A Good Passage
Latest Position: 01/12/09 15:39Z 32 33.485S 29 16.052E (75 miles out of East London)
Today was a good day though I have had only small 30 minute power naps since I left Durban 32 hours ago. The weather is as good as I could have hoped for with light winds to 15 knots and the free power of the Agulhas Current speeding me along. The seas are choppy and confused which makes for an uncomfortable passage. There have been quite a few ships but interestingly, they pass in between me and the shore. They must know what they are doing but for as for me, I prefer to stay out! I have some good food on board for this short leg though I have not been very hungry with all of the bashing around Intrepid is doing. The South African beef jerky is awesome. They have whole stores full of the stuff. I like it better even than the American jerky that I am used to.
At this rate, I should make it in to East London in the early morning. I have slowed the boat down by spilling air so that my approach is closer to 4:30 in the morning when the sun begins to rise. I'll be glad for a good night's sleep and to visit some family friends in port.
Cheers,
Zac
Today was a good day though I have had only small 30 minute power naps since I left Durban 32 hours ago. The weather is as good as I could have hoped for with light winds to 15 knots and the free power of the Agulhas Current speeding me along. The seas are choppy and confused which makes for an uncomfortable passage. There have been quite a few ships but interestingly, they pass in between me and the shore. They must know what they are doing but for as for me, I prefer to stay out! I have some good food on board for this short leg though I have not been very hungry with all of the bashing around Intrepid is doing. The South African beef jerky is awesome. They have whole stores full of the stuff. I like it better even than the American jerky that I am used to.
At this rate, I should make it in to East London in the early morning. I have slowed the boat down by spilling air so that my approach is closer to 4:30 in the morning when the sun begins to rise. I'll be glad for a good night's sleep and to visit some family friends in port.
Cheers,
Zac
posted by Zac at
8:58 AM
25 Comments:
Way to go Zac. Show those seas how a to do it. As far as the big ships go, you are smart enough to know that you are not a big ship, so take the precautions that are prudent to get you back here safe and sound. Remember that the hair cut is waiting so don't dissappoint me.
Zac Pac, remember that the weekly auction is back.
This week we have a set of Plyometric Jump Boxes to get you in shape for Zac's Homecoming Party, another one of the fabulous Zac and Intrepid paintings and a surprise from Mariannes Mom that should be worth a lot of money after Zac publishes his book.
So visit http://www.barstools4u.com/zac.htm and show our young Captain the support he deserves.
Respectfully
Bill Mann
South Pasadena, Ca
bill@barstools4u.com
of course you are not hungry with all the BILTONG (Jerky). You can eat that for days...remember, each piece is 1 steak !!
WAMKELEKILE = WELCOME in Xhosa language, spoken in East London, Port Elisabeth and the hinterland.
Hi Zac,
I guess there were mixed feelings setting out again after the relatively long break, leaving the safe shore with many new friends, but also itching to go on with your great adventure. Enjoy the coastal cruising for now, though cruising around the Cape of Good Hope is different from cruising the Baja California.
Fair winds and a following Agulhas current,
RK
Sounds like you are making good time. It is nice to have a short, easy leg.
Wooo hoooo...great news Zac.
Thanks for taking the time to let us know how things are going.
I have to confess that I have been thinking about you out there in those wild waters....and hoping!
Sounds a pretty smart idea to wait for sunrise.
Nice to think that you have more friends waiting to greet you.
I am excited for you.
Glad you like the biltong.It is so good.Willvp says each one is a steak! Yummy.
Looking forward to hearing that you have anchored safely.
UK friend
Zac- WOW! That jerky sounds even better than salmon teriaki jerky.
Bill Mann, great to see ya back in action. I'll see if I can come up with another auction item or two.
Careful with the currents, Zac.
Kodiak Mike
Thanks for checking in Zac. Last evening, as I was chopping veggies for dinner, I sent you some "good energy positive power thoughts!" I guess when we collectively combine our good thoughts, prayers, and wishes, it's a very good thing!
I'm intrigued by the beef jerky. Maybe your dad can bring some back to put on the "Zac auction!" I'm glad you have it to snack on. Seeing that you don't have much of an appetite, it's definitely a nutritious snack.
@ the veteran sailors out there: please explain the term "spilling air." Also, is it possible that the reason the ships travel between Zac and the shore is to avoid the more turbulent, "confused" seas? Please let me know your thoughts...
