Update - Indian Ocean
Latest Position: 11/04/08 1300Z 18 33.174S 67 21.890E
Zac is currently sailing on course about 550 miles from Mauritius. He is sailing under reefed main alone. He has been monitoring the situation with his disabled genoa which is currently stabilized. The wind has been strong (20-25 knots with periods of 30 knots) and the sea has been rough with a large swell and the annoying, occasional southern swell that slaps the boat and sometimes swamps the cockpit. He is in good spirits though frustrated by the problems with the fore stay. There are various theories as to how it happened but please know that Intrepid's rigging was completely upgraded with heavy-duty standing and running rigging including new chain plates before he left. His hull and bulkheads were also reinforced and new keel bolts installed. In no way is Intrepid 'dangerously unprepared' or a 'poor' cruising boat. In fact, she has been around the world once before when named Nantucket Sleigh Ride.
Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and concerns. We'll keep you updated as to Zac's progress. After voting this morning, Laurence set out for LAX and his journey to Mauritius via England. I'll be glad when my guys are together again.
Cheers,
Marianne
Zac is currently sailing on course about 550 miles from Mauritius. He is sailing under reefed main alone. He has been monitoring the situation with his disabled genoa which is currently stabilized. The wind has been strong (20-25 knots with periods of 30 knots) and the sea has been rough with a large swell and the annoying, occasional southern swell that slaps the boat and sometimes swamps the cockpit. He is in good spirits though frustrated by the problems with the fore stay. There are various theories as to how it happened but please know that Intrepid's rigging was completely upgraded with heavy-duty standing and running rigging including new chain plates before he left. His hull and bulkheads were also reinforced and new keel bolts installed. In no way is Intrepid 'dangerously unprepared' or a 'poor' cruising boat. In fact, she has been around the world once before when named Nantucket Sleigh Ride.
Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and concerns. We'll keep you updated as to Zac's progress. After voting this morning, Laurence set out for LAX and his journey to Mauritius via England. I'll be glad when my guys are together again.
Cheers,
Marianne
posted by Zac at
10:01 AM
42 Comments:
Sounds like "Sleigh Ride" seems pretty appropriate about now?
Go Zac!
Hello Mariane!
Thanks once again for the Zac update.
WOW, what a ride! Faith in the Lord will keep all of you strong as you well know already. It's amazing how this adventure has touched so many from all corners of the globe. I truly feel there is much more to come from all of this, God has a way of using special people to do great things. <><
I'm sure Laurence can't get to Zac fast enough! I don't care how old our "children" are they always need mum and dad!
Hugs to all your young ones at home; I am sure they miss their brother, and worry about him too.
Sail on Captain Zac. Angels are about you, May God hold you in His loving arms and give you guidance and comfort; it's there whenever you ask for it. <><
Worry looks around
Sorry looks back
Faith looks up.
Hugs,
Anita ~_/)
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"
Avid Zac fan
Proud member "Zac-Pac"
Here... here... !
The sleeved boom lives!
500nm, he just might get the Mauritius by Friday! Or maybe Saturday!
Hallelujah to that!
Daveh
Marianne,
Thank you so much for the update! I've done alot of serious thinking why we total strangers to you, and landlubbers with little sea knowledge to boot (though my husband and I have done some ocean kayaking -- in Alaska in the summer, you have approximately 3 minutes max to get out of the water) have become so attached to Zac and your family. Maybe sometime I can put it in writing; right now, homeschooling calls. But again, it is good to know the situation is currently stable and Zac is progressing. Thanks for taking the time to jot a brief note and reassure us all! My nerves can calm down a bit, though still vigilant in prayer.
As Moses used to pray before the nation of Israel would up and move (we also pray this each time we drive away from the house), "Rise up, O Lord! May Your enemies be scattered, may Your foes flee before You!" In other words, "Clear the way, Lord!"
Zac, keep your eyes on Mauritius!
Gayle, Brian, Xan, Riley, Jesse
The Andrus Family
Thanks for the update Marianne. May all of the fixes "stick" until Zac reaches Mauritus which cannot come too soon. The water and wind are a mighty force to be dealt with and comes with the real potential for danger. May God continue to bless and keep Zac safe during these most difficult days. Faith always prevails.
P.S. Don't feed the beast.
