Troubles at Sea

G'day to All ,

We can often think that the dream of a circumnavigation is sailing from one perfect sunset into the next. However, those that have actually embarked and had the privilege to do so often tell a very different story. The challenges faced can be unlike any ever experienced on land. The test of endurance stretches us beyond the realm of normalcy. For those who have endured, these are the experiences that mould us.

Zac has been and is going through a challenging time out there. A time that he will surely remember for a long time.

It was Saturday and Toby and Jessie had back-to-back soccer games early. The weather here was unusually stormy with periodic heavy rain, lightening and thunder. I couldn't help thinking of Zac out there in the middle of the Indian Ocean and the squalls he has been facing recently. Jessie's game was interrupted by the weather and was supposed to resume but half of the opposing team had gone home and so had a victory by default. Then Toby's team was in the middle of a great game that they won 3:1, taking them to the top of their league, when my cell phone rang. I recognized Zac's number and realizing that it was after midnight where he was I knew that this was going to demand my full attention. There was no time for small talk as Zac informed me of his current dilemma. The forestay that goes from the top of the mast to the bow (pointed end of yacht) had come adrift from the chain plate on the bow. His conditions 8-10 ft confused swells and 20 knots of wind and building. I was thankful that we had decided to put the cutter stay in because it's presence obviously saved the rig. I told him to set both spinnaker halyards (lines that go to the top of mast that are used to pull up spinnaker) to take up the load and tie the forestay off to stop it flailing around in the conditions . Unfortunately, the phone connection was not that good and we both found ourselves having to repeat several times before actually understanding each other. Knowing he was fatigued and the task at hand was serious I told him to check his harness and be careful . From the hours of midnight to 3:00 am he wrestled with his situation. What made this all the more awkward was the fact that he was unable to furl his Genoa. It was almost as if the soccer game didn't matter as I wrestled in my mind knowing Zac was out there being challenged by the elements and a serious situation that had not yet been remedied. I hoped that my advice was taken (and heard!) through our bad connection . Going on deck can be challenging at the best of times. Trying to undertake these tasks in the conditions Zac was in are very dangerous. As I hung up with Zac I was sobered by his daunting task at hand. I wanted him to stabilize the situation so he could analyze it and make a more permanent fix during day light hours. Prayer requests went out as we waited to hear and our anxiety went up a notch . The ensuing hours seemed an eternity. Then the phone rang. The situation had been stabilized but not before he had nearly fallen overboard twice (yes, he was harnessed), and the stay with Genoa had caught an unusual gust of wind that sent it flying out from the vessel only to come careening back through the life lines narrowly missing him as he jumped out of it's way.

The following day Zac took hold of his situation and we discussed a remedy. I consulted with some of the rigging experts that I know that were in agreement with our solution to the problem . Ordinarily Zac would have to take off the furling drum to get to the turnbuckle. Knowing that this would be quite a task and would more than likely end up with part of the furling system in the water we decided to loosen the main sheet aft stay and aft lowers whilst keeping tension on the spinnaker halyards to move the top of the mast forward. He did this and managed to get a couple of shackles to hold the stay to the chain plate. He used seizing wire to ensure that the shackles would not work loose and then he re-tuned the rig. He is currently making 6.5-7 knots under reefed main with spinnaker halyards still acting as stays. If conditions subside, Zac will consider taking apart the necessary portion of the furling system to get to the turn buckle to loosen it so he will be able to get the pin in, to hold the stay to the chain plate. Big thanks to all those who were praying. Please continue to do so.

I want to thank every one who turned up, sponsored and supported last Sunday's celebration fund raiser for Zac. Through the silent auction, tickets sold and the Odyssey cruise we raised almost $6,000. As Zac approaches this halfway mark, this was necessary to offset some of the debt we have incurred. It was wonderful to meet some of the Zac Pac in person. Zac is truly amazed knowing how much you care for him.
Thank you!

As I prepare to fly out to hook up with Zac, I would appreciate your prayers. There is much work that needs to be done and little time to do it. His passage from Mauritius to Durban is known for its challenges not to mention the passage from Durban to Cape Town.



Cheers,

Laurence