Ready to Go
Zac had a busy day yesterday with going up the mast and through the boat, reprovisioning and seeing the little town at Port Mathurin. He would have liked to stay longer but with cyclone season officially right around the corner, unfortunately there is no time. He really enjoyed the friendly people, the interesting and plentiful food and provisions. He had another good night of sleep and is now up and preparing to leave in a few hours. He needs to check out with customs before noon and buy more diesel. He is hoping to get a ride with a few of the customs guys in their truck to load up his jerry cans and haul them, filled with diesel, back to the boat.
We all enjoyed having a few days of relaxing and not thinking about weather (too much) and Zac's health etc. We have been busy organising additional equipment to send out to Mauritius.
Zac's forstay actually snapped about 10' up and so will need to be replaced. He is using his 2 spinnaker halyards as spares. His aft stay is looking good and buffeted by 2 running back stays.
Laurence got his mum on Skype to see all of the kids which was awesome. The three youngest have never been to England. We used to go back every couple of years until Laurence's father became to ill for us to visit. I am hoping to get everyone back there in the next year although they definitely don't have Ford Excursions there! They would take up both sides of the tiny lanes in Laurence's home town of Lymington. So I don't know how we would get around...
Back to Zac - he is rested, has had some good meals and is excited to get to Mauritius and see Laurence. Once in Africa, he will have more time to relax and travel.
Thank you to everyone who donated money, contacted their shipping contacts and ideas for the boom. We were able to not only to pay for the discounted shipping, but also the boom entirely from you all! It is simply amazing how people have come together behind Zac to support him. It does him a lot of good to know that people believe in his ability to do this.
Until tomorrow,
Marianne
We all enjoyed having a few days of relaxing and not thinking about weather (too much) and Zac's health etc. We have been busy organising additional equipment to send out to Mauritius.
Zac's forstay actually snapped about 10' up and so will need to be replaced. He is using his 2 spinnaker halyards as spares. His aft stay is looking good and buffeted by 2 running back stays.
Laurence got his mum on Skype to see all of the kids which was awesome. The three youngest have never been to England. We used to go back every couple of years until Laurence's father became to ill for us to visit. I am hoping to get everyone back there in the next year although they definitely don't have Ford Excursions there! They would take up both sides of the tiny lanes in Laurence's home town of Lymington. So I don't know how we would get around...
Back to Zac - he is rested, has had some good meals and is excited to get to Mauritius and see Laurence. Once in Africa, he will have more time to relax and travel.
Thank you to everyone who donated money, contacted their shipping contacts and ideas for the boom. We were able to not only to pay for the discounted shipping, but also the boom entirely from you all! It is simply amazing how people have come together behind Zac to support him. It does him a lot of good to know that people believe in his ability to do this.
Until tomorrow,
Marianne
posted by Zac at
6:39 PM
34 Comments:
Thank you for the update Miss Marianne.
Keep it up Zac. Be safe have fun. And if you have a camera take pictures. Just keep praying.
And Miss Marianne I know how big those cars can be on those tiny roads in England. LOL.
But anyway Zac are you going to stop at Mauritius on your way. I'm sure your boat will like it.
Keep it up
~Whitten
Zac,
As the rivulets follow the waves to the sea,
So may his blessings, follow thee.
Flora B. Mann, 1906-1975
Zac,
It is good to hear that you are just a couple of days away from your Dad and some well deserved relaxation.
It is obvious that you have a lot of supporters all over the world. That says a lot about your character, determination and your dreams.
Zac Pac
Just three more days to get your bids in 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 or give me a call. The phone number is on the auction page.
Thanks to all who have placed bids to help support Zac.
Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com
Almost half way!!! Happy and SAFE sailing!!! We are all looking forward to welcoming you home. AGAIN, you are an inspiration to ALL of us, young and old. You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. You are in my families hearts and prayers.
Lori Love
How Fantastic!
