Update & Drawing Winner
Hello All,
Zac is getting rested and filled in on all the ins and outs of Durban and South Africa. He was taken out for a large and delicious steak last night and has grocery shopped, lined up a rigging inspection and engine service and is preparing this morning for a news interview. He is busy but enjoying taking it all in. I asked him about the weather and he said that it is very hot and humid. He is wearing a shirt for the first time since leaving Mauritius! For the blogger who asked about sunscreen, I did ask...he usually isn't out in the sun for long periods of time and so has never burnt but has a good tan for sure!
As mentioned earlier this week, we have had our drawing from the names of calendar buyers to see who won the signed poster. Ben did the honors...
After this shot he spread them all over the living room but that is another story.
The winner of an autographed poster and head shot is Mr. John Weber!
The poster will be sent out Monday morning - enjoy!
We will have another drawing on Saturday the 20th. For every calendar you purchase this week, your name will be entered into a drawing for a signed poster and head shot.
Cheers,
Marianne
posted by Zac at
9:24 PM
43 Comments:
sounds like things are coming along nicely Zac! Hope you have a relaxing time in Durban and a wonderful Christmas (either there or at sea!)
To Zac's Fam: What an adorable picture! Lord's blessings upon you! (I bet all the young ones are just itching for winter break! I know I am!)
Merry Christmas to all! And to all a good night!
-Halle S. in Oregon
Good Job Ben!!He's so stinkin cute and looks like he's grown more since the fundraiser too.. Well Zac, we sure have had a warm winter here too in So Cal.. its starting to get cooler now..{were about 8 miles north of Palm Springs so anything under 78 is cold haha jk}
I mentioned in a few other post that i sent you something that should {i hope} be waiting for you at the Yaht club. Sounds like you won't be needing it till you get closer to home but when i saw it i so thought of you so i bought it.. and as usual, i told the cashier about your trip and where i was sending my purchase. Then i took it to ups and shared with them too lol
Today i wore you shirt and shared your story a few more times..
I want to thank you and your family for allowing perfect strangers in your lives to share in your journey.
Take care, stay safe and enjoy all the sights, sounds and good food of SA
Laura
Bermuda Dunes CA
How good was that steak!
So what's the skinny on the rigging inspection? Is it done by to martime engineer? Expensive? What's the shelf life for rigging before U need to replace it? Zac learn a few simple recipes while U are in SA. Start having some fun in the galley. U can make some great meals on the next leg.
Hooray for the steak, rig inspection,sleep, and John Webber...
@Grantt - I loved your formula one vs. vw van roadtrip analogy...
By the way, I have picked up an old copy of your book, The Money Makers... Great read, like Hard Drive but broader and looking fwd, in the 80's anyhow, but good to read today
Dave & Skipper
dave@davehickson.com
Okay thanks for answering my question about the sunscreen. He really does have a really great tan though.. it's kind of unfair.
Glad he had his steak. That sounds really good right now...
Anyways, continue to get all rested up Zac.
Lots of hugs,
EmilyAnne
Fayetteville, NC
Hey Zac
Hope you have a good time in Durban. Does Santa know where to deliver your presents? LOL. Hope you get a lot of gifts because you deserve them. Are you going to enjoy Christmas in Durban or Capetown? Well have a Merry Christmas Zac and to all the Sunderland family, and the Zac Packs.
It's party time ....
Peace Love Joy
Congratulations Zac, for completing this difficult leg of your journey. I hope you are recovering your land legs; and I hope you will get to see uShaka Marine World while you are in Durban. You might see Santa(Father Christmas) swimming with the fish there! The dolphin show looks amazing there also.
Congratulation Mr. John Weber, winner of the signed poster and head shot of Zac!
Congratulations Marianne and the Zac team; it looks like you found some time to decorate for Christmas!
And...Congratulations Ben, for looking so cute in pajamas with feet!
Rehus-Beal-Ledeats(African 'Merry Christmas')
Nagaa(Peace)
Dear Zac,
I'm so glad you made it. I hope you like interviews better than I do. I always can't think of what to say when a big camera is in my face! Tomorrow we are having our 5th annual Blood/Marrow drive. I think I'll have to do the interview thing too. :( Yikes! We are hoping to put over 200 people on the National Bone Marrow Registy.
