St Helena Update

Zac with Mike and friends at the studio of Saint FM

Hello Patient Bloggers!

In the end Trevor came through with flying colors and Zac's starter motor was repaired successfully. Zac had provisioned, fueled up and checked out with customs only to have his engine that ran well for over 30 minutes conk out while dropping his mooring in James Town Bay! He tried all of his 'tricks' to get her started again - to no avail. After many phone calls back and forth between Zac, Laurence and a very experienced mechanic, Karl from C & C Marine in Marina del Rey, there was still no joy. Zac grabbed hold of his mooring again and reluctantly spent another night in St Helena. Two days and four mechanics later they are still in the process of figuring our what may be the problem which appears to be an airlock somewhere.

The question has been raised: why worry about an engine if he is in a sailboat? Zac explained that there have been many times that he has had to start up his engine to get out of the path of a ship on a collision course with Intrepid while at sea. He is in no way comfortable not having this imperative piece of safety equipment.

While we are anxious for Zac to make his way home by early June for WEATHER reasons, (emphasis added :)) we are not so anxious that we would risk his safety at sea. So we wait and pray and are exited to see how God will work his plan for Zac at this time.

Zac relayed a story to me today that is a picture of normal everyday life in St Helena but quite unusual to us. There is virtually no crime in St Helena. There are a few 'prisoners' at the local jail. However, they are allowed 'out' from time to time and can be seen in their prison garb walking around town or grabbing a beer at the local hang out. Also, Zac was in the bank recently where the bankers were transferring some cash. There they were counting out 45,000 pounds (British) right there on the counter in front of everyone with no bullet-proof glass or armed guards anywhere. Imagine such a place!

Many thanks to Mike and Denise who have been putting Zac up in their spare room. Zac was headed back there this evening after a few nights on the boat in a very rolly anchorage. He says that Mike and Denise have become like surrogate parents to him which does my heart good for sure!

Don't forget to think about coming to the benefit screening of Morning Light (see blog entry from March 7). Anyone who preregisters not only gets a discount but also is invited to attend a reception at the Westlake Yacht Club before the screening where, among other things, Laurence will speak briefly on Zac and his trip.

Thanks again for your words of wisdom and encouragement. It is great for all of us to hear!

Cheers,

Marianne