Cape Town - Final Days
Photos copyright Laurence Sunderland 2009 :)
Awesome Cape Town Beaches ©Laurence Sunderland 2009
This past week in Cape Town has gown by way too fast. We worked on the boat most of the week and on Friday my dad took the 30 hour flight back 2 Cali. It is always a bittersweet time because there is always more work that could be done. With the help of Doudemas, we have Intrepid looking as good as she did when I left Marina del Rey nearly 8 months ago.
Jed, Me and Jen with friends onboard Intrepid ©Laurence Sunderland 2009
Friday night I had some friends over to the boat for a BBQ and chilled. It was great to relax and enjoy the boat for a change. Then on Saturday we went to the X Games, extreme skateboarding, motorcross biking and wake boarding, for the day. They were being held just across from the V & A Marina where Intrepeid is berthed. Since Jed lives about an hour outside of Cape Town in Pinland Jed and I ended up catching a train to get from his house to the games and walked through the heart of Cape Town. This kind of thing can be a bit dodgy but it was great to just fit in like a local and we had no trouble. It was an awesome experience.
Dropping of food at the orphanage ©Laurence Sunderland 2009
We stayed at the X Games till it started raining and then went and saw a movie. Sunday morning we went back to the X Games for the day and then went back to Jed's to meet his dad whom I had met while in Cocos Keeling. He had just flown in from where he has left his boat in the Seychelles off of northestern Africa. We traded stories of the sea for a while. It was good to see him again. Richard has sailed from Cape Town to St. Helena before, which is my next stop so it is good to get some advice from a veteran. All eyes are on the weather as I look for a good weather window mid to end of week.
Awesome friends the Johnsons and the Bjerrings ©Laurence Sunderland 2009
Monday, it was back to work on the boat. I finished a few jobs in the morning and at 1:00 had a few Vogue magazine photographers show up for a photo shoot. I took the boat out for the shoot but had a little engine trouble. I managed to sort it out and we sailed around the bay which was cool. The photographers made me put on some pretty interesting (must be Italian style) clothes and took a bunch of pix.
Friends ©Laurence Sunderland 2009
Later in the day I got a phone call from Jed who told me he had organized to have me speak at his school tomorrow morning. I ended up going out to dinner with Jed's family and Jen. I'll have to sleep over at Jed's house and get up early. It is nearly midnight and I've still got to write some bullet points down for tomorrow's speech so I'd better go!
Cheers,
Zac
At the church/orphanage ©Laurence Sunderland 2009
Blog ©Zac Sunderland 2009
posted by Zac at
2:50 PM
32 Comments:
Fantastic Photo’s…
Love the Charity work Zac! As my dad taught me; “there’s always somebody better off, and there’s always somebody worse off, look both ways and think……”
Daveh & Skipper
dave@davehickson.com
The charity work is fantastic, but what fun it will be to see the Vogue photos of our man, Zac, as a model in Italian clothing! He has the perfect physique for it.
Did Jen take the recent photos? All of them had a copyright for Laurence Sunderland. They were great photos!
Your experience in Cape Town sounds like an experience of a lifetime! You and Jed will share those times with your kids and grandkids, hopefully together, in later years.
Continue to have good weather, just the right amount of wind and wonderful experiences in port.
Marilyn in Woodland Hills
Thanks for the update, Zac. I LOVE the photos. It's great to see all the great things you're doing while on your voyage. I was impressed with your charity work. That summerizes the amazing guy that you are!
Scott
:)
Hey zac..thanks for the great pictures and post..i loved the one of all of you in the back of the car.
Safe saling to St.Helena if we don't hear from you till you leave.
Laura
Bermuda Dunes
Super-great post!
Laurence, thanks so much for sharing some of your photos and Zac for giving up a bit of time to keep us current. Time on land seems precious indeed. And you always seem to have so many wonderful opportunities. Don't know anything about Capetown and so if you get a chance, would love to hear more.
