so many teenagers that makes it into the Times.
Enough of us feel so strongly in the young lads quest that we willing try to support him to the best of our ability.
In that spirit, I am running a blind auction every week to try to raise funds to help in our small way to keep the voyage going.
To the established readers and those new ones coming in today, tomorrow the first ever Zac's blind online auction will close at 6:00 PM Pacific Standard Time. I am happy to report that all of the items have bids upon them. At 6:00 PM today I shall send emails to all of the bidders and let them know what the high bid is. You will then have 24 hours to improve upon your bid if you so choose.
You may see the items at www.barstools4u.com/zac.htm
If you have any questions about the auction, drop me an email or give me a call. The phone number is on the auction page.
Thanks to all who have placed bids to help support Zac. And thanks to all who helped Zac simply by reading this blog and lending moral support.
Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com
Where can we see current pics of Zac??He must take pics as he travels, are they posted somewhere?? I would love to see some pictures of the places he has been and does he take pictures as he sails? Please steer me in the direction of current pictures. Thanks
Marianne - When you said dead calm I couldn't believe it....
I just looked and I actually see a WEST wind at 5kts tomorrow and Tuesday. In Hawaii this is called a Kona wind because it's not trade-winds, not sure what this would be called in the Indian Ocean...
Daveh & Skipper
Link to the LA Times Article
LINK TO LA TIMES ARTICLE
Daveh & Skipper
According to his last position and a few calculations... Zac should be hitting the halfway point at the time of this post.
He now has less to go than how far he's come.
Kensei (Jeff)
Just as Mom has already said, the chronicle that is Zac's circumnavigation adventure is fraught with times of peril, times of concern, but also times of laughter, and tears of joy, with a couple bits of useful information as well, just to keep you thinking.
But I too would caution any new readers and followers.... circumnavigation of this huge and unpredictable world is not for the faint of heart, or the inexperienced.
Zac has consistently shown his amazing maturity, incredible sailing skills, and the ability to think, act, and resolve issues under great stress. And that is what will get him around the world solo!
There is also in place some of the most dedicated, active, and professional people, who for want of a better term, are riding along every nautical mile with Zac. Weather, logistics, advanced planning, repairs and ideas. All done from the other end of the world.
I would be remiss in not mentioning one of the most amazing and supportive families, I have come to know through this medium of blogging.
And then there are the hundreds and thousands of fans, the daily readers and contributors to this blog effort. Who have held their breath, shed their tears, shouted and prayed to heaven above for the safe passage of a remarkable young man.
So.....new readers, join in on what now is a trip towards home since the half way point is within reach. You're concerns have been voiced before, any questions you have about right or wrong have been answered already. Join in on the joy, the fun, and the effort of bringing Zac home....and share the ride along with all the others who are here to witness the feat.
Zac, As I said above, it's all about heading towards home now. Do it safe, and well, and just as smart and enjoyable as you have to get where you are.
Hi,again hello from Rodrigues Island,
Concerning the jackpot I suppose he must have been at 'P'tit Monaco' after he was on the market...
I have posted 2 additional photos on our Rodrigues blog, for those who have missed the link yesterday, it's
http://insel-rodrigues.blogspot.com
Unfortunately I have no close ups...sorry.
Marianne, got your mail, I will ask around if someone else has taken some photos of Zac here.
Bye from Rodrigues for today
Birgit
By the way, after re-reading my post about WEST wind...
...I wasn't saying Marianne was incorrect about dead calm, by no means, what I was saying is that it's really rare to have a no-wind or a wind that is in contrast or counter direction to the trade winds, which are easterly...
The software I use (ugrib) shows no wind (like Marianne corrected stated) or a very light West wind, which is quite rare in the trade wind belt….
I think most of you would really find the ugrib software (found by Axel and it' free) very interesting for when Zac is on the Africa leg...
Being able to see the winds, patters, and changes for that leg, showing wind forecast for up to 7 days ahead will really add to the effort Zac will undertake rounding Africa…
Trades are largely consistent (minus the squalls) and you set your sails and run largely downwind...