'Can't wait for Zac and Laurence to unite in Mauritius.
Marilyn
Woodland Hills
Thanks Marianne for the great report and am so pleased that Rodrigues Island was a refreshing respite for Zac.
I just want to say that this blog is the same type of "respite" for me. It takes me away from the difficult matters of my day to far away places on an Islander 36. So - thanks for your support on that.
Maureen
Boise
What great news Marianne! So glad the Zac is rested and well fed. Sounds like Intrepid is ready to make the journey to Mauritius. He must be so excited to see Laurence and really get to work. Hope they have a little fun time together, too. Almost half way!
How fun for Laurence and his mum to visit with the little ones on
Skype. Isn't our modern technology amazing?
That is just wonderful that the boom and shipping were covered by the Zac Pac! I think you're right, Douglas! Time to plan a first of the year fund raiser! We do love our Captain! We know we're eventually going to be planning a blow out party in MDR!
Always in our prayers...
Blessings,
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA
Marianne,
Thanks for the update! Isn't Skype wonderful - when it works (as I'm thinking of the Zac-Packers night....). You'll just have to get 2 cars when you go back to England with all the kids! Zac will be driving by then, and probably Abby too. Just think - if he can navigate around the globe, surely he can navigate a small hamlet in England - even if they drive on the *wrong* side!
Zac - glad you met some more awesome folks in Rodrigues! The world is really full of awesome people, sometimes we just have to keep our eyes open a bit more.
May your final leg to Mauritius be a bit less stressful and your dad be waiting to meet you!
Blessings to you all!
Karyn
karyn@bitworkssystems.com
PS. My second son's birthday is the same as yours - a wonderful day for a birthday!
As my 14 year old son sits and watches the adventures of "Crusoe," I am reading and dreaming of the adventures of Zac-can't wait for the next chapter! Zac sure know how to live the nail-biter, cliff-hanger.
Zac, press on toward the goal, fight the fight, keep the faith, and finish the race!
Marianne, keep the homelights burning! Thanks once again for keeping us all informed and up-to-date.
Laurence, speed to your son. What a mentor, what a legacy.
Sunderland kids, thanks for your patience and support for your brother's vision.
Carry on, Sunderlands!
Blessings!
Gayle, Brian, Xan, Riley and Jesse
I imagine Zac is on his way by now. Looking forward to hearing about his reunion with Laurence and tending to the repairs on Intrepid. She has been a faithful guide and companion for Zac and for that I'm grateful.
Glad to hear Laurence was able to use his Skype so his mum could see the kids. I have many family members in Yarmouth and Bournemouth which are close to Lymington, so I know what you mean by getting a vehicle through those narrow roads.
Am looking forward to hearing from Zac about his brief but necessary stay on Mauritus.
Hi Marianne,
Thanks for the update!
We are happy to hear Zac is doing well and onto Mauritius.
Sail on!!
Liz and Family
hi Marianne
Do you have any idea when Zac will arrive in Durban. I am a member of the Point Yacht Club and we would like to arrange a small welcoming party for Zac.
best regards
Chris Sutton
pyckeelers@gmail.com
Sounds like things are going well. Thanks for the update Marianne. We definitely want Zac to get going so he can escape whatever cyclones are brewing in the region this season.
You're almost to Africa. Hoping things go swiftly, Zac!
:)
Scott
You Americans have a strange view of England. Lymington is a town, not a hamlet and, you know, we manage just fine driving around, even in large vehicles. You may also be surprised to know that you don't need a massive gas-guzzler to travel around. :-)
Greetings all!
Very good to hear Zac has everything under control. It never ceases to amaze me, the goodness of others. There is no such thing as coincidence!
Large forces on all Zac's rigging, good that he will be replacing with new.
Even in these tough economic times, people are generous enough to help Zac out; such a blessing!
Sail on to Mauritius and to your half-way point! Remember you have God's own angels about you and are covered in prayer from many, many people from all over!