Best of luck with provisioning -- hope you are getting Intrepid well-stocked with many yummy and nutritious meals. Looking forward to your next post. Blessings to all, CindyinCincy
Great post and photos Zac. They are always appreciated. Your stay in Cape Town and the friendships you've made will last a lifetime.
I echo Dave H's thoughts about the charity work. Dave's dad's thoughts are always in my heart. I always feel better when I'm able to do something for someone else, even if it's the smalles thing.
We're all looking forward with you to that perfect window to sail on. Stay safe, stay focused, and always know that you carry us with you!
Can't wait to see the Vogue issue when it hits the newstands! Italian couture; sweet. Did they let you keep the duds?
Intrigued by that photo of you delivering food to an orphanage. Noted the fellow's t-shirt message. Wow!
Love the way you are absorbing the culture and participating....something that will stay with you forever.
Wonderful photos! I bet the Vogue photographers rarely get such a pleasant and cooperative model!
Blessings to you and all who are making this such an awesome experience!
Karyn in Simi
Hay Zac looks like you are having a blast in Cape Town.The charity work is a nice too.I hear 1 in 4 blacks in South Africa have HIV!!! WOW, make you think!!!
I see Erik in the one photo, i know him from Baywatch days, he was a cool guy, great Hobie sailor, never wore shoes,or long pants,looks same as allways. soo good to hear of help you get every where you go. When will we see more photos?? Keep well Jen and see all of you in Ca. later in the year.
Ross Tyler
Hi Zac,
What a great, laid back, post! The shore leave has done its stuff.
I loved the casual reference to the Vogue photo shoot. That is Vogue as in VOGUE? Celebrity suits you. Stay cool and your fan club will grow and grow.
Back to the rigours of the ocean soon then St. Helena for something totally different.
Enjoy yourself and stay safe.
Tim
Hi Zac, Sunderlands and Fellow Zac-Pac,
Thanks for the post and wonderful photos! Looks like you've had a grand time in CT. Blessings for your charity work <><
@ Daveh, your dads teachings were spot on :)
I don't usually read Vogue, but will have to purchase just to see "the pretty interesting clothes" as I'm not a slave to fashion I wouldn't know the difference!
I'm sure your talk at Jed's school went well. They will be impressed with a young man such as yourself. Your maturity and faith in God will leave a lasting impression on both young and old.
I will keep you in prayer as you make ready to shove off. Be still and listen as God is always there to guide you.
With Blessings and a hug,
Anita ~~_/)
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"
@ Anonymous about beaches…
One could argue that the pictures you linked to are concrete & crowded locations, vs. off the beaten path and quiet…
Some like NYC, some like the corn fields of the Midwest...
Some like Waikiki, some like the North Shore, beauty is in the eye of the beholder…
I'm sure of this, and that is that Zac or Laurence meant no foul, but also meant what they said... To them, coming for Southern California, a beach without buildings and 10's of thousands of people is beautiful...
Take care,
Daveh & Skipper
dave@davehickson.com
Great Pictures,
I always enjoy the pictures. One question, how did you all manage to get into that small car for the picture? Hopefully you all didn't travel down the road with the hatch up?
Really loved the picture of the food donation you made. A kind and giving heart will always be rewarded.
Find that weather window even though I know it's going to be very hard for you to leave. Make good friends because you'll always remember these times for the rest of your life.
Enjoy,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
It looks like you've had a good stay in Cape Town! Very good to see you visited one of the orphanages. I also think it's very nice you had a chance to meet with Mike and check out his set up; a meeting between two amazing guys on dream quests...
Stay safe, Zac. And, as always, stay hydrated!
Cheers,
willy
milford, ohio
Hi There Zac,
Heres wishing you the very best on your next leg of the journey.
Can you share with us your thoughts and ponderings about the upcoming legs and what it means to you to be sailing home now that you are getting closer to home rather than farther away with each leg? Are you anxious to get back? Has the voyage been what you envisioned, and how has it changed since you left?
