Friday, May 1, 2009

"He's in!"

Latest Position: 05/01/09 12 2.643N 61 44.917W Port Louis Marina, St Georges, Grenada





Laurence with Intrepid in sight! photo courtesy of Guy Gittins
I recevied an email from Guy Gittens of the Port Louis Marina saying that Zac had arrived safely, was in good spirits and looking forward to some good sleep. Will post the full story when I get it but wanted to let you all know.










Zac entering St George's Harbor, Grenada - Photo courtesy of Guy Gittins
Photo courtesy of Guy Gittins
Photo courtesy of Guy Gittins

62 Comments:

Blogger Willyboy said...

Outstanding! Zac, enjoy the Drums and then take care of business fast, then relax and enjoy Grenada. Never been there, but in that area several times - it's bound to be nice.

willy
milford, ohio

May 1, 2009 at 10:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Laurence sure has a big smile, so everything must be okay!

Zac, great job on the long journey. Time for some zzzz's - I see dark circles under those eyes.

May 1, 2009 at 10:33 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

barux hashem
A little Hebrew to see you on your way
It means Thank G-D.

With what you have given Zac, it reminds me of what an old guy said mid century.
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
Sir Winston Churchill

You would have made Sir Winston proud, Zac

What a way to cap off last nights broadcast!! Relax, you sure earned it.

Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com

May 1, 2009 at 10:38 AM  
Anonymous Melanie said...

Best news yet! Love the pic of Laurence, with Zac and Intrepid in the background as they sail into port!

He and Intrepid look great! Can't wait to hear more....

May 1, 2009 at 10:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac, Mom Dad and Family

What great news of Zac's safe arrival. God was on his shoulder. Bless all of you.

Balmoral Sailor

May 1, 2009 at 10:38 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

What exciting news! Maranne, Thanks for the update. Now you can relax and breathe.

Love the photo of Laurence with Intrepid in the background. Proud Dad just waiting for his son to get closer and put his arms around him. What a treat!


@ Zac
Congratulations on another leg completed. Enjoy Grenada it is a beautiful place with wonderful people

Glad Dad is there to help with those repairs so that you can get some much needed rest.


Sherna

May 1, 2009 at 10:45 AM  
Anonymous Cheryl in San Diego said...

What an amazing young man! Gosh, I know how totally wonderful it was for me to see those pictures of Zac coming into port.....WOW I just can't even imagine the myriad of joyous emotions you and Laurence must be feeling.
Just awesome!
Thank you Father!
Cheryl in San Diego

May 1, 2009 at 11:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thursday provided all with another unwanted heart-stopper (like the Torres Strait post "Where is Zac? A Parent's Worst Fear" Sunday, September 7, 2008 which came after three long days through hostile territory without news). This time the radio silence came right after the report of the rogue wave incident and the sleep deprivation. Enough to cause high anxiety... has this really been going for ten months already? The Atlantic crossing was long, but it seems like only last week Zac was on St. Helena, off Africa. The SPOT Co. got their due with this dramatic evidence of the usefulness of their clever device.

The SoCal film was fun to watch, knowing the ending so far, and really interesting to actually see the broken boom in action.

Congratulation, Zac, on another successful ocean crossing. The Atlantic, South and North, is behind.
Next, the Caribbean Sea and on to, and through, the Spanish Main.

Beautiful weather in Grenada for the arrival. I see the engine is working today.

HB - Canada

May 1, 2009 at 11:02 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

The photo of Laurence with Intrepid in sight speaks volumes! YEHA for Zac!!!
Blessings to all
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"

May 1, 2009 at 11:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zacman-
Congratulations. Get some food and lots of sleep.
Kodiak Mike

May 1, 2009 at 11:18 AM  
Anonymous Maureen said...

Hallelujiah !! The Lord is Good !!

I will toast and
celebrate with a glass of wine in Boise (tonight that is).

Best to All -

Maureen
Boise, ID

May 1, 2009 at 11:26 AM  
Blogger STEVE B said...

WAY TO GO ZAC!

Glad to see that long leg checked off. Hope you are able to rest, repair and renew you strength in short order.

First sight of Intrepid was a great photo. Zac has met every challenge at sea alone but I bet it was great to have Dad welcome him to Grenada.

Have a good time in Grenada.

SteveB
Birmingham, AL

May 1, 2009 at 11:31 AM  
Blogger Marilyn said...

It's wonderful that Zac made it to Grenada successfully with few mishaps given the lack of functioning radar. Way to go, Zac!

There are a lot of great comments on the KCET SoCal website, so hopefully, that will generate some additional interest and MONEY to support the completion of the adventure!

I thought the piece was outstanding!

Marilyn in Woodland Hills

May 1, 2009 at 11:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Phew! What a nail biter to the end. And what an awesome start to the weekend. Were we can rest and relax from our daunting journey following Zac, and let our nails grow back.

Love the photos. Intrepid looks like she's taken quite a hammering, all that algae growth on the side, even the A from CA looks like it's gone. And young Zac. Looks no worse for the wear. Got that exact same sheepish almost embarrased smile on that he had when arriving in Cape Town, as if to say, "what's all the fuss about".

And Laurence. Laurence sure knows how to hookup with the right people.

Quick checking and Guy Gittins is the Sales Director for Port Louis, which is a deluxe marnina and resort development:

http://www.portlouisgrenada.com/

this is one of many developments by a British developer; Peter de Savary and of course the coolest connection, Peter de Savary is sailor :-) "He led the British sailing team in its challenge for the America's Cup in 1983 but his contender Victory 83 was beaten by Australia II in the final heat. He now is also sponsor of the Grenada Sailing Festival"

Don't think the team can be in better and more capable hands now in Grenada.

