Thursday, March 26, 2009

Final Repairs





























Zac with Polish circumnavigator Natsza Caban, St Helena Island

Zac is alive and well on the beautiful island of St Helena as this lovely photo shows. There is much to tell...


Laurence and Hans from Scanmar had been troubleshooting Zac's windvane from afar. If you remember, after steering Zac over half way around the world, it began to slip on his passage from Cape Town to St Helena. Laurence was concerned that the 'slipping' would only worsen on Zac's long leg across the Atlantic. I sent Hans every photo ever taken of the windvane and after careful inspection it became clear to Scanmar that the Monitor must have been hit and damaged, probably by another boat. If Zac was not on board he would not know about it. The most severe problem is that the #26 Pendulum had been bent. It can most certainly be repaired in St.Helena but the Monitor has to be taken off and taken apart at the gears and the pendulum has to be removed and straightened.


Fortunately, the Monitor is made in Stainless, which is very repairable. The pendulum blocks on the Monitor are also mounted incorrectly on the brackets. This can be corrected in 10 minutes but the way they are mounted now there is a lot of line chafe and light air performance is effected.


Hans sent over a detailed email on how to repair the vane. Zac's manual was soaked and unreadable though. No problem, he can get it on line. Well, no he can't, the Internet service is too slow to download large documents. I tried emailing it and ended up cutting and pasting the parts of the manual that were referenced in Hans' email into Facebook since Zac also cannot get on Yahoo to check his email. We still were not able to get Zac access to the imperative printed copy of a diagram however.























Monitor diagram

To make matters worse, Zac began to take the vane apart while still attached to Intrepid instead of detaching the whole thing and moving it inside as Hans instructed. I can hear the comments now....but before you pass judgement on the kid, know that he is alone in a rolly anchorage without a dinghy and felt if he had dismounted the whole thing, he might drop the whole thing in the water. He is moored in 90 feet of water! In his judgement at the time, it was the right thing to do.

The result of this was 15 of 18 bearings and one custom washer fell into the sea. The washer was machined by the now famous, Trevor. Yeah Trevor!! The bearings weren't so easy. Our conversations were tense on top of being crackly and intermittent. Things were not looking good.

Knowing that Zac needed a miracle to pull this off, I sent out a mass email asking for prayer - specifically a miracle. I remember as I typed the words asking myself, "Marianne, do you believe that God can do this?" I did and He did.

By the time Zac woke up in the morning, Natasza Caban had pulled into St Helena. Natasza is a young Polish woman who is attempting to be the first Polish woman to sail around the world alone. Thanks to an anonymous blog commenter (yeah bloggers!) who had been reading her blog, we learned that Natsza also had a Monitor windvane on her boat.

She had the manual (in English- whew!) and some spare bearings. If that is not a miracle, I don't know what is!

I spoke for a while with Zac this (his) evening. He was sitting on the one spot down the beach a ways that has sat phone reception. He had successfully placed the bearings and had a friend to help him finish the repairs and hopefully return the vane to the boat tomorrow.

I told Zac that commenters (not to mention his parents) were getting peeved with him for taking so long and asked what he had to say for himself. He tried to explain what it is like to have your boat in a rolly anchorage with no dinghy - there is no place to land a dinghy at St Helena so he didn't commission his dinghy. Then you have the poor sat phone reception and a big time difference - he is 7 hours later. Then you have slow Internet connection. Then you are asking locals who already have full time jobs to come and help you with your boat. They kindly agree but have to work and find time after work etc.

Could Zac have done things differently? Yes. Could he have done things quicker? Yes. The beautiful thing here though is that Zac is in a place where no one can reasonably fly out to help him. He has to do this himself and it has been a challenge. He has risen to the challenge and not given up because he can't. We sure wish Zac was nearing Grenada right now. We are also proud of the young man he is becoming. We are taking things a day at a time here. Hoping and waiting and encouraging Zac.

We had a fabulous night out at the Westlake Yacht Club before heading over to the screening of Morning Light. the inspiring story of 15 young adults with limited sailing backgrounds who trained for a year to be competitive racers in the Trans Pacific Yacht race. Laurence, Abby, my mom and I all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We met Roy Disney Jr. who is a gifted speaker and passionate sailor who gave great insights and background into this wonderful movie. It will be out on DVD in June so you have to check it out.