Catch up with you when you are under way.
Blessings,
Bob in OKC
Hi Zac,
It's been fun keeping track of your trip. As a landlocked Nebraska country girl my knowledge of sailing is negligible :) so I have been really interested in trying to decipher all the technical details.
I was wondering, what're the hardest things to do, physically, when you're sailing alone? How strong/fit do you need to be, to sail?
Hi Zac,
great pictures and great stuff that you are doing in Cape Town. How do you feel with the departure from Cape Town and the continuation of your dream voyage approaching?
Prepare well for the last ocean crossing!
Did you hear from Mike again? There are no news on Mike's blog. Marta's blog has some new entries but I cannot read Polish. From the coordinate, she has arrived in Cape Town, too, but is at Hout Bay.
Enjoy the last days in Cape Town and choose the right weather to leave to cross the southern Atlantic.
All the best,
RK
Hi Zac
Sounds like you're having a good time. You haven't said much about Mike Perham, did you guys not get on? I thought you'd have spent more time together.
Cheers
Jamie
Loved this post!! Laurence, thanks for all the beautiful photos. Hope you have a safe trip back home. Is this the last time you will be meeting with Zac before he returns home?
Zac it was great to see the other side of you in these posts. Charity work!! Giving back gives such a great feeling. This is the way it should be " sail around the world and see the world and experience the people."
Enjoy the rest of your time in CT and may you find that great weather window to bring you safely home. Regards Sherna
Zac,
Enjoyed the photos...not surprised at the charity work. Glad to hear that Intrepid is looking sharp and ready for the trip home! Hope you continue to enjoy your time in port.
Italian clothes, uh? Now all you need is a Ferrari and a SuperModel and you'd have a pretty cool photo shoot. I am picturing Zac in a red F430 Spider...moving at an inspiring 7 knots across the country on his first book tour.
SteveB
Birmingham,AL
@ Mindwalker -
I've had a movie in my vid' inventory for a number of years (we won't count them, that would truly age me) titled "Mindwalk". Having perused your blog, I believe I understand your blog name/reference. I do find it interesting both have similar topics/reference points. But that is for a more private discussion off Capt Zac's board. Welcome aboard y'all! :D
As always, Lord Laurence, your photography & sharing of those same pics amaze me. As others have stated previous to my post - Thx! (Me thinks you give Miss Jen a run for her own skills!)
I, among others I'm sure. worry about departure, but I'm hoping we all know, that many professionals (God Bless & Guide them) are w*rking to provide the most opportune time to head onward in this most fantastic journey.
I'm interested to read if Capt Zac has obtained any seafaring recipes, for the provisions He's stocked, from the locals in S. Africa. Just curious mind you.
Thx for a most superb post & the pics (they keep me coming back just to ck them out again)!
Warm Fuzzy Bear HUGS! y'all!
Tomi/ATL
For those who are interested, Google has a "decent" translator. Tho' not anywhere near Star Trek TM quality, it gives you the gist of what is being communicated:
http://www.google.com/language_tools?hl=en
If'n you don't communicate in English/American - try the main link & click on Language Tools to the right of the search field:
http://www.google.com/
Hugs!
T.
Zac:
Wonderful post. You really get it. You understand. Countries are not geography. Countries are about the people.
The pictures are great. Tell Dad that if the boat wright thing doesn't work out, there's always photography to fall back on.
Please try to find a couple of minutes to give us a post on what's to be expected, weather wise and other wise on the next leg(s). So we about to take to the sea again? I'm getting all wound up for it!
Hoping for a huge wide-open weather window just when you want it. Most of all, be safe.
The Croaker
We should call this "Zac & Jed's eXecellent Adventure"
While on land, they've been exploring islands end to end, swimming with sharks, finding beaches covered with slippers, meeting important people (Mike), going to X games, doing charity work, making new friends, braving the streets of Cape Town and the like!... And not to mention eXtreme sailing in between port calls. What an adventure!