The Africa leg, the storms can come through every 2-3 days, with the wind being fierce and constantly changing directions, there will be a ton of sail handing adjustments on this leg of his trip…
www.ugrib.us
Daveh
Devah,
Thank you for the link. However I think that folks would like to know that Zac made the bottom right corner of the Front Page of the L.A. Times.
www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/
Right alongside the news on the economy, Barack Obama, the fate of Texas politics and the shrinking size of peanut butter jars.
The L.A. Times saw fit to feature 5 top stories on the front page and our Zac is one of the five.
You are rocking Zac. Now get a haircut before they take your next photo.
Bill Mann
Geeze, I'm having issues this AM...
I meant to say;
like Marianne "correctly" stated...
Daveh
@ billabong -
Your TrackZac Map That is a great way for those just now finding about Zac to read the blog, but also see where he is/was on each day of the blog...
Cool job!
Daveh
Great update Marianne. Glad to hear that Zac is refreshed with more wind in his personal sails.
With regards to the LA Times article and your comments relative to it; having not read the article yet, I can only surmise that the writer probably took some liberties as dramatizing Zac's various situations in an effort to make the article more interesting. Those of us who follow Zac's blog are better able to read between the lines. I can only hope that some of those readers who become intrigued by Zac's adventure log on to the blog to get a more real-time version of the trip.
Thanks daveh for the link. I'll have to read it later as it is soccer sunday for my son! Have a great sunday everyone!
The San Jose Mercury News had the LA Times article in todays (Sunday 9 Nov) paper.
This takes me back to my youth when I read and was enthralled by Thor Heyerdahl and Kon Tiki.
Good luck Zac. I'll be following along.
Conrad
I was so glad to hear Zac was "in great spirits." Very glad to hear that!
from Iowa
Miss Anita -
Where did you see the pic of Intrepids rigging/sails? Would you be able to repost the link? Thx for keeping your posts upbeat :)
Sir DavidH -
Thx for the LATimes link. The article held so many details of/answers to questions I've had. Thx for posting it man!
Bill Mann/Kodiak Mike -
Does the pull-over come w/a six pack? ;) If so, increase my bid another $25.
Capt Zac -
There are so many of us praying/thinking positive thoughts/keeping white candles-lights lit for you. When Sol sets each new day, keep an image of God's Brilliant White rainment surrounding you & Intrepid being held safely in His Blessed Hands. May you draw comfort & peace from His strength throughout the rest of the long journey ahead.
I'm going to share a story from my youth about the power of prayer. My Father & I (a couple yrs younger than you are now) were visiting the sick in a local hospital. He'd received a phone call from our Bishop who asked him to visit an elderly dying woman. She'd requested an Elder from our church to be w/her while she passed so that she wouldn't be alone. We left the hospital & our trusty car wouldn't start. Dad, not even looking under the hood, said a quick prayer & restarted the car. We came to a light & she sputtered to a stop again. Another prayer & she restarted. Unbeknownst to me at the time, we were low on fuel & had several more miles to travel to reach the passing church member (Dad didn't tell me this until later). We arrived at the church member's home, Dad went in & gave her a blessing. She passed w/a peacefilled smile on her face shortly thereafter.
I know firsthand the power righteous prayer can have. Whenever you are in doubt/scared or just need God's comforting touch - pray. You need to talk to someone, but feel uncomfortable discussing your thoughts w/someone else - pray. You'll either feel good about your thoughts/choice of action or bad - follow your inner heart/spirit.
As written in the Christian Bible, "whenever two or more are gathered in My Name...."
Capt -
As I've asked before, if you need something - just ask. We ZacPac'ers will do our best to find a way to meet your need/request whether you post it or Lady Marianne/Lord Laurence request it on you behalf.
Team Sunderland -
Thx for continuing to share Capt Zac's journey w/us & permitting us to be a small part of your lives.