Update soon...

Marianne

38 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

As stated in my previous comment…
The lessons of the sea are yours alone, and can only be learned by experiencing each moment personally.
To truly know something, you must experience it first, anything less is just vague awareness.
I have no doubt that Zac will complete his journey. I wonder however, how many stressful situations he will need to react to before “Forethought” creeps into his life.
A simple tether on the frame of the wind vain would have eliminated any angst over loosing it to the sea. Removal then would have been stress free.
Fait occasionally intervenes in our lives and any thing we do is futile. We must experience what is offered.
God speed to all

Ken
s/v running water

March 27, 2009 at 1:27 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

All things are possible through Our Lord Jesus Christ. <><

Zac, your knowledge, perseverance, and Faith have again served you well. No such thing as coincidence. How blessed you are that God showes you these things over and over.

Be safe, be still and continue to listen!
Fair winds and following seas
Hugs,
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"

March 27, 2009 at 2:10 AM  
Blogger John Gezelius said...

Great update - it explains a great deal!

March 27, 2009 at 3:11 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the excellent description of the trying circumstances Zac has been working with.

I suspect that all too soon he'll be in Grenada, and all too soon after that he'll be sailing into Marina Del Rey, and wondering how the trip could have gone by so quickly.

When that time comes, hope he has lots of wonderful memories of being at sea, and of being on land, making friends in interesting ports around the world.

- Grant Fjermedal, Seattle

March 27, 2009 at 4:18 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Truly a miracle!

Zac also rose to the challenge.

Hopefully none of the bloggers are mad at Zac - though in internet-speak typing in all caps leads a person to think they are yelling.

Keep up the good spirits as you move forward - you definitely have support from a higher authority.

March 27, 2009 at 4:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God truly is GREATER than anything isn't HE?! So glad Zac is back on track. I'm always praying for his safety.

March 27, 2009 at 4:47 AM  
Blogger Willyboy said...

Thank you, Marianne as always. Toss me into the category who believes Zac continues to handle things very well. I know from experience that taking care of business in remote locations is tricky and to be tackling such as a 17 year old (even an exceptional 17 year old) remains, to me, impressive. I continue to follow via FB and here...

I read and understand all the concerns about timing but I know that sometimes you simply have to go with the flow - otherwise you can get frustrated, depressed and worst of all, careless.

I hope that - and suspect it will be so - things will roll quickly now and Zac will be off on the next very long leg before we know it. For my part, I believe Zac will do OK on his timing and still hit good weather windows in the Pacific. But, so long as he's safe and making progress...

Cheers to all,

willy
milford, ohio

March 27, 2009 at 4:52 AM  
Blogger Daveh said...

Hi Marianne – Good to get such a thorough update, I cringed at the first half of your post, but the story certainly turned around.

Life is about lessons and life is about living, and Zac is certainly doing both.

My big concern has been the timing of the Baja leg, but hey, I’m just “Mr. Safety”, (laughing) here…

I’m glad everything is in order and I hope for a downwind passage (as Grant said) for him to the South Caribbean…

Daveh & Skipper
dave@davehickson.com

March 27, 2009 at 5:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To bad there wasn't a film crew there to record the moment the the bearings and manual were located on Natsza's boat.

I can hear the dramatic music now.

This whole trip would have made a great documentary.

March 27, 2009 at 5:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How can anyone be upset about Zac staying too long at St. Helena? How amazing is it for a 17 year old to be doing what Zac has done and is doing. And as far as dropping the washer and bearings overboard? All those things have joined the cell phones, screwdrivers, sockets, and yes even outboard motors that sailors around the world have dropped into the depths. Better those things overboard than Zac. We keep praying for Zac asking God's protection, Christ's peace, and the Holy Spirit's power be upon Zac.

March 27, 2009 at 5:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can't believe he's been on St Helen's for over three weeks. hopefully he can get the wind vane back on the boat and get on his way. It sure seems odd that there is no place to land a dingy; you'd think there would at least be some spot in the marina, that must really be difficult for Zac. I'm guessing he will be quite happy to sail away from that little island.

March 27, 2009 at 6:21 AM  
Blogger Debbie of Boise said...

