Friday, May 8, 2009

The Caribbean

I'm off and on my way to Panama with 15 knots of wind dead behind me and a nice current making high 6s and 7s which has been fun. As I am going through dangerous waters at the moment I won't be posting my position. For more info go to http://www.noonsite.com/General/Piracy/PiracyReports2009. Look at the reports about Venezuela and the Caribbean.

At night I turn off all running lights to make me less visible. I don't know how much good that will do. To be honest it makes be nervous.

It has been great to be out again and making good progress towards Panama.

Will blog more tomorrow with details of my trip to Grenada.

Have to get back to it.


Cheers,
Zac

PS I'll be mooring in Cristobal, Colon in Panama at the
Shelter Bay Marina
Fort Sherman, Building 30, Shelter Bay, Colon, Panama

Mail can be sent there to:
Mr Zac Sunderland
Yacht Intrepid


26 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Captain Zac, All prayers go with you to get you through this area of water. I know that God will make seeing eyes blind just as He did for Brother Andrew when he was smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. So glad you are headed for Panama.

Keep on keepin' on brah,
Kathy
Bend, OR

May 8, 2009 at 6:34 PM  
Anonymous Laura said...

Zac..i would have to agree.. the lights off makes me nervous too..always something to keep you on your toes. How is everything working? I bet your enjoying your alone time now..once you get used to it, your going to look forward to it if your not already.
Thanks for the post and sharing all the really cool pictures..stay safe, keep yourself tied in and "sleep with one eye open"
Laura Bermuda Dunes

May 8, 2009 at 9:31 PM  
Blogger Trish Franklin said...

you are lifted in prayer Zac...God has been with you through ALL of this trip....and He is continuing to be right beside you right now!

May 8, 2009 at 9:49 PM  
Anonymous JiffyLube said...

It's a shame that are so many areas in the world that require radio silence in this day and age.

Zac, I see that you have been using Lazy Jacks. What system are using and how do you like them? Pros and Cons?

Looking to see you in Panama!

May 8, 2009 at 10:41 PM  
Blogger Rory Gogan Singapore said...

D.S.U.
DOUBLE
SECRET
UNDERCOVER
He so undercover he doesn't even know it!

May 8, 2009 at 11:24 PM  
Anonymous Rose said...

At least it's a full moon tonight!

Glad you got Intrepid fixed up, I hope that's the last major work on this journey.

How long to you expect it to take to get to Panama?

Rose
Visalia, CA

May 8, 2009 at 11:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, didn't realise you had another difficult time to cope with....gees.Guess I hadn't thought of it in that way.
I agree with what the others have posted so far...you are not alone.
Prayers abound for you Zac.
Love Laura's idea...."sleep with one eye open." Guess you are used to doing that.
Thinking of you and praying for you as ever.

UK friend

May 9, 2009 at 12:28 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

Zac,

As is Franklin 5 lifting you in prayer so will I. God and his angles have been good to you and will see you safely home. <><

You must have quite the "to-do" list going! I'm excited for you as you have earned much respect and awe!!

God's angles are about you, be sure to be still and listen!!

Hugs,
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"

May 9, 2009 at 3:16 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Keep sending daily messages so we know you are safe and sound even if it is a short message. Waiting on pins and needles isn't fun. May God keep you safe.

KG

May 9, 2009 at 5:07 AM  
Anonymous Lester said...

Zac, I would like to know at what time are you going to cross the Miraflores Locks, my family and part of the youth group would like to be part of your history, taking pictures, etc!

God bless you, brother

"Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece" Filipenses 4:13

Lester Orellana
Panama City, Panama

May 9, 2009 at 5:19 AM  
Blogger valntim said...

At least the radar is working. Be safe, can't wait to see you pulling into MDR.
tim burns Palm Springs

May 9, 2009 at 6:26 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

It's great your sailing with those 6 and 7 knots. It will help you get to Panama much faster if it keeps up. Please be careful at night because that light situation sounds a little scary.

After all your sail travels and being almost all around the world now we really should trust your judgment. CONGRATULATIONS ZAC you have almost completed this Trip Around the World. Stay focused and please come back to my beautiful city named Marina Del Rey, California.

Sail On,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

May 9, 2009 at 7:06 AM  
Blogger unlcebob said...

reading the link about the piracy in the area you're headed, it seems most are boats at anchor, still due vigilance is best. While I'd like to track your progress to Panama, I understand and agree with not posting it for security reasons. It is a sad state of affairs that one has to take such measures just to follow his passion.