I've been feeling really good. My mom got the Chicken Pox though. Everyone is worried about me getting them. I guess they are very dangerous for me cuz of my immune system. I go to Stanford in a couple of weeks to see a specialist. I guess I'm rejecting my transplant in my skin, and they are trying to stop it. My skin hates the sun. I'd bet I'd blow up like a big balloon if I were in the heat where you are.
Hope your next leg goes well. I'm gonna ask my mom if I can get one of your calendars!
Your Buddy, Parker
caringbridge.org/ca/parkerfritsch
It's so wonderful to hear that Zac is safely in port!! It's still hard to believe he is already in Durban, South Africa. The time has gone by so fast for me, since he left in June. (I'm sure not for Zac though!)Being a Zac Pack member from the beginning I feel so blessed that I have been given the opportunity to travel with him in spirit! I have learned so much from not only Zac, but from Team Sunderland, and from my family of Zac Packers!
Zac, as usual a job well done. I am so proud of you. Enjoy your stay in Durban. I did send a birthday card. I've never sent anything that far from home, so I hope it got there. Kind of curious if it did!! It must have been exciting to accomplish this leg of your journey, as I'm sure all of your stops have been. But this leg was certainly one that has been worrysome for us all. Thank god for all the technology and expertise, and of course your knowledge of sailing that got you to this beautiful continent! Congradulations from missing the really heavy storms that we were so concerned about you getting into.
While in Durban, in between your earned rest and relaxation, will you be pulling Intrepid out of the water to do and repairs that she may need?
I would like to take this opportunity to wish Zac, Laurence and Marianne and family, and all the Zac Packers a blessed Holdiay. My holdiay will be blessed with my family all together, and Zac and the Sunderland family will be in my thoughts and prayers as well, as I celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ's birthday!!!
and... @ Bill Mann, Happy Hanukkah!! Thank you for all the nice things you do.
There are so many others that have been involved with Zac's success, from Team Sunderland, to Jen Edney,Marilyn, DaveH, Tomi, Anita, Axel, The Coaker, Douglas Pistone,Glen, Melanie, Laura, Ben and Jen, Heather, Billagong,just to name a few that regularly are here to keep us all informed and in good spirits. I feel like I know you all! And of course all the rest of the many Zac Packer's that have joined Zac's journey along the way. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you all!!! 2009 will be exciting when our young man returns home.
Merry Christmas Everyone!!
Debbie
North Hills, CA
Do we know where Zac is staying for Christmas? Or if he'll be out at sea?
EmilyAnne
Fayetteville, NC
Zac,just to let you know you have SUCH a cute baby brother!!! Merry Christmas and God bless!
(-: A homeschool friend :-)
Glad to hear that Zac arrived safely in Durban! We hope our package reached him!
Do you have an address for him in Capetown so we can send him one final package before he crosses the Atlantic??
The Thomas Family
Let's Hope things go well for Mike Perham. The poor kid has been stuck in the Canary Islands for two weeks now with a dangerously malfunctioning autopilot.
Readers of this blog would probably be interested in what is happening on Mike's site right now: www.totallymoney.com/sailmike
Click on Blog, and then click on the latestet entry which is appropriately titled: "Aaaaargh!"
He had just resumed his voyage after having the autopilot repaired when it malfunctioned again in 20 to 30 knots of wind.
Some writers are saying: "Don't give up!"
Others are writing poignant notes asking him to reconsider and to not give into the notion that he is "Expected" to complete the voyage.
To the credit of the moderator they ran my entry, which could be perceived as negative, but which came from my heart: I'm asking him to reconsider whether he has the right boat for this venture. Other are posting similar messages saying that one way or another he needs a steering vane as a backup that isn't electronics dependent.
Wouled love to see Mike set his record, but I don't want him to lose his life trying. Sailing alone on the oceans of the planet is dangerous enough without having bum electronics throwing you into 70-degree jibes that could cost you your mast, your boat, and your life.
Have seen mention of a lot of praying on this site. You might send some of that energy toward Mike, that he makes the right decisions, and whatever he decides, that all goes well.
The posting I left on Mike's site, which basically suggests he get a boat like Zac's, reads:
At this point you might reconsider the boat you are sailing. Why not get something smaller and slower that could be controlled with an Aeris windvane and a more conventional auto pilot?
Seems like you would be risking your life to take the current boat into the Southern Ocean. Even if the autopilot finally gets fixed, what happens if you lose the ability to charge the batteries it requires. A Westsail 32 or a Cal 40 or any number of other -- far less expensive -- boats could make the trip using a manual steering vane like an Aeries, or simple Autohelm autopilots that you could carry in multiples.