Warm Fuzzy HUGS!!!
Tomi/ATL
How exciting it was for me to pick up our local paper - The Bend Bulletin - and find the LA Times article and pictures on the Front Page. Even tho the good times were not explored as much as the challenging times, it was a good article and hopefully will bring more folks into our Zac Pac.
Hey new Zac Paccers - you have now joined one of the nicest, most caring, fun groups of people out there. So welcome to you.
To Laurence, and Jen here's to a good rest and great visit with Zac.
To Marianne and the rest of the tribe - You are in our prayers too during this time when Team Zac is split. Hope it is not a stressful time or at least minimal stress for you until the others return.
Many prayers for you Zac for safe passage on this leg of your journey. Congrats on the Jackpot. Many surprises of good stuff are out there for you.
Take Care all - Kathy Bend, OR
Zac and family. We cannot express the joy and excitment we experience with every blog. Zac is constantly in our thoughts and prayers. What an amazing young man and what proud parents you must be. Zac...Godspeed, fair winds and following seas....
i was brought to tears reading struggles traveling across world, to only imagine facing pirates and storms by a 16 year old young man is absolutely inspiring. i will keep you in by thoughts, thru your perilous journey...
Sweet Heavens Capt! Just saw the pics Birgit shared. Beloved Intrepid surely has taken quite a beating. Hopefully, the seas will be much lower in swells & the winds less strong, but no less consistent so that you may reach Mauritis safely to fully repair her. Gods love ya lad!
Warm Fuzzy HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
PS -
Have sent another donation to help out, not much, but hopefully it'll help.
T.
Marilyn just informed me that my link to Ugrib was wrong...
My sincere apoloties...
Please go to http://www.grib.us/
You'll need to register, a simple process...
I'll try to type up some "use notes" later tonight...
Daveh
I don't normally read the L.A. Times, since there's enough socialist propaganda in my life already, but I did pick up the issue with Zac's article in it,and it was really engaging! Their focus was on Zac's abilities and his support group during some of the more challenging moments of his little trip.
For those of us who are loyal Pac'ers, there weren't any surprises, but it was a great introduction between Zac, his family, and that portion of the world that hasn't been fortunate enough to meet him before.
And, as Bill said, front page no less! It's really inspiring to have a teen make the front page of a major publication for something other than getting shot, going to jail, or getting a starlet pregnant. See? There are some youth out there who aren't contributing to the fall of western society! Pick one and encourage him or her today!
Praying daily Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle
The point of no return has been reached. Zac is now less 'sailing around the world' than he is 'on the way home.' Yes!
A jackpot on an Indian Ocean island? You'll never read that in Slocum! Everything has its ups and downs. Zac is now sailing into the arms of Dad and Jen! I'd say it's definitly up now.
Marianne, thanks for the update. It was one we needed.
Zac, just keep on keeping on and it'll be a done deal. You are the Alpha Dude!
The Croaker
Hello Everyone,
When I brought the LA Times in this morning I immediately looked for Zac's article. It took me a good while to find it since I would have never guessed it was going to be on the Front Page. I was amazed. Anyone who has ever seen the Sunday Edition of The Los Angeles Times knows how large it is. It was great to have Zac sailing on the Front Page it's incredible and such a great honor!!! He's LA Times Front Page material now. It's about time.
What great luck on the jackpot win. I'm glad Zac's not old enough for Vegas yet!!!
Enjoy your sail and have a great time getting into Africa.
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Hi Everyone –
First, I apologize about this long winded post…
Second, I want to say that ClearPoint Weather is waaaaaaaaaaay more sophisticated and detailed than the free Ugrib application…
With that said, the Ugrib application is a great tool for those following Zac and for GROWING THE APPRECIATION for what Zac is experiencing on a day in and day out basis, ESPECIALLY for this next leg around S. Africa…
Like I’ve said in the past, Zac has met many challenges, and done just soooooooo amazingly well, thus we are lifted by his success and have also rode the roller coaster with Marianne & Laurence…
So far, Zac has had mainly consistent trade winds, broken up by the occasional mild to insane squall. Most of his sailing has been largely beam to off the beam (coming from the side or from the side to stern, or mainly quarter stern). So, sailing with a stern’ish wind is let’s say, easier (to an extent)
Why? You’re largely going with the wind and with the waves, so you don’t get bounced around so much… Yes, there’s a lot of rolling, but overall, a more pleasant point of sail.