Hugs,
Anita ~_/)
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"
Avid Zac fan
Proud member Zac-Pac
ps @ Glen:¿Cómo usted ha sido? Falto la audiencia de usted, espero que ésta le encuentra bien. ¡Tome el cuidado, y escriba cuando usted puede! :)
Fair winds and more than a little good luck for our Intrepid's as they make the final push to some R&R.
Odd. I've never seen or heard of a forstay snapping 10' up. Usually it would fail at a connection. There must have been a manufacturing flaw; although it's hard to imagine even that could happen. Or maybe it got dinged, or crimped somehow, yep very odd, I guess you just never know what to expect.....I'm just happy to hear Zac's been able to rest and refuel (himself and the diesel). I looked up Rodrigues Island and it sure looks like a beautiful place. His story gets more and more interesting every day. I sure hope he turns all this into a book.
To all the new Zac pacers.
There is a map where you can place a pin on the location where you are at. The Link is:
http://pub31.bravenet.com/guestmap/show.php?usernum=2662145323&password=&entrylist=0&movetox=-29&movetoy=-180
I know we have more than 136 people sailing with Capt. Zac
Have a nice weekend
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
Hello Marianne & The Pac,
What great news doing some repairs and also seeing a little of the Island. It's sad that cyclone season is around the corner limiting Zac time there. We must be safe so Africa here we come.
Nice job on the Skype work. I'm sure Grandma also enjoy it as well as the kids.
It's nice to know that the LA Gathering helped with some of the expenses. Everyone had a great time and we help Zac along his journey. He's almost half way out and after that he'll be coming back home. Coming back home must sound really good for all the Sunderland's.
@ Zac, sail towards Africa and give Dad a great big hug from all of us here at the Zac Pac!!!
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
YO ZAC!
im tellin all my friends about u god bless you ill keep you in my prayers prayin for fvorable winds
donald j. anthony boston ma
good day
Just a small info from Rodrigues Island:
Zac left this afternoon at about 4pm, maybe a little bit earlier.
I have uploaded 3 pics from yesterday and today in my Rodrigues blog which you will find here
Rodrigues via Mauritius
http://insel-rodrigues.blogspot.com
I would have liked to talk to him longer but I missed him several times and when we met, it was just shortly before he wated to leave...
So it seems I will come back here from time to time to see how he is doing!
Birgit, the lady with the book but not being a librarian...))
@ anonymous-
Just curious as to what type of vehicles are available in the UK for rental that will accomodate two adults and seven children (9 persons total, with some requiring carseats), and their luggage?
Although I don't understand much of the jargon, it almost sounded like the Intrepid was darned near crippled. Your updates are wonderful. the whole story is reassuring about the generous nature of mankind underneath it all. The posts are messages of hope for all people on a broader scope than just your family's adventure. I hope you realize how uplifting this is for many many people.
-Charlie, Maine
Birgit and Dirk,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I so much appreciate the link to your blog with the accompanying photos of Zac and Intrepid. It was very thoughtful of you to not only photograph him for all of us who are following his journey, but to also bring him some fresh bread to eat!
It also warmed my heart to scroll down and see your blog about the our President-elect Obama. Two men (Zac and Barack) doing historic things. Very cool!
Again, I can't thank you enough for your thoughtfullness towards Zac!
Hi, all. The latest article about Zac in the Saturday Los Angeles Times online.......
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-zac9-2008nov09,0,5016178.story
There are a few articles where you can only read them if you are registered. I am. If you are not, you can very easily by filling out the necessary info. It's free. This won't be the last article about the Zac-Meister so maybe it would be to your advantage to do it.
Scott
:)
Birgit und Dirk,
Im Namen aller Zac Pac, ich danke Ihnen für das Update und die Fotos.
Ein besonders warmer ich danke Ihnen für alles, was Sie getan haben, für Zac während seiner Zeitraum von travails.