-- Grant Fjermedal, Seattle
Hi Zac,
Glad you finally made it to Durban. Enjoy your stay and take it all in. You have made us all proud!
Dick & Gin
Upland
That Baby Ben is about the cutest little guy I know of!
from Iowa
Hello Zac & Team Sunderland:
Hard to see the screen here today. I have new glasses and have yet to adapt. It's one of the costs of having lived a good and happy life! No complaints.
@Laura: Laura thanks Zac for allowing "perfect strangers" to participate in this adventure. I assume she's speaking for herself because I am not perfect. but many would agree that I surely am strange ... you know, the green skin, warts and all. I'm still privileged to be a vicarious participant in such a great adventure. It is satisfying one of my own youthful fantasies.
@everyone: I'd like to wish you all happy holidays, but that's just not going down in our camp. We're gearing up for a Traditional Christmas celebration, with all the trimmings, food, and religious implications - Midnight Mass and the works. We'll be having a 'sit-down' for 28 people covering 3 generations. It'll be merry and verrrry noisy! Political correctness can just get out of the way because it is not spoken here!
@Zac: Enjoy Durban and South Africa to the max. You've earned the right to let your hair down ... opps! I think I just reopened a certain can of worms! Sorry.
The Croaker
Glad to hear that you made it into Durbin, Zac. Now you can catch a little sleep for all those missed nights these past few days/weeks. You certainly deserve it!
After you've caught up on your sleep, go and explore the world of Durbin, South Africa. I bet it's as amazing as all the other stops you have made. We'll be looking forward to your adventures.
Scott
:)
Enjoy your time in Africa Zac!!
Ben is quite the handsome lad :)
Merry Christmas!
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"
Hello Zac & The Pac,
It's great to hear you finally made it into Durban. I've been in Vegas since Friday and missed out on Saturday & Sunday blog entries.
So you ate a Steak? What about the Lobster? Steak & Lobster go so well together. You still have plenty of time to complete that perfect meal before you're out at sea again.
@ Debbie, I don't remember meeting you at the LA Gathering but I do remember reading on the blog that you would attend. Did you make the LA Gathering? If so, I'm sorry that I never meet you there. Thanks for the compliment. You also bring so much to this forum and you're always a faithful writer here.
What a great way to pick the poster winner, having Ben do the honors. Congratulation Mr. John Weber.
It's the season to be jolly and I hope everyone here on this blog will have a great Christmas Holiday. I know many of you will be missing during the holidays but we know you'll be back wondering about Zac and his wonderful adventure.
Cheers to All,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Mr and Mrs Sunderland,
You have such beautiful and wonderful 'gifts' from God in your children! Sure, they are big on responsibility and challenges, but I know the rewards of having godly children lasts for eternity! Thank you for sharing them with us.
Love from a Mom,
Tamara
Hurray Hurray! So glad to read that Zac has made it to Africa and has another wonderful local team there ready to help with all that he'll need for the next leg to come... Just in time for Christmas! I can only imagine how that steak tasted, how that bed in a stationary room felt.
Congratulations, Zac -- you continue to do absolutely amazing things!
Take good care - Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
PS Yes - Ben is super-adorable - thanks for sharing more of your wonderful family...
Hello Zac,
Glad to see you finally made it to Durban and some much needed rest. I hope your stay there is a pleasant one and adequately prepares you for the next leg of your journey. I also hope that the historical significance of the Atlantic crossing is not lost on you. After all, it was this crossing that led to the world’s expansion in the 1500’s. Think of what it must have been like for those poor sailors who believed they were doomed to fall off the edge of the earth. Now, think of how far we have come since that age of exploration. The time lined sequence of events is remarkable when you compare to the thousands of years that preceded it.
Prayers from St. Gregory continue and smooth sailing.
Craig Schreiber
Ya know Craig raises a valid point. Rory, I'm interested to read how the Asians view Craig's point of "falling off the edge of the Earth". If you would be kind enough to share their history on this, it might enliven Capt. Zac's blog while he's on shore leave for the Holidaze.
Warm Fuzzy HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
The headers on the blog needs to be changed to "... 17 year old..."
Hello Zac & The Pac,
I'm sure Zac is getting plenty of sleep and hopefully eating well. We all know during these times Zac is busy on land and we most likely won't hear much from him. Hopefully everyone will understand and I'm sure Marianne will keep us updated from time to time.