I've been following Zac's Blog for a couple of months now. I am moved by all he has to deal with, especially his trials on St. Helena. This young man has challenged himself to a great adventure, fraught with unexpected challenges. I wish Zac well and keep him in my prayers.

Rev. Debbie Graham

March 27, 2009 at 7:18 AM  
Blogger Jill said...

I find it sad that Marianne had to buffer this entry with a plea that readers withhold their criticism of Zac. How would anyone like the idea of sharing the adventure of a lifetime with the world, only to have every aspect of your existence and every decision that you make open to everybody else's armchair judgment/wisdom? Find me even one person, no matter the age, who doesn't now and then wish s/he hadn't done things differently? If you find that person, no doubt he will be living a life void of any risk. I had the honor of visiting with Zac in Cape Town. I am deeply impressed with how he and his family are handling this experience. The Sunderlands have nothing but support from the tip of Africa! Jill

March 27, 2009 at 7:45 AM  
Blogger John W said...

Quite a story. I truly believe Zac is doing the best he can, if I were in his shoes I would have lost it long ago! As Dorothy once said "there's no place like home" so Zack keep doing what you're doing and you will get home safely.
Looking forward to the next blog from sea. John in frigid Minneapolis.

March 27, 2009 at 7:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks so much, Marianne, for the update... was so glad to see it today after checking every day this week :) Holding my breath through reading it! Oh my, what a miracle for Zac to finally get things in place in the middle of nowhere like that. I am so looking forward to hearing of his departure - and so thankful that the people of St Helena have been so kind and helpful during his unexepcted extended stay. Keeping Zac in my prayers... Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher

March 27, 2009 at 8:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am in disbelief that people are criticizing anything about the time duration of this endeavor. I'm reminded of this quote, which probably explains the inanity of the criticism.
"Everything looks impossible for the people who never try anything."
Good Luck Zac! Keep on truckin'!

March 27, 2009 at 8:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whew! I feel like I've been on a bumpy ride after reading that post. Thank goodness that Natasza pulled in when she did!

I began to think of Zac as "Gilligan" stuck on this remote island with nothing but a coconut for a phone. Natasza looks a bit like Mary Ann don't you think!

March 27, 2009 at 8:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dang she's hot and helpful! Its been fun to see Zac meet up with the various sailors that I've been tracking along the way. This one just happens to be alot easier on the eyes!

March 27, 2009 at 8:41 AM  
Blogger Becky said...

Zac and team Sunderland(s);

Thank goodness Natasza had, not only a manual, but also extra bearings for a windvane monitor. I hope they can get replacements ordered and awaiting them at the next port. They may not be headed for the same port in Granada, yet they may be...!!

It does seem like ball bearings are sort of like a cat at the door; they get an opening and they are through and gone!

That's a great pic of Natasza and Zac on her boat. I did see it on his facebook also. Just another serendipitous event Zac's world adventure! This gal, however,....looks a lot like 'Mom.'

So, it's on to Grenada then!?!? Will there be an address to send Zac a posty?

(16 degrees and oodles of spring snow here in the Denver, Colorado area)

Namaste~~~

March 27, 2009 at 8:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As a non-sailor who has always dreamed of doing what Zac has done, I suppose I'm one of those guys who lives vicariously through his adventures (and misadventures). So when we don't hear much from him it's a little disappointing but certainly not anger.

Let's not forget people, at 17 Zac is still learning his way into adulthood. The problems he currently faces are monumental even to someone who is advanced for his age.

Zac, I wish you well and I look forward to your continued travels. Hopefully I will be abel to make it to your homecoming. Stay safe young man.

Steve

March 27, 2009 at 8:53 AM  
Blogger Mona said...

Marianne,
Thanks for the long awaited update. So happy to hear that progress is being made and Zac will soon be on his way again.

I have a question. If there is no place to land a dingy, how does Zac get back and forth from Intrepid to shore?

Zac,
Anxiously waiting to hear that all equipment is functioning properly, and you are on your way again.

Sail Safe!
Mona
Tucson, AZ

March 27, 2009 at 9:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you Lord! This is so awesome! I have been praying every day for God to bless Zac and protect him on this big adventure! When things were getting tense in St. Helena I started praying for Zac and his family. I will continue to do this every day morning and night. Thank you Marianne for telling the story of the miracle.
Zac's journey has been so exciting for me and my 11 year old son, we went hunting for an Islander Sailboat to experience sailing. We found a 1972 Islander 30 foot for the right price. We felt confident it was a good year, same year as Zac's. We will be sailing in a week or so. Zac and his family and his fans have made our lives so much more exciting!!
Robert H. Daughters
RHDaughters@aol.com

March 27, 2009 at 9:21 AM  
Blogger Bob said...