That was a good piece of info about the remaining distance. I keep looking at the route map wondering where he is on the rumline.
I know laurence must be itching to get to work on Intrepid. I look forward to Zac getting to port to relax a bit too. That must be stressfull not having all your equipment working properly.
Do your magic laurence!! Take some pics of the jury rigged forestay for us.
Here's a link to a glossary of nautical terms on Wikipedia for anyone interested.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_nautical_terms
Andy,
TX
Thanks so much for the update, Marianne! Glad Zac is in good spirits and that everything is currently stabilized.
Our prayers continue for Zac, Laurence and for the rest of the Sunderland family! God bless you all!
@Anita, I just love your saying about worry, sorry and faith!
Proverbs 3: 5,6
Blessings,
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA
Thanks for the update Marianne!
It's crazy with sailing, but things can let lose no matter how well they have been secured, upgraded, whatever. Look at the failures the million dollar Volvo racers have even though they have the best of the best equipment.
The boat has had a rough ride on this trip and it's sure to have loosened things a bit. Sounds as if Zac is progressing well with the jury rigged system in place. It's really good that he has the cutter rig to help keep the tension.
Once in Mauritius he and Laurence can fix the forestay and make sure it stays put for the remainder of the trip. I know you're anxious to hear that he has made it to port safely! We all are and we keep Zac in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Sally
Annapolis
Greetings Marianne
Thanks for the update. Such good news that arrival in Mautitius is within the short-term! At that time the collective Zac-Pac can take a deep breath and relax. We are tense just sitting in the warm and dry before our computers. Zac is not so comfortable. I suppose that he has some consolation of working with the reality of his situation as we sit here with our imaginations conjuring up visions of broken stays, tangled sails, and flooded cockpits. Looking forward to Zac's take on events of the moment. I'm sure he'll consider it just another interesting day at sea!
Wishing a safe and productive trip for Laurence!
The Croaker
I find it interesting reading Zac's blog and I have followed him the whole way. There was another record single hander (American female) who finished her trip 10 years ago in the early days of the internet. Check out her final reports and route map at http://goals.com/amelia/reports/lreport.htm
I believe her route was west to east in the westerlies. Most of Zac's trip is east to west in the trades. I would like to hear some discussion by a knowledgeable person on the "features" of the two routes. For instance Zac seems to have to deal with constant squalls and confused seas but has not had any of the fierce gales Karen had to endure. Yet she had times of relative smooth seas and easier going at times.
Mike in Seattle
Hi Marianne,
Thanks for your calm synopsis of todays events aboard Intrepid. It sounds like Zac and Intrepid are having a "swell" time once again.
I'm sure the time can't pass quickly enough now to hear of your two main men together again - doing what they do best in enjoying each other and in servicing Intrepid.
We've sincerely enjoyed our journey half way around the world with you.
Maureen
Boise
Hello Marianne & Zac Pac,
Thank you for the update Marianne. I'm sure you calmed plenty of nerves with this entry today. It's great to hear the repaired boom is working well for Zac. Hopefully the wind will die down just enough to keep Zac going at full speed without very much extra wind banging on Intrepid.
It's great to hear that Zac is ever so close to Mauritius. Thanks so much for keeping us informed especially when you have days that you're not up to writing on the blog. Most people mean well here and forget about the others. We'll pray for Zac and also Laurence making this long journey.
Everyone please get out and vote today. I voted a month ago by mail to avoid all the long lines I knew would be there.
Sail on,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Zac-
Your mum told us the name Intrepid used to go by. Nantucket Sleighride.
That's also the title of a rockin' tune by a band named Mountain. I'll burn a CD of it and send it along to Durban. Here's to a quick 550 miles into Mauritius. Take care, budz.
Kodiak Mike
''I'll be glad when my guys are together again.''
Boy, I bet you will be Marianne.
Bless your heart....you will be able to relax a little knowing that father and son are reunited once more. May it be a precious time.
Thank you for taking the time to update us. Much appreciated.
We care for you all.
UK friend
Way to go Zac- After a long leg of your voyage, you'll get a very needed break from the ocean.
I have followed your blog from the very beginning and am envious of your adventure. I hope your hangin in there with all the recent happenings. As I always say in life, "It Is What It Is" and you'll get thru it fine. I do have a question for you and your family. not knowing much on sailing- Is your boat (37')a good size to take on this kind of Voyage? And I know that you have all the new, updated and state of the art equipment that you installed before your trip, would you have done anything differently if you were to do this again? Different boat, rigging etc?
