Shivering at Sea
Latest Position: 02/27/08 1500Z 21 51.724S 000 35.017E (460 miles from St Helena)
Zac continues to press on in steady but light conditions. Intrepid is faithfully pulling him on towards port and thay are both happy! He had been suffering a bit with an eye infection but after digging around in his seldom used medical kit (many thanks to Dr. David Lowenberg) he has been applying some antibacterial eye drops and doing much better.
It has been overcast and very cold compared to the balmy warm weather of South Africa. He has been digging through his clothes looking for his sweatshirts and the infamous missing socks!
He asked how you were all doing and if you were missing him. He asked me to say 'Hi!' to all of you and says he is keeping a log of his days to St Helena to publish once in port.
Thank you to the blog commenters who posted all of the interesting links to St Helena Island. Can't wait to hear what Zac has to say about the place. All being well Zac should arrive there by Tuesday unless the wind picks up. :(
Cheers,
Marianne
PS Yes, he is trolling a fishing line!
Zac continues to press on in steady but light conditions. Intrepid is faithfully pulling him on towards port and thay are both happy! He had been suffering a bit with an eye infection but after digging around in his seldom used medical kit (many thanks to Dr. David Lowenberg) he has been applying some antibacterial eye drops and doing much better.
It has been overcast and very cold compared to the balmy warm weather of South Africa. He has been digging through his clothes looking for his sweatshirts and the infamous missing socks!
He asked how you were all doing and if you were missing him. He asked me to say 'Hi!' to all of you and says he is keeping a log of his days to St Helena to publish once in port.
Thank you to the blog commenters who posted all of the interesting links to St Helena Island. Can't wait to hear what Zac has to say about the place. All being well Zac should arrive there by Tuesday unless the wind picks up. :(
Cheers,
Marianne
PS Yes, he is trolling a fishing line!
posted by Zac at
11:59 AM
39 Comments:
Hello Marianne!
Good to know all is well!
Will keep all in prayer. Have a great weekend.
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV Wombat
Hello Zac,
Great job sailing towards St. Helena. I'm glad to know Zac had some medication for his eye, thanks again Dr. Lowenberg. I'm sure without the antibacterial this could have been a problem for Zac.
Enjoy the sail and keep the good work up.
Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Good to hear that Zac is moving nicely along.
pls return "Hi" to Zac and wish him good spirits and a nice FISH BBQ (braai)
Will
Thanks for the update Marianne! I feel like a kid on a road trip, asking the parents "are we there yet?" when I check the blog multiple times thinking "is there another update yet?"
Yes, missing personal updates from Zac, but I really love hearing from the others as well -- mom, dad, Jen, etc. Please say "hi" back to Zac.
Didn't post on the past few blogs -- wanted to be sure and tell Jen thank you so much for your blog and again for all your wonderful photos -- they and you have added so much to this journey!
Take care all, Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
It's nice to hear that Zac is missing us. I hope you told him that we miss him too! I do hope you didn't tell him that we were misbehaving! LOL
I do hope the antibiotic eye meds take care of his eye. Tell him to avoid cross-contamination by not using the same towel to wipe at it repeatedly and to keep his hands clean. I'd hate to see him have to wear a "pirate patch" on his eye, although it would make him look wicked cool if he did!
Looking forward to he and Jen making land fall. Anyone wanna place bets on who arrives first?
Yes, yes yes we are missing him!
Glad that he and Intrepid are happy, what great news.
It has been fun to hear from Jen and also your updates Marianne....thanks so much for keeping us well informed.Good to have more photos too....wonderful.
A little hard to think of him cold, alone but we know he is well used to rising to whatever is asked of him, so we just hope he finds warm clothes and SOCKS....and it isn't long before he is at his next destination.
Fish....did someone mention fish!
UK friend
Hi Marianne. Please tell Zac the Fantasia crew says hi and we are praying for his safe voyage! I hope the weather stays fair :-)
love and hugs,
krista and the family.
Tell Zac to look for Dot's Cafe when he gets to St Helena. It used to be on the right hand side of the road up from the dinghy dock just at the beginning of town. If it is still there he should paint his name on the wall as was the custom when my wife and I were there in 1974. Look for our boat's name, "Bebinka". And don't forget to walk up Jacob's ladder to get a good view of the anchorage.
I can think of all sorts of things that mariners might need at sea, but I never thought that socks would be one of them!
Lady Marianne -
I'm quite saddened that you had to invoke moderation again, tho' reading the comments from yesterday I'm pleased you did.