Hi There Zac...

What an amazing story you are living. Not just the voyage of a lifetime, but a story of how your life has been inspiration for so many watching events like those on St. Helena and how you have managed to overcome barriers and how prayers have been answered over and over. In all things acknowlege Him and He will make your paths straight (or in sailing, zig zags). What an angel Natasha must be ~ To come at the right time, to the right place, with the right windvane, with the right manual, with the right bearings, with the spirit of sharing. Just a coincidence? Right...
There may well be trials still ahead, but look who's leading you through them.
Now go and enjoy some time on the water, do a little fishing, keep your electronics dry, and revel in the moments you have left on this fantastic voyage!
Blessings,
Bob in OKC

March 27, 2009 at 9:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What's the hurry? Life is more important than speed. Let's remember that and pray for Zac.

March 27, 2009 at 9:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hahaha, I read Marianne's posting with a lot of amusement !!!
Why? Well, here in Africa when you work in the middle of the bush (Congo...Rwanda) those technical mishaps are really a standard....of course I thought about Zac...and remembered umpteen times that I was in the same situation.

A lesson for would-be sailors: take a 6 month engineering course before leaving !!

and here the naughty bit:

Does a 17 year old man really needs a MANUAL to receive "bearings" from a young nice woman?

héhé

greetz

Will

March 27, 2009 at 9:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jamestown Harbor is just one massive seawall with simple concrete steps into the water. There is a ferry service to all the boats anchored in the harbor, which pull up to the steps and you are expected to leap off, timed through the swells. For a better idea of the sea wall:

http://www.worldcruisingevents.com/Office/Content/St-Helena-Jamestown-from-above.jpg

For a discription of the process, from a couple also sailing around the world, who in fact met Zac in Durban and recently left St Helena:

http://www.sailblogs.com/member/valiam/?xjMsgID=81421

"Shortly after anchoring at midday - 10 days 22 hours after leaving Simons Town, South Africa we were given permission over the radio by Port Control to go ashore. A young man with Creole features took us ashore in his wooden boat ('ferry'). The exciting part was disembarking as the boat rose in the swell as we had to grab hold of the hanging ropes to jump ashore on to wet concrete steps. This was not easy when we hadn't got our 'land legs' yet! "

Some other thoughts.

Absolutely ! Young Zac, is exactly that 16/17yo kid. Nothing more nothing less. Doing something naturally, that is sailing, that people twice or trice his age wouldn't even dream of even trying to do. But underneath that he's just your run of the mill goofy 17yo kid, that will drop his phone in the sink, not learn, then repeat and drop his charger in the same sink, or struggle with a very expensive satellite phone trying to make a call, when all you need to do is go to the hotel or pay phone and simply make a collect call home. Along with protect the service repair manuels of all devices on board, consider when dismantling things over water, that something can drop.Take Sanmars expert advice and take the repair kit that comes with the Monitor WindVane, which includes 36 spare ball barings (which means Natasza has 18 left - the required emergency amount)

http://www.selfsteer.com/products/monitor/parts.php

Have gmail account spare handy if yahoo doesn't work.

Ask Mom to fax the diagram to the hotel,set to super fine mode, in it cannot be emailed

:-)

Buy a tri-band unlocked GSM phone, mil spec'd and keep it with you so that when in places like South Africa, Australia, Caribbean and almost everwhere else in the world, except St Helena of course, for 25 dollars you buy a local SIM card receive free incoming calls 100 minutes free outgoing long distance calls and maybe 20cents long distance costs thereafter, vs fighting to get a satellite signal @ 5 dollars per minute.

All these small little things. That even some grown ups forget about or don't know about.

Otherwise, like an old salt mariner sailing around the world alone at 17 for him is as simple as breathing.

Keeping an eye out,

Good Luck on the final leg!