One last thing- Is there a good website to keep up with the sailing terminology that is discussed? When things are not going right on your boat, I would like to know what excatly it is your talking about!!!!
All the best to you!
Laura-Tulsa, OK
Did you find a way to ship the boom for a good rate or does it has to go to GB first. Thanks so much for all the updates. Once again my plotting of the course was wrong by 150 miles behind. No wonder that I am a cruiser only LOL
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
Thanks Mrs. Sunderland for the update.
I can't believe all the things happening to "Intrepid" after the work you put into her before Zac left! God must have a plan in all this. Zac coninues to be in my prayers (of course)and I hope he reaches Mauritius safely.
Hang in there Zac! You're almost halfway around the world!
A friend from Pennsylvania
I made a comment in an email to Daveh that he found amusing, perhaps I'll share it here:
Zac said he wanted an adventure, and by George he's having one!
Go Zac!
Karyn
Thanks for the update. I am glad to read that Zac is in good spirits.
Sail on Zac! You made good progress despite all the difficulties. A few more days and you are on your way back home rather sailing away from home.
I hope you have a great time out there nonetheless.
RK
Whoever blogged with the negative comments about Intrepid being "dangerously unprepared" shows his naivety, and clearly is not paying attention.
It's a boat! Stuff breaks on boats!! There is a 100% chance of that!
The key to success is how well you deal with the broken stuff when it happens. Of that, Zac is doing a remarkable job. He is clearly a very talented young man!
Now, on to Mauritius!!
My theory--a halloween goblin or those evil spirits from the fishing boat off Indonesia caused the problems. Have your two guys say a prayer and chase the spirits off Intrepid when in port Marianne.
Zac's making great time in spite of the rig problems.
Neo
@Laura in Tulsa:
Andy, Tx wrote of this site:
Here's a link to a glossary of nautical terms on Wikipedia for anyone interested.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_nautical_terms
Thanks Andy!
Jennifer
Sherman Oaks, CA
Sir Captain Zac YOU ARE THE MAN !!!
it's at these incredible heart wrenching times that many are coming to realize, EXACTLY what a tremendously Courageous MAN, Zac is...
and what an "INCREDIBLE" family
"THE SUNDERLANDS" are;
to be so transparent and honest, and willing to share openly and without reservation...
"everything" that Zac is encountering.
Laurence and Marianne
"no defense" is necessary, "ever" in any of the decisions you "all" make...for we know your hearts and minds and faith...and love...
tip for the Zac Pac, if we don't hear anything for a bit, pray more fervently...actually pray "without ceasing"
pray for wisdom, faith, discernment, safety, strength physical as well as mental, emotional calmness, and clarity for the task at hand...and especially for this current situation,Intrepid "finds herself" in. Pray at all hours of the day.
"The effectual prayers of a righteous man can accomplish much"
James 5:16b
Zac the moon is getting larger each night, with more light comes more understanding of your circumstances and challenges...
hang tough... as you DO and ARE..
you set the bar high for each and everyone one of us..Thanks ZAC !!!
EAT ZAC EAT, for the task at hand is formidable and you will need physical endurance, even force yourself to eat if you're not hungry, your body needs sustenance and with it you'll get mentally clarity as well, that's physical as well as spiritual food
sounds stupid but sing too, and play your tunes, play em loud...the
ones you love the best...
"ROCK INTREPID"-
even give the "digereedoo" a try...
only "25" days and sixteen will be in the rear view mirror..
"You are just so incredible"
How about a drivers license in Mauritius, it's gonna be a GREAT experience THERE... actually, Phenominal, "THE BEST ONE EVER"...
not to mention "THANKSGIVING"
with THE LORD knows who, even though you may not yet...HE DOES
Thank you Marianne, your an incredible mum, and yes you'll have your boys "together" soon...
It's gonna be great to see your mum too, Laurence, tell her she raised an incredible son for us...
and we need a picture of her...