On his leg around S. Africa, there will be hours and maybe days, where Zac is beating into the wind a lot, or somewhat into the wind… This means the wind and waves will be coming at him or worse, a mixed and confused combination…
This changes the entire experience, not that 3/4 off the wind in 25kts is a cake walk, but it’s not 25kts on the nose in 12’ seas, no way at all. If the wind is 25kts and Zac is progressing fwd (beating into the wind) at 6-7 kts, the apparent wind feels more like 30kts. If he’s sailing downwind in 25kts, at 6-7 knots, the apparent wind is 12-15 kts, radically different…
Now I am by no means trying to scare anyone, or worry anyone, but I am trying to help some that haven’t sailed understand what this next leg entails…
I’ve posted some images on www.temphost101.com for those that don’t want to register and download the Ugrib application…
I’ve also posted the original “wind currents” image for those that are interested.. BUT remember to scroll left and right to view the entire global image…
When you look at the Ugrib image, note that there are little hash marks on the little sticks (best I can describe it) so if the hash marks were like the back side of an arrow, then that would indicate the direction the arrow is going, and thus, indicates the direction the wind is going… the more hash marks and the longer the hash marks are the more wind…
www.grib.us
A few tips about using Ugrib…
1. There are 3 tabs on the lower left, Data Selector, Data Viewer, Animation (I don’t use the animation much, I scroll through counting the days to get a better fell.
2. On the Data Selector tab, I adjust the “GRIB data options) to be 7 Days and 24 (hour) Interval
3. Next, select the area you want to see by putting the cursor in one corner, clicking on the mouse and dragging it to your end point
4. Next select Download GRIB File
5. After a few seconds (depending on your connection speed) you’ll be switched to the Data Viewer tab
6. To select another area or adjust your settings, go to the Data Selector tab and make your adjustments…
Have fun, and feel like you’re with Zac a bit more with this…
Daveh & Skipper
Good job Zac! Hope everything continues to go well! I'll be praying for you! God bless!
very cool mission indeed Zac!!
so while I haven't read everything on the site, I am wondering: does your family fly out to meet you at any/all of your landfalls?
"Watching as they disappear,
Reading out the names
Of all the places I have never been,
Looking out to sea,
Staring out to sea,
Dreaming of a wide world,
Dreaming of the wide world,"
-Sailing Away, Chris de Burgh
WOW, Zac you showed up in our local paper, Daytona Beach, FL. Your journey is inspirational and the least being just a "cool factor". I am a young "46" (realitive) retired Coast Guard Officer and know the love, fear, lonelyness on the water. What most people do not realize is the beauty on a calm sea on the wake of sunrise and the retirement of the sunset. Envy at best describes how I feel. Hope you continue your venture and journey through to your end, as I have no doubt in your character from what I have read and studied about you. Please feel free to contact me via email at any time if you would like adivse or just a sounding board. I can share so much if need be or simply be a pinpal. All the best Captain. Enjoy and know you have a lot of people behind you. The people you meet you will never forget. My email is cgjimmy@cfl.rr.com (it means Coast Guard Jimmy). You are living the "cool change" brother. Sincerly, Jame Edward Geczik, United States Coast Guard.
Great job Zac! We read your article in the Houston Chronicle on Sunday and were so inspired. We decided to google you and follow your adventure. We wish you many blessings for the rest of your adventure. Happy Birthday! We are originally from So. Calif, then moved to Boise, ID and are now in League City, Tx near Galveston. Our 11yr old is having fun following your adventure! Blessings from Texas!
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