Cheers,
Your Natasza blog reader ETA St Helena and Montior WIndvane spotter

:-)

March 27, 2009 at 9:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That was a great blog today. We have always seen Zacs trip as a journey to adulthood lived out before an audience in an extreme situation. I don’t think there is a person alive that can’t relate on some level to Zacs situation, though maybe not the grand scale by which he must live and suffer the consequences of his decisions. The ocean is a hard mistress she tends you punish one for the smallest infraction.
Frustration, worry and mistakes are part and parcel with growth. As you said things could have been done differently or even better (the old hindsight thing & armchair quarterbacking come to mind), but knowledge is only gained by experience, and experience comes with age. It's just too bad that by the time we get to an age where we don't make to many foolish mistakes we're usually ready for the old folk's home.


Cheers

March 27, 2009 at 10:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Marianne,
I looked for your family at the yacht club last evening, however I didn't recognize you among so many people, as the place was packed! The theatre was sold out and Mr. Disney's introduction, remarks and question and answer period was great. I was absolutely amazed at the incredible achievements of those young sailors. Along with their sailing ability, their academics are nothing short of amazing. How they could excel at their university studies while training for the Transpac was an incredible accomplishment that mirrors young Zac. I was fortunate to obtain an autographed "Morning Light" poster and will purchase the DVD when it is released in June. As far as the critics and comments regarding "Zac's Excellent Adventure", unless you are an ocean boater and have traveled long distances out of sight and help from nearby harbors, marinas, repair facilities, etc., you cannot imagine what it's like to try and jury-rig or repair a piece of boat equipment while underway. On one trip where I served as crew helping to deliver a 58' trawler from Channel Islands Harbor to Bainbridge Island, Washington, everything that could go wrong did, including loseing the steering
between Morro Bay and Monterey in 12-14 foot seas with 20-30 knots of wind. There was no way to turn around and we had to continue for more than ten hours using the transmissions and throttles to move the boat forward and steer at a snails pace. No help there, only the Coast Guard to keep in contact with. Hang in there Zac!

March 27, 2009 at 10:49 AM  
Blogger Croaker of FrogPond said...

@Marianne: As usual, Mom to the rescue. Thanks for the post letting us know what's going on with our young hero. At first, it sounded dismal, without recourse. But ... as usual, the power of prayer and the karma of Zac came through at the end.

I've not read previous posts (yet) to this entry and I am probably being redundant here, nevertheless, I support Zac's initial reluctance to completely remove the windvane. Only his own two hands on a rolly boat in 90 ft. of water? Whoa, let's think about possibility, probability, and alternative procedures.

The young Polish lady seems to have character and compassion that matches her looks. Let's all say a prayer for her!

Croaker

March 27, 2009 at 1:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I still get goosebumps on goosebumps with this story. All praise be....... Zac you will get back out to sea in just the right time with your God and you at the helm, I just know and pray for it.
Thanks Marianne for the great post and the great picture. We are a family of Zac supporters.

May you now look forward to getting Intrepid back out to sea - I know she wants that too.

God speed, Zac,
Kathy
Bend, OR

March 27, 2009 at 1:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Meanwhile south of Australia, 17-year-old Mike Perham just suffered a nasty midnight knock-down while sailing in 50-knot winds and 40-foot seas. (Think of 4-story buildings toppling down on you, one after the other. The big wave that hit him might have been a 50-footer or more, as when you've got 40-footers running, waves can combine into monsters called Rogue Waves that based on a 40-foot sea state could easily be 60 feet or more in height.)

For those who have been following Mike Perham's adventure, he's nearly across the Indian Ocean. Mike and Zac got the chance to meet while in Cape Town.

You can follow his adventures at:
http://www.totallymoney.com/sailmike/

And, here's the post from his Dad, as Mike's electronic gear suffered some (hopefully temporary) damage when bilge water shot all over the place during the knock-down.

His father reports:

Knockdown! - 27 03 09
From MIke's Dad:

The wind was up to about 50 knots and the seas a lumpy 10m high. Mike was wedged at the chart table and had been happily sailing along with three reefs in the main and his tiny staysail when TotallyMoney.com was hit by a wave sending her onto her side, forcing Mike to brace himself by putting his foot on the deck head (ceiling).

The weighty keel soon kicked in and had TotallyMoney.com back upright in a couple of seconds. This all happened close to mid-night Mike time. He was plunged into darkness but quickly located one of his emergency torches. A bit shaken, Mike surveyed the scene: a few items had decided to relocate themselves and the bilge water which resides under the engine (which is very difficult to get to) was now everywhere and had taken out the electrics.