"The angel of THE LORD encamps around those that are HIS and rescues them" selah LORD selah
psalm 34:7
BTW thanks Daveh..
i dot dot your sentiments, kudos
never holdback, your imput always refreshing, and enlightening...
mark n adino Vicksburg,Mississippi
@jlh
Thanks!! <><
Anita
Keep it up Zac. I'm watching this election and reading the blog. Boring election. And it goes on til' 11 tonight. Well you get that adventure in for me.
~Whitten
Sunderland... Zac Sunderland
A dry martini...S T A B I L I Z E D
No matter what you do in life, there are people who will support you and there are people who will put you down.
The ones that support you, do it through good times and bad times. The ones that don't support you, use the bad times to show that they are right.
Sail on, Zac. The "Pac" will deal with the naysayers!
Blessed Capt Zac -
Don't let ol' Davy Jones be scaring you w/the continual southern wave slaps. We ZacPac'ers will continually pray for your safety w/Gods hand holding/guiding Intrepid thru the heavy seas.
@ ZacPac-
As always, y'all have said pretty much everything I've been thinking - THX! :D
@ Team Sunderland -
Y'all too have been & will continue to be in our prayers. Draw strength & comfort from those prayers. W/the hundreds (hopefully thousands) praying something positive will come from all this.
@ Mark n Adino -
Very well stated. :D
Warm Fuzzy HUGS y'all!!
Tomi/ATL
@ Mark n Adino, what a beautiful and inspiring message. Thank you so much!
@ Rory, LOL!
@ Zac, always in our prayers!
Jennifer and Ben
Sherman Oaks, CA
@ Jerry Critter -
I always chuckle at your posts... May we one day meet on an Island and share a good rum.....
Daveh
Does anyone else see a MAJOR milestone here? Laurence has to travel EAST to meet up with Zac. You're nearly half way there, Zac.
I teach in high school. I wish any of my students (who are the same age as Zac) had the moxie, technical talent and courage that you do. Press onward!
Nantucket Sleigh Ride is a good name for a boat, but I still like Intrepid better. God keep you safe on the last 500-some miles to South Africa.
I've been wondering - is the cabin of Intrepid totally watertight, or does a bit of moisture sometimes seep in and mildew papers and books and that?
Don't get washed overboard, and do remember to stay hydrated and healthy!
~Jessica, Westlock, Alberta, Canada
The crazy thing is that Zac's boat was totally gone through before setting sail, including a new engine, fortified rigging etc., so you just never know. I guess it's all part of the deal, just keep smiling, and stay safe.
Hurry up and get home before you're 17. Please!
I'm still praying for you and one of my friends is reading your blog too. (Email is really nifty. LOL)
Thank you for showing us what family spirit is all about. This is truly a family adventure! Will continue keeping all of you in our prayers here in landlocked IA. I'm thankful there are so many others out there doing the same.
Hello Sunderlands and Zac Pac'ers!
Even tho I'm here in LA, circumstances prevented me from attending the party. So sad to have missed it!
I still continue to read the blog every day but haven't posted for a while.
Yesterday's heated exchanges prompted me to post a statement of continued support. The Sunderlands sound like a loving family who I couldn't imagine would carelessly send their boy off to face uncertainty unprepared. To the contrary, for every unforseen challenge Zac has faced, he or his family has responded with sober, thoughtful counter-challenge which has put him where he is: successfully nearly halfway round the world.
Zac is in my prayers, daily.
Dana
Santa Monica
A "Nantucket Sleigh Ride" is an old whaling term from New England. In the days when folks would harpoon whales by hand with a rope attached, the rope and boat would be pulled by the whale for a "Nantucket Sleigh Ride".
Certainly seems appropriate given recent sailing conditions!
Praying that all will be "great sailing" for Zac & Intrepid, and "great travelling" for Laurence.
dwlee3 & family
hi,zac.i think its cool youre sailing around the world.Godspeed.we'll be praying for you.nice job battling pirates in australia.:D
lol.
GOD BLESS YOU
Zac
YES, YOU CAN!
Just as the United States America cried out last night in an historic moment: YES, WE CAN!
Congratulations America to your new president!
And yes you can do your historic journey, Zac. Come home safely to the great nation where an Afro-American can become the president.
All the best,
RK
James 1:5 - If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.
Just ask Zachary and you will find the info you need to help Intrepid get to Mauritius.
BELIEVE in yourself!
xoxo
Mrs. Z
Zac,where are you right now?We know you can do it.
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