Party on dudes!
Ali.
@ Tomi
Mindwalk is a GREAT movie / intro into quantum physics... I own a copy of it...
I believe it's out of publish, but can be found on eBay and other similar sites...
Daveh
dave@davehickson.com
@ Jamie
I agree , I was expecting Mike and Zac to spend more time together. Neither of them has referred to the other much on their blogs and we've only seen one picture. It seems that poor Mike has been spurned in favour of teh wonderful Jedi ;-)
Zac:
I try not to, and generally do not post twice on one of your posts, but this might be of some benefit.
I came across it somewhere this morning and will pass it on:
Honey does not spoil.
If you have not completed your provisioning, it might be worth a thought. I cannot comment on it's nutritional value, but it is tasty (very!), can be used as a sweetner, or as food, as in on toast, bread, cereal, etc. With it's sugar content, it's a source of quick energy.
Consider buying a bucket. It could be the difference in having a source of calories and having nothing.
I like it on my breakfast bugs and in coffee or tea..
The Coraker
I don't want to say much about the difference between Zac and Mike and hope I am not the bad guy now.
They are 2 different sailors/captains
Zac's boat is a proofen round the world cruiser
Mike's boat is a proofen round the world racer wih a lot of danger involved (for a 16 year old solo sailor)and probably already very soft.
Zac is equiped and supported by the entire family and the Zac pack.
Mike looks like he is supported by his dad and some other people.
Has anybody ever read any blogs from his mom on Mike's blog??
Since I follow Zac's blog from the beginning - I think he is an open minded, well trained, very friendly ambassador of the US.
Mike on the other hand is hard to figuere out. Is this a thing he wants to do or is this a thing his father want's him to do??
In a German Forum I read the following:
there are born sailors
and
there are people trained to sail.
I know Zac will make it to the finish line but I wish Mike all the best and hope he will make it to the finish unharmed too.
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
Before some people might pound Axel, I want to defend him...
He is a seasoned sailer (sorry that's he's German, but he forgives me too [laughing]) and I think his points are not to be taken anti Mike, but admiration and concern for Mike, just as I have and Grant have shared...
We wish both fair weather and may they both be winners and live to tell their grand children about it...
Daveh & Skipper
dave@davehickson.com
Hola a todos,
Muy, muy buenas las fotos ZAC.
Cuando recien publicastes este poste me pregunte lo mismo que Douglas Pistone se pregunto, ¿ como hicieron para caber todos en ese auto tan chico?
Pero bueno parece que si pudieron, jejej
Ahora bien, menos mal que ahi eran todos varones y no habia ninguna chica por que sino..... Mas que una apretuje hubiera habido una violacion....
Te repito muy,MUY BUENAS las fotos .. Keep Going
Glen ingouville
Bs.As.
Argentina
PS: Sorry to ALL, I really don't have time to write in English right now, in other moment I promise to translate this post.
Glen
Axel
The fact Mike's mother doesn't blog shouldn't be held against the poor boy.
And to suggest that he's just doing the trip because his father wants him to is laughable. Read Mike's eloquent blogs and his pure love of the sea and of sailing comes across strongly. Indeed, a cynic would say that Zac's blog lacks that same love (but I'm not that cynic, don't worry).
Both boys are doing something they really believe in and want to do.
That said, I am puzzled that Mike and Zac didn't spend more time together in SA...
I think its wonderful that your sharing your voyage with us. Each time there is a new post I feel as though I am a part of your journey, participating with you. You are truly an inspiration to anyone who dares to dream big. I have never wanted to travel as much as I have since I've started following your story. All of the anecdotes and photos make me want to see the world and pursue my own goals. You help me to see that I don't have to restrict myself to what people expect of me and that it is possible to accomplish great things. Your commitment to your goals as well as to your audience blow me away. I hope you can sail up to Seattle some time, you are an amazing and courageous person and I would be honored to meet you. :)
-Gabrielle G.
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