Glad to hear you're back on the high seas!
from Iowa
@Melanie:
ships between Zac and shore: that is because the Agulhas Current going from N to S and that is the one that Zac is using. In between the shore and the current you will have an opposite current (sort of) and ships going North coming from Cape Town, Port Elisabet or East London will stay closer to the shore.
you can search for: "Agulhas Current" or read a website like this one: http://oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/atlantic/agulhas.html
Melanie:
"Spilling air" is trimming the sail so it is less efficient - not taking optimum advantage of the wind - which slows the boatspeed, therefore allowing Zac to time his arrival a little later than he would otherwise.
Excellent, Zac! So excited that you have continued your journey and very glad you are obviously playing everything conservatively and as safely as possible. Looking forward to hearing of your arrival in East London - you continue to accomplish amazing feats! Keeping you in my prayers... Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
Forgot to say....Welcome back Bill Mann and do hope that things are okish for you now.
Imagine you have had a lot of upheaval, reading between the lines.
Missed your funny comments!
But you're back so that's good!
UK friend
Steady as she goes, Zac.
:)
Scott
@Zac
Any chance you can take a photo of the South African beef jerkey (Biltong), so I can post it on the FAQs in the "Eating and Cooking" section? I'm sure everyone would love to see a photo of you chewing on a piece of dried steak! It must be huge. Is it more tender than American jerkey?
Marilyn in Woodland Hills
Hiya Zac, Sunderlands and fellow Zac-Pac!
Good to hear you are making this leg with no drama and good time! I bet it does feel good to be back out on the water....we've got about 100 days until we can start our sailing season here. In the mean time we're enjoying the snow-shoeing and getting ready to deal with sub-zero temps. forecast for the end of this week....no worries, it's all good, just part of life in the Finger Lakes region of New York during winter!
Hope your arrival in East London is a smooth one! Enjoy your visit, and a good night's sleep!
Sending blessings your way.
Hugs,
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"
You are in my prayers for a safe journey to Cape Town.
Went to East London Port to welcome Zac but he didn't arrive there.
There is a strong wind "out there" in FAVOUR of Zac and he must have decided to take advantage of that and bypass East London to go directly to Port Elisabeth or even beyond (Knysna? MosselBay?).
With the strong wind + Agulhas Current he must be AIRBORNE by now and flying to P.E.
Following your adventure here as always, with great interest Zac!...best wishes for your safe arrival in port.
Regards, Dave (Bedfordshire UK)
Hello Zac & The Pac,
It's great we're all back now and writing almost daily like the old days. The Mann is finally back in full force, Thanks Bill.
It sounds like you're enjoying the SA Jerky quite a bit. Keep a small stash somewhere hidden for those long days when the food cans run out. It could be a stomach saver.
Like always sail with caution, who knows you might have already arrived.
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Zac, glad things are going well, aside from the bashing about you mention.
Re the jerky: Is it regular beef or some other stock? I've had several types of jerky while over there - my favorite was some Kudu jerky. Very tasty and a real protein boost.
Cheers,
willy
milford, ohio
@Will: I haven't heard from Zac yet this morning but he was still making his way slowly at 7:00am (South Africa Time). He was expected to arrive sometime after 10:00am? He should not have passed on to PE due to the short weather window. Will post when we hear from him this morning!
Cheers,
Mom
Hi Zac,
I am a 1st grade teacher at Melvin Avenue Elementary in Reseda, CA. When I saw your story last August it reminded me of a unit on Captain Bill Pinkney that we do. We are now starting the unit and your travels will be a very big part of our unit. With my first graders, we will be looking at your web page daily and following your adventure.
Karen Starler
kes2468@lausd.net
Zac,
Throughout this whole adventure, we've all held you in our prayers and thoughts, letting and supporting you to make the decisions and choices that ultimately became the right ones. Now is no different than that time. But just the same, most people don't understand the inconsistencies of weather and sea conditions rounding the Cape.
That being said, as always do what you think best for yourself, and for the safety of your quest.
We'll pray and wish for you as you round that huge corner down there and for real head home.
@ Mom.
I left the port at 10.15 am, went to the beach to see if I could spot him...nothing.
I will drive to the harbour now and will see if he is there.
I will be back here 1 to 1,5 hours and inform you.
@ All
Zac is in East London !
he just took it easy in the last part of the trip to EL
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home