@ Glen, abrazos tambien. Don't forget to write us back in English. It gives you practice writing in English and I enjoy your entries. You represent Argentina very well so please keep it up.
@ The Sunderlands, I hope you all have a great Holiday Season. We know you have a missing link right now with Zac in Durban but he is on a mission and you're all doing a wonderful job of supporting his dream and making it become a reality. What a great united family you all are. You have plenty to be thankful for this Christmas. You're all setting a great example to everyone on this blog of how a family should function, love, and support each other. To all the Sunderlands, enjoy the time you spend together this Christmas because you will always remember it as being a very special Christmas.
R & R, Rest and Repair,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
I've been occasionally checking in here and discussing Zac's travels with my sons. They are only 6 and 4 but they are always excited to see where Zac is. Thanks for sharing!
Zac-
Since you're just turned 17, chances are you may not be familiar with the band "TOTO" (They're an LA group of super studio musicians) Well, anyways, I've been playing their tune "Africa" over and over and over and......Enjoy the break, dude!
Kodiak Mike
Zac must have an awfully good time in Durban (I hope), not having time to report. Sure there are a lot of thing to do on and off the boat. Please share that, Zac.
All the best and enjoy SA.
RK
@ Kodiak Mike
Oh man....... TOTO.... Great group, but I only know about them from my younger brother (a big fat lie)
I forgot about that song Africa...
Zac - I can get it in MP3 format and eMail it...
Of course, my blog profile list Out of Africa and I Dreamed of Africa as 2 of my favorite movies, YET it to Kodiak Mike to hit those memory banks...
Daveh & Skipper
dave@davehickson.com
@ Doug Pistone, I was there at the LA Gathering. It was an amazing time!! I think I did see you there as I recognized you from your picture on Zac's blog. You were so busy mingling and so was I, we didn't get the chance to meet. But at the next gathering, I will be sure to introduce myself if you are there. And, I think that's pretty much a given!!LOL!!!
Happy Holidays to All!!
Debbie
North Hills, CA
This is about the old saw regarding "falling off the edge of the world"... firstly, there has never really been a sailing community that knew navigation and did not also know the world was round... secondly, nobody except uneducated children ever thought the world was flat or that you could fall off it if you sailed too far, but even most of them have always been informed that the world was round. It makes a good story, though, to tell ourselves how much smarter we are now than they were then. Or are we? Anybody out there these days know how to survive entire winters without electricity and without food being delivered to a store near you? Maybe we're not very smart at all anymore. If we were, we'd all be sailing the seven seas like Zac. He's the smart one.
@Kodiak Mike: oh, man! I loved that song!!!! I cranked that up everytime it was on the radio!!! A party song for sure - can just picture Zac with that cranked on his stereo!!
having fun Zac??
Jen
Well Tomi, I don't exactly work with the NASA scientist types but I did ask my secretary. She said in her Chinese accent, "Oh like leally Loly it's lound?..Oh My God...Kool" Completely unfazed. I decided I will NOT be having anymore flat earth conversations with her. I will just smile from now on when I see her and think to myself, "It's lound"
Kodiak Mike.. Your poor neighbors
Hello All,
@ Debbie, I'm sorry that I missed you at the LA Gathering. Mark my words when the next one comes around I'll be there.
@ Bill Mann, where are you? I haven't seen an entry in a while? I hope all is well?
@ Daveh, It's great when someone opens up those memory banks again.
@ Glen, waiting for your English entry.
@ Zac, let us know how things are going if you get a chance.
I hope everyone is getting ready for a good Family Christmas. I know it's going to be a hard this Christmas for many especially with the current economy.
R & R, Rest and Repair,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
@ Debbie
@ Douglas Pistone
@ Zac Pac
Bill Mann's recent message to me: "When we had the fires and the brown outs, I was out of business for two days for lack of power. Also lost my computer to a power surge. All the email addresses, all the orders in house, everything. Been trying to build everything back up while still keeping the company going and being sure everything is shipped."
That's why we haven't heard from him.
@ Bill
Hope you are back really soon. Everyone misses your comments.
Marilyn in Woodland Hills
Ben really is a cutie
To the Sunderland Family, ZacPackers and everyone around the world who contribute to Zac's adventure and keeping him safe, I wish you a safe, Happy and Blessed Holiday Season.
Zac, I hope you are having the time of your life.