Miss Jen -
You have GREAT talent! Please pay no heed to A. Nony Mouse. I do so hope you didn't get to read those extremely negative comments. You're a caring lass (& as one among many wonders if there is more than just a photographic assignment involved here - but your personal life is your own :) ). I think it would break a few hearts if some were to learn Capt Zac! already has his heart semi-promised. ;)
As several have already stated (& yes I'm reiterating their comments in me own words) YOU ROCK GIRL! Thx for permitting we ZacPac'ers to share/view your w*rk. Please continue to share in any manner you deem fit. Thx for being you!
@ A. Nony Mouse -
I dislike posting negative comments & have been slammed for doing so - at the same risk of being deleted - STOP IT! Courage & guts to post your net/real name is part of this journey, learn it, do it or get off the blog comments.
@ ZacPac/Team Sunderland -
My apologies for the previous comment, but I felt the need to "vent".
@ Mr. Erik -
The words I've read/heard posted from you/about you truly match what you've written. Thank you from me heart's bottom/middle/top for sharing. You are truly a most honorable man. Thx mate!
(I can't w/a clear conscience end as norm' - that stated....)
HUGS! y'all!
Tomi/ATL
TIME WARP, TIME WARP!!!! The missing socks are back!!!
Too dang funny...
A good bag from the Doc is always a great thing on board, especially when it's NEEDED... No Doc in the Box offshore for weeks sometimes... I always have a good Medi-Bag!
Daveh & Skipper
dave@davehickson.com
Zac............find those sweatshirts and socks and KEEP WARM.......no colds allowed.
Dale Kesler
Birmingham, MI
WOW! My Hero's Happy & Lady Intrepid is doing well, as well! That is such fantastic news! Nice pic btw - reminds me of some of the pics of the sea trial - very nice indeed! Capt Zac! is truly the Master of Lady Intrepid.
@ Lady Marianne -
You'd previous asked what adjustments might be made to the website. W/Capt Zac! now aiming for his home port, might one suggest the pics come toward the viewer instead of going out? Just a thought. :) If Miss Jen is able, maybe, just maybe she might be able to take a couple captures of our Capt coming toward/into port & again if she's willing, maybe they could be part of the "new look" when one surfs to the main Capt Zac! home page.
Reading various posts is always exciting on the main blog (no offense to me fellow ZacPac'ers) but I sometimes skip the comments when am pressed for time (tho' I do admit I go back to read them when have more time to spare).
As other ZacPac'ers have posted, maybe Capt Zac! & Miss Jen might do a colaberative (sp?) endeavor on my Hero's book (when he has time of course after this Great Journey). What a tome it would be to read if Team Sunderland & some of the blog postings were included! Me wonders if there are any major publishers in the ZacPac who might be thinking of "snaggin'" the publishing rights. ;)
Warm Fuzzy BEAR HUGS! Y'all!
Tomi/ATL
Being cold while underway is no fun,Pack some gloves to.I've been following your journey from the start,Cheered alot,prayed alittle and always believed you could!
I want a first edition,signed by the Captain!
Straight Wakes,
Mike S.
Thanks Marianne,
Another good post with good news except for the eye problem and the need for socks. I've spent several winters in Florida now. It's usually nice at this time of the year, but we've had some freezes this season. It has been bad and I know that's it's bad because I've had to wear socks with my sandals several times this year.
Tell Zac to take care of his eye problem carefully and get advice from the good doctor who gave him such a well equipped medical kit. I have had only one functioning eye for several years now. Life goes on and one can function as a "Cyclops", but it can be very inconvenient as it severally restricts depth perception. One must adapt and live life within the constraints of the limitations, as in how far in front of me in the back end of that car? I'd imagine that it could also affect docking and climbing onto a wharf or shinnying up a mast. Even if Zac has to wear a bandage for a while, he can handle the challenges. One must simply be aware of what's going on in the near environment, think, and act accordingly. All evidence is that this is a particular "Zac Specialty."
And on to ST. Helena,
The Croaker
oop its 2009
and wats in a good med bag?
take care and good wind
Bligerat101
Wow Zac,
The wind must be at your back. It seems as though you are fairly flying! I hope it is somewhat smooth sailing, for the most part.
I'm thinking if those socks haven't surfaced by now, perhaps they are not on the Intrepid at all. You might have to make some socks.
Just a few more days and you will be about 1600 miles closer to home than you were when you left Cape Town.