I received the phone call: "Dad I've been knocked down, I'm OK, the mast is still up but I've lost my electrics." Relieved that Mike was OK we decided on a plan of action. First, he had to phone in regularly and keep well fed. He had to secure down anything heavy that might have been dislodged. He then went to work on the electrics and successfully got them mostly back up and running and with the help of Mastervolt we have since managed to sort out the battery status controls.

TotallyMoney seemed settled, so once daylight came, Mike decided to go into the cockpit to have a proper look at the rigging and all seemed fine, except one of the lazy jacks had come away.

Unfortunately, the lazy jack line managed to wrap its way round the main halyard forcing Mike to continue sailing with three reefs in the main. To sort this out Mike will have to climb the mast to the first spreaders. For now he is content to sail a little de-powered until conditions make mast climbing possible.

TotallyMoney.com was still surfing down waves at a good rate of knots (big smile on Mike's face) but he decided to throw out a drouge to act as a break and reduce the amount of work the auto-pilot was having to do, as this would help reduce the slewing motion.

Once all this was done, Mike hungrily consumed an entire half-pound chocolate bar!

At the moment Mike is unable to re-charge his batteries to their normal capacity so he is playing safe and has powered down his lap-top and a few other non-essential items which explains why I’m hitting the key board in place of Mike.

Mike’s Dad

March 27, 2009 at 1:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac, please don't take this as a critisizm, we learn as we go and the ocean is a great place to learn, sometimes it isn't.
We learned that whenever disconecting something from our boat, especially if it was overside (like the outboard motor) we would tether it by a sheet so that if it did decided to go down instead of up, we could hoist it up with the winch. and we did that several times, phew. IT didn't matter how little or how large the job was, there was always a tether on somehow. Remember one hand for the boat and one for the sailor. This was a good lesson. even our winch handles has small tethers on them in case it decided to go overside.

March 27, 2009 at 2:48 PM  
Anonymous JiffyLube said...

Sometimes the smallest things turn into the largest things to remedy, and no amount of hard work and wishing will make it any easier. These things have a life of their own, and they will be resolved when it's time...and not a moment sooner. Patience is the word for the day, and perseverance is the pay day.

You're doing good Zac, and that's all that anyone can ask for.

Now, time to order some bearings to replace the borrowed ones with.

March 27, 2009 at 4:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Everybody,

Keep Mike in your prayers too. His boat was knocked over by a wave today and he is working on sorting out some issues with his electronics. He is back upright, but it's a good reminder of what these boys are up against.

Wishing all the best!

Thanks for the update, praise God for the "Montior Miricle!"

March 27, 2009 at 4:43 PM  
Blogger alec said...

Marianne,
Anyone who has spent any time overseas knows that "things" just don't move on the clock like we like to believe they do. Zach is doing things amazingly well given all the variables. It is amazing to see the miracles and the way "things" work out. Thank you for the update and for providing such an environment that a 16 year old could go for such a great dream. Thank you for your trust and faith in letting him go!!!!!Yikes!!!!This is an amazing story for many to be watching and reading.

alec

March 27, 2009 at 6:05 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Marianne

I can't understand for the life of me how the commenters wcould be peeved at Zac for taking so long. It almost looks like the focus is on him being the youngest to circumnavigate solo when the real focus should be to get him home safely. In order to accomplish the latter, he must have a seaworthy boat. From reading his postings, he seems to be very aware of that. Yes, there are things he could of done differently and there are probably things he could have done quicker. As you have mentoned, he is only 17 years old. In the 30+ years that I worked on boats I learned one thing and that is, the learning curve never ends. For me, I place little value on his being the youngest to circumnavigate. I just want to see him get home safely.If he has to hole up in some where in Mexico during the Pacific Hurricane season and complete his voyage in the fall, so be it. He still will have accomplished something that very few people are able to do. I just want him to get home safely.

JACK LINN

March 27, 2009 at 8:59 PM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Hello All,

This was a nail biting blog entry Marianne. Thanks goodness you place everything in the hands of someone else. Miracles do happen sometimes we just have to trust.

Great Ending,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

March 28, 2009 at 7:19 AM  
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