@Glen
I enjoy reading your comments as it helps me to keep up with my Spanish, but Like Douglas P, I too am looking forward to the English entry
Hugs and warm and Sunny Caribbean Greetings
Sherna
Barbados
Hey Zac, it's Laura in Bermuda Dunes..i was wondering if you had a spare anchor haha. Its been raining for 2 days and the dry desert does no know what to do with all this water..hows the weather in SA?
Have a great time and take lots of pictures.
Laura
Loly, it's lound! lol... LOL
Best laugh I've had all month. I'm gonna have to find an appropriate gift for you to pass onto her. Thx man! "it's lound" LOL I'm still wiping the tears away! LOL
@ Miss Marilyn -
Thx for the update on Bill :D
@ Bill -
Once you get back up & running again, give the ZacPac a shout out. Maybe some of us can assist in getting y'all going again, an online order, a couple UPS-battery backups, let us know how we might help. Maybe some candles/oil lamps & parchment? ;)
@ Capt Zac -
Dude, you've been really quiet, not even an update from MA. While I was not quite sorta kinda kidding about the hot bod' hugs, I didn't expect them to haul yer butt to the Serengeti plains on safari ;) Sure hope y'all are enjoying the rich heritage of Africa, the peeps and the scenery (walking & stationary) ;) Find a 'net cafe, shoot a pic to MA & let us all know yer doin' ok.
Did y'all get a chance to see a doc about your earache (just to be safe)? You DID take you weekly dose of anti-malarials, yes?!? What is your list of Lady Intrepid's repairs this shore-leave? Inquiring minds want to know!
@ Team Sunderland -
Knowing the large size of me own fam', I fully empathize w/the chores, shopping, finishing home-school projects as gifts for "the Grans", and getting the home front ready for the arrival of so many relatives/extended family members/visiting friends/well wishers. My best & highest regards to y'all.
@ A. Nony Mouse -
So many personalities, I wonder if you're related to Sybil (just kidding - NOT :P ). When yer done "borrowing" the stuffing from me couch, chairs & bedding, would ya be sweet enough to put it back? like inside the walls? Me needs the added insulation ;) Seriously, we ZacPac'ers really appreciate a name so we might "address" the correct peep - even if it's just "initials" at the end of yer post - just a reminder of course :)
@ the ZacPac -
yeah, funds're tight for most, but see if y'all might be able to squeeze a $5'er or more - maybe between us all, we can help Capt Zac break even before he gets back to his home port.
All the above said, Happy Holidaze Everyone!
HUGS!!!
Tomi/ATL
Hello Sunderland's Zac, & Fellow Zac Pac!
@ Bill: sorry to hear of all the troubles you've been having, prayers and well wishes being sent your way! If I was closer I'd be right over to lend a hand!!!
@ Glen:
¡Hola! ¡Feliz Navidad a usted y a una Feliz Año Nuevo! Le he faltado los tiempos últimos que usted estaba en Zac' blog de s, glas al " see" ¡usted está haciendo bien! Tendré que enviarle por correo electrónico en español:) Tome el cuidado. falte la audiencia de usted, Anita
Zac, how are you enjoying Africa? Is it nice and warm there? We've had snow for 2 days in a row, and are expecting an additional 6 inches Friday.....all indications are that we will have a white Christmas!!
Warm Christmas wishes to all.
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Womabt"
Wow I really do hope Zac is having a lot of fun. It's just that the time is ticking towards a week w/o a post and that is just so weird. I hope he's not sick because that would be pretty bad.
Post soon Zac,
EmilyAnne
Fayetteville, NC
Well, I’m trying to be patient, but I can’t help but to check the blog a couple of times a day, but alas no update… I’m just imagining that Zac is having the time of his life exploring Africa and/or working hard with the local team on boat repairs and provisioning… The other thing I wonder, and hope (although I’ve heard no rumor of the sort and hope I'm not starting one by expressing this!) is that maybe just maybe the Sunderland crew is making the long trip over to join their son & brother for the holiday and that's why we've had no update??!!?? I know they will all be together in spirit even if they can’t be on the same continent.
A nun at my children’s school wrote that the advent season is a practice of patience. Been working on that with my twin 4-year-olds, which is interesting given all the anticipation and Christmas hype, so I suppose I need to practice as well – patience for the next update! I guess the old adage “no news is good news” will do for now. I enjoy reading the Zac Pac’s comments. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas to all and your families!
Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
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