Be safe,
Namaste~~~
Please tell Zac that while he may have lost his cell battery (and socks) he hasn't lost his audience! I am enjoying and appreciating the posts from mom and am anxious for one from the skipper once he lands at Helena. I had thought this leg would be more of a challenging sail than it was, so thats a good thing!
Hello to all,
First thing, I would not go into Brazil for any reason. I have been in that country, beautiful place, but allot of crime, he does not need to be around that.
Say HI to Zac for me. It sounds like he will make this leg of the trip without getting down about the long time out to sea.
Keep up with all the work.
Until next time
Gary, Houston Tx.
Marianne! :)
Let Zac know that his worldwide shipmates are all thinking about him, and no doubt are praying for his safe arrival at St Helena!
This journey is nothing short of amazing, the future is certainly bright, for this fine young man.
Regards from the UK!
Dave
Here are more infos on the RMS St. Helena:
http://www.xvas.it/SPECIAL/VTship.php?imo=8716306&mode=CK
http://www.shipspotting.com/search.php?query=8716306&action=results
http://www.vesseltracker.com/de/Ships/Rms-St-Helena-8716306.html?show=photos
@ Jen.
How long do you stay in St. Helena. Looks like that ship is coming in and going out always the same day.
Axel
heye@madisoncounty.net
Heck yea your missed Zac!
And let me tell ya, your name is mentioned at least once a day in my house..even when we go the river, the race track or the dunes, my laptop comes with me and i hit the hot spots to check on you!
So i hear it's getting a little cooler for you as you get closer to home..you can finally use the hoodie i sent you.(it was the NO FEAR one)
Will we be able to send more stuff to you or will your stay on land be short?
Have a great sail into St.Helena..stay safe, warm and dry.
Laura in Bermuda Dunes :}
Do you know when you plan to be back to California?
a friend in kentucky
Hey Zac,
I hope your feet are warm now as you continue to sail on towards home! I, as well as so many others, click on "blog" several times a day to see if there is a new update and I'm always happy when there is. Thanks Marianne for all your hard work in allowing us to follow your son who for many of us has become "our" son. Hopefully this crazy blog has helped you maintain your sanity while your 17 year old son is out there sailing around the world. I think we often forget this is your kid, not just some kid! Many blessings to you and yours!
Linnae, Minneapolis MN
SOCKS!!! Where are my socks? Way back in these blogs is an entry I made about not having enough socks on my sail home from Hawaii. I would never go again without a dozen pair stuffed in zip lock bags stowed somewhere safe.
My trip home got cold when I hit 40 degrees N. Lat and when I ran out of socks it became a very smelly passage. I ended up wearing my sea boots with no socks. The trip home took 33 days. The weather was so rough, cold, and wet that washed out socks would not dry. If I'd had a few pair of all wool socks I could have worn them damp but mine were all cotton blend. Ice cold. When I finally got home it took a long time to get the "locker room" smell out of those boots.
Zac-----Get a bunch of socks in ST. Helena.
Rusty
@ Tomi
Interesting comments. Could you please elaborate on your quote
" I think it would break a few hearts if some were to learn Capt Zac! already has his heart semi-promised. ;)"
Thank you.
very good to hear Zac is well and on his way to St. Helena.
this may have already been asked but I don't have a lot of free time to read all the blogs so here goes a question for Zac. How are your studies going? What subjects are you going over? and do you take tests on them?
you don't have a sock eating clothes drier on board do you? if not then your socks have to be some where on Intrepid. a little humor
Hi Zac,
This is my first post ever on your blog :)
I hope you will have a safe and wonderful journey. What you have done is an inspiration for me.
Thanks,
Kwan Yee
Hong Kong, China
Tell Zac that if he would like to stop for a good night's sleep and a quick shore excursion that he should consider Fernando de Noronha off the north east tip of Brazil. There is a small marina and an anchorage at 3 degrees 50 minutes south and 32 degrees 24 minute west. This is a high class, up scale tourist island which is actually a national park and he should not be concerned about crime. Here is what a Brazilian tourist guide says about boats coming there:
For the sail boats that visit the archipelago, there is a small and as yet inadequate structure in the port which includes bathrooms and showers. Each recreational boat as it arrives, should communicate with the port authority by means of VHF Marine channel 12 or 16 for instructions. Anchorage within the seawall protected area is not permitted, so all boats must anchor outside. The administration collects the Preservation Tax for both crew and passengers as well as a docking fee.
This is just a suggestion if Zac wants a short stop. My wife and I stopped there in 1974 when it was just a small navy base. The island is spectacularly beautiful.