Peace,
unclebob

May 9, 2009 at 7:58 AM  
Blogger Debbie of Boise said...

Captain Zac, You are one brave dud! I add my prayers to others ascending for your safety. God speed and traveling mercy! Your experience is a reminder to for all us to continue to pray and work for justice and peace in all the world. Then the seas and the land can be safely enjoyed and shared with all.

Blessings on you my brother.

May 9, 2009 at 9:25 AM  
Anonymous Craig Schreiber said...

Zac,

Please don't forget to give everyone a heads up before you enter the first lock (Miraflores)of the canal. We all want to watch you via their webcam. I guess that would mean it would have to be a daylight passage.

Good luck on the last leg.

Craig Schreiber
St. Gregory Barbarigo School

May 9, 2009 at 10:06 AM  
Anonymous Karyn in Simi said...

Zac,

Glad to hear wind and current are with you, the Caribbean is so beautiful. Does it feel good to be out again?

At this point you are a very experienced sailor, so I'm sure you will be safe. And there is a full moon!

Enjoy each moment, may your journey to Panama be memorable in the best way!

Karyn

May 9, 2009 at 10:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I went to the Shelter Bay web site and was reading about how to ship or mail a few different ways but all seemed to say to allow at least 30 days some say 6 weeks..
Will he get ours cards if this is true?

May 9, 2009 at 6:05 PM  
Blogger Sandra said...

Through the darkness and the perils...God is with you...leading you safely through to Panama. I am joining all the others in prayer for your safe and speedy voyage...Sail on Captain Zac and Godspeed! Sandra from Nebraska

May 9, 2009 at 7:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hope you remain safe. I will be praying for you. Don't worry, God is with you no matter what happens.

God Bless.

May 9, 2009 at 8:01 PM  
Anonymous Betty E. said...

Zac,
As always, while you're at sea, our prayers will be with you to help carry you onward toward your destination..asking God to cover you from those who wish to do you harm...
Do all you can to keep safe...
sail on...
Betty E., Lomita, CA

May 9, 2009 at 9:00 PM  
Anonymous Tim Harding said...

Hi Zac

Oh dear, oh dear! Ask your Mom how many people have suffered robbery or violence within ten miles of your home in MDR this year. I'll bet you're much safer where you are. Your biggest danger is the weather and other shipping. Turn your lights back on. See and be seen or some Navy boat might think you're a drug runner trying to avoid detection.

Ask yourself how many nice, helpful folk you have met on your travels compared with how many times you have been robbed or attacked. No, of course I don't know but I'd be amazed if the suspiciously acting fishermen off the Phillipines were pirates.

Relax, enjoy yourself and focus on honing your already very impressive seamanship skills.

Safe sailing and happy experiances for the rest of your epic adventure. Keep calm and smiling if the canal beaurocracy gets irksome.

You are doing a great job!

Tim

May 10, 2009 at 1:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Capt.Zac,
Be safe!





Straight Wakes,
Mike S.

May 10, 2009 at 8:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I guess with even a working radar and full charged phone, we'll have to sit and worry for 2 days before hearing from him on this leg :-(

May 10, 2009 at 8:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

@ anon

The site seems to refer to freight, as in supplies (heavy big stuff). Not sure what normal post is like but straight forward courier DHL or Fedex - letters etc. LA to Colon, Panama, 1 day delivery. That's next day basis. Fastest and most expensive, so slowest or cheapest, might be max 10 days etc. Snail mail, don't know.

Maybe Mom should set up a depot at Christian or her place, to receive all incoming whatevers, then bundle it all up and disptach one time via courier to Zac in Panama. Or if someone plans on going down, just take it all with them.

May 10, 2009 at 9:26 AM  
Anonymous Cactus- Norwalk,Ca said...

Wishing you Good winds and calm seas, Zac. See you in Panama

May 12, 2009 at 1:12 PM  
Anonymous Heather said...

Captain Zac, you are one HELL of an inspiration to so many people!

The panama canal cams were brought down late this afternoon (SoCal time) for maintenance. A lot of us are eagerly awaiting to see you at the Mira Flores locks!

Lots of love and best wishes to you, brah.

Love, Heather (El Segundo, CA)

May 15, 2009 at 8:52 PM  

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