Wir hoffen, dass Sie wird Teil des Zac Pac und folgen Zac wie er absolviert seinen Traum.
Mit herzlichen Grüßen.
Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com
Birgit and Dirk,
On behalf of all the Zac Pac, thank you for the update and the photos.
An especially warm thank you for all you have done for Zac during his period of travails.
We hope that you shall become part of the Zac Pac and will follow Zac as he completes his dream.
With warmest regards.
Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com
@ Birgit Rudolph/Dirk Krehl
Thank you for the wonderful photos of Zac and Intrepid!!
WOW, that head sail was a mess, NO WAY that could have been repaired at sea.
Again, many thanks!
Anita
Waterloo, NY
@ Bill
Dein Deutsch ist sehr gut :-)
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
Hi All,
I checked in with Pete Thomas, the author of the article in the LA Times. The article is in the Sunday paper. People who have seen it already have seen it in the early release edition that comes out on Saturday. If you like his article, let him know! He is a top guy and has faithfully been following Zac since before he left.
Cheers,
Marianne Sunderland
PS Zac is doing well at sea. Will blog again after he wakes up in his morning. :)
Wow Zac, those pictures are scary...i read all the close calls but to actually see the results... but as usual, you handle it like the pro that you are.
So here's a question for ya Zac.. whats it like when you get off the boat..do you still feel like your on the water? When i was a kid, my friend lived on a 57ft. cabin cruiser and when i would stay the weekends with her, i would still feel like i was rocking for a day or so when i went home..do you feel that too?
Well Capt. stay safe & dry and have a great visit with you dad.
Laura
Bermuda Dunes Ca
WTF? What parents let there 16 year old do this? And aren't there better causes to donate money to than some spoiled rich kid from MDR sailing around the world? Food for the hungry? Shelter for the homeless?
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
Thank you so much for your warm welcoming to the zac pac, especially to Bill who did it in German too!! But don't thank us too much, as we haven't really done anything.Normally I offer doing the laundry for the sailors or showing them around...but Zac was much too busy, so we couldn't even speak about how we could help him...I think with the people from the tug boats and the others, he was already well off.
Here in Rodrigues the weather has started to deteriorate since Zac left yesterday, during the night we got a lot of rain and some wind, until now the rain hasn't stopped.
Concerning the wind of about 20 knots,that will probably be OK but the rain will not make it comfortable...
On our blog you find some weather links (satellite photo etc.).
I'll be in touch later, I have to hurry now as there is the celebration of the International Day of Armistice...
The article in the Los Angeles Time is interesting...
Birgit from Rodrigues Island
Anon is right, some (but not all) Yanks have a blinkered view of the world.
Lymington is not a hamlet but a small coastal town that is very beautiful and well worth a visit. Lorries and buses drive through its streets so you'd be fine in a people carrier or minibus (yes, you can rent these). Or, the area is reasonably served by public transport so you could use trains and buses. So do come and see us - you'd be very welcome :-)
Getting back to sailing, a 16yr old English boy is planning a record-breaking round the world trip in an Ocean 60. He and Zak should get in touch, if they're not already: www.sailmike.com/
Hey Zac,
Wow, those photos from Birgit's blog gave me butterflies; the same feeling I get when I see a nasty wound! I'm so glad for those little spots of land in between like Rodriguez Island, where you could stop and sort it all out as best you could.
Thanks also to Birgit for those photos and for having Zac sign the sailors log book. It is too bad you didn't get to talk to Zac. I'm sure he was just a blur of motion!
Thanks to to Marianne for so many updates on what is happening. I'm just happy as a clam reading all the blog updates from you and comments from the Zac-Pac!
I've done a bit of Christmas shopping from the giftclix site. I may have spelled that wrong.
I pray that your sail serves you well until you reach Mauritius Zac.
Nagaa~~Becky in Colorado
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