Marianne-
Your family is in our hearts and prayers. I am reminded of your families sacrifice every night I go in and tuck my daughter Megan into her warm, safe bed. She has her Zac calendar above her head and she says "Goodnight Zac" every night. Of course the calendar is always on March, because that is her favorite picture. She can't wait to meet him when his journey is over. Again, Thank you to your family for allowing Zac to be away and thank you to Zac for showing our children they CAN make their dreams come true. Until we see you at Zac's homecoming, You and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
Zac,
I have written you a few times and was at your fundraiser (we actually signed your boom) and met you parents. They are wonderful people. I am PROUD to say I have followed your journey every day since before you left. Not proud of my logging onto my computer daily, but proud of even knowing about YOU and being able to be a part of your dream. I was taking my son and daughter, Eric and Megan, to school and heard about your journey on Mark & Brian (KLOS in LA). Ever since that day we have logged into your web page to see how you are doing. I am sorry we haven't written more. We get busy in our lives and time gets away from us. My daughter Megan doesn't think you read our posts, but I hope you do. I hope when you close your eyes you feel all of our warm wishes and prayers flooding your way. My daughter looks at your picture every night and wishes you a good night. You were drawn to my heart tonight and I had to let you know how often we think of you. Safe sailing.
Lori Love
Gosh, Zac,
I hope that by now the Socks have been found or are on the St Helena list of Must Replace. On this gray, rainy day here, my thoughts are of you at sea. May St Helena appear in your sights soon and may it be a bit restful among the work and adventure.
Fair Winds to you Zac from this old Zac Packer and proud to be so,
Kathy
Bend, OR
Wow. Lot of stuff going on on this blog! "Stay tuned!"
First, is it LAND A'HOY yet? You must be getting close. Anyone know where Jen is? And if she's in love with Zac?? Just kidding, Jen! ha ha.... Right? ;D
Yes, buy some socks or make some socks - just get some socks. Stay as warm as you can! Its winter in the No Hemisphere for goodness sake! ...And thank God your eye is getting better! Eye infections are wicked!
Gary from Houston - I hear you loud and clear - NO BRAZIL! YIKES! Be safe, Captain.
but, you have to look up that one place that Scott suggested - Fernando_de_Noronha, Brazil - wow. beautiful! Even a the dolphins vacation there! ;)
Welcome to Kwan Yee and other first time posters! I love
the great advice from those with experience that share here. Its so interesting! Thank you, all! You make me smarter! :D
Hey, peace to ya, Zac and Sunderlands. "Go with the wind at your back and the sun on your face, with a song in your heart and the promise of grace. Go in Peace and in Truth and let Love lead your way - Go with G-d." I didn't write that - but I just sang that blessing over you all and meant it! (and maybe broke copyright laws... :(
oh well! Blessings on you anyway!
LA in MN
How interesting - Zac misses the ZacPak!
Many of us are wishing we could be experiencing his journey from right there - onboard Intrepid. And he's missing us! It's difficult most of us to place ourselves in his position. Obvious that many thoughts pass through the mind of one pressing around the world so totally on his own.
I say, "God Bless Him."
LOL at Wayne's name and comment. As an ex-naval chap myself, I can confirm that's quite right!
"He asked how you were all doing and if you were missing him?"
I refer the right honorable young man to his own response when asked if he was missing his mom?
"Are you kidding? Of course!"
Cheeky git - like he doesn't KNOW he's got a worldwide captive audience hanging on the edge of their seats daily for word of his progress... and he's mercilessly milking it for all it's worth: deservedly so!
;-)
Gotta love him, don't ya!
:-D
tREVVA!
PS re. "his place in the world", I'm kinding getting the impression that Cape Town might be pretty much right high up there near the top of the list!
Hi Zac aka world record breaker!!,
We are from long meadow primary school in England.We have been learning about you and your epic adventure sailing around the world by your self. We are sorry to hear about your eye problems and the cold weather! Nice job sailing all the way to St Helena.
Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Long meadow pupils Year 6
P.S. Hope you find the infamoous missing socks!!!!
Hello Marianne!
I am Matthew from Long Meadow School in England. I hope Zac is good. As well as him missing me I miss him. Your blog is really interesting and it's good to see the eye cure worked. February 2009 looks really interesting.
I hope to read more of your blogs,
Matthew
Hi Zac.
I am a student at long meadow school and I am working on survival in this school.I would like to ask some question.When did you move to cape town? How did you feel about your I infection. I hope your infecton stops
Hi Zac i am in one milton keynes schools how are you felling ? how did you cope in south africa with the weather . i hope you enjoy your weekend.
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