May 1, 2009 at 12:01 PM  
Blogger KenGreig said...

Congtatulations Zac, on this tough leg of your voyage.

Love the photgraphs. They are high resolution, no writing on them and actually get larger with detail when you click on them. Get Guy to take some more of you in Grenada.

May 1, 2009 at 12:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am soooo happy! What wonderful pictures and to see father waiting to welcome son....awesome!
Bet you feel on top of the world too Marianne.
WELL DONE ZAC!
Enjoy Grenada.

UK friend

May 1, 2009 at 12:29 PM  
Anonymous Tricia in Vancouver, BC said...

Glory, Hallelujah! Congratulations, Zac! Enjoy your nap.

Tricia

May 1, 2009 at 12:59 PM  
Blogger Croaker of FrogPond said...

What a happy day for everyone!!

Wonderful post from Marianne.
Wonderful photos by Guy Giddins.

Loved being able to enlarge the photos! Fantastic!

All is well. What a way for everyone to start their weekend. We can see how Laurence is feeling and can only imagine the jubilation in the House of Sunderland Naw, it doesn't take imaginagion -- I can feel it!!

The Croaker!

May 1, 2009 at 1:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yeah, Zac. Praise the Lord for your finally putting your feet on the land of Grenada. I am so glad you are safe and getting some rest.
Hope all goes well while you are there and that you and Intrepid get the rest and repair needed to head for the Canal.

God Bless Intrepid's team,
Kathy
Bend, OR

May 1, 2009 at 1:29 PM  
Anonymous Art Guy said...

Congratulations Zac!
Next stop Panama!!
Rest up and get your balance on land back. Hope they've got some decent junk food there also. I'm sure a pizza or a hamburger and a shake would sound good at this point. Go Easy.

May 1, 2009 at 1:45 PM  
Anonymous From Oregon said...

Yahoo! Delighted for you Zac! Praise God you arrived there safely and have completed another leg.

Have fun sleeping, eating food that hasn't been dried or canned first, and touching base with your dad.

Blessings!

May 1, 2009 at 2:22 PM  
Blogger RK said...

Zac, congratulations on the Atlantic Crossing. Now you crossed all the oceans (well not the Southern, but that was not the plan anyway). Now it is "just" some coastal cruising back home ;-)

Great job! Now get some rest and have a good time in Grenada.

All the best!
RK

(used to post using OpenID, but my OpenID provider certifi.ca failed me, will continue to use this account)

May 1, 2009 at 2:25 PM  
Blogger Ehvee said...

Can't really say this, being on the ocean and all I suppose... but after that leg of the voyage, its all downhill from here!

Welcome to the Grenadines, Zac! I'm as relieved as your parents...

May 1, 2009 at 2:25 PM  
Blogger LA Architect said...

Good job Zac!

Get some rest and make your repairs.......

Then on to Panama!!

May 1, 2009 at 2:27 PM  
Blogger LA Architect said...

Loved the show last night. Can't wait to see the whole movie!

May 1, 2009 at 2:28 PM  
Blogger Mona said...

The smile on Laurence's face with Intrepid coming into view says it all.
Way to go Zac!
Mona
Tucson, AZ

May 1, 2009 at 2:46 PM  
Anonymous Laura said...

WHOO HOO!!!!! Awsome awsome did i saw AWSOME job!!! You so rock Zac!! Pictures are great...Have a great dinner and good night sleep then fill us in lol!
Laura Bermuda Dunes

May 1, 2009 at 3:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Awesome, just awesome. What a relief. Zac took on the Atlantic Ocean and came out on top! It's an unbelivable adventure just reading on the blog, I can't imagin actually being there.

I'm going to donate to the trip now and hope others do the same!

May 1, 2009 at 3:42 PM  
Anonymous Lori Love said...

How wonderful!!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I liked the pic of father in the foreground and Intrepid in the background. It brought tears to my eyes. Laurence looks so proud. My fav picture was being able to see the autopraphed boom. I hope every time Zac gets lonely or wonders what he was thinking when he took on such a monumentous tast, he looks at the well wishes on the boom and knows how many lives he has touched. I am HONORED to say my name, my kids and my husbands thoughts are on that boom to inspire and thank Zac.

Lori Love

May 1, 2009 at 4:07 PM  
Anonymous Aurora in Alaska said...

Wow, wow and wow! Is there anything else to say? This is so fun to watch...I gotta say I just made my donation. Its the only thing I can do. Lets do it - hit the donation button!

Aurora
Eagle River Alaska

May 1, 2009 at 4:26 PM  
Anonymous Pieter said...

Thank you Marianne for posting so soon. I've been wondering all day if he was in yet. Glad to see Laurence beaming and Zac looking good on Intrepid. I'm sure he'll get some good rest in Grenada (despite the DRUM festival); he needs it.
Pieter
s/v Lady K

May 1, 2009 at 4:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats to Zac !! Keep on keepin' on my man.

Hope the radar repairs and other chores go easily and sleep and sleep sleep.

For "Alan" - actually the idea of going "downhill" is part of a sailor's lexicon....at least we use it here on the North coast of California. When we sail south (down) the coast, usually with the wind abaft the beam - the easy, fast and (usually) dry ride...were "going downhill". As in, "Hey the ride downhill to Santa Barbara was great, but the slog back up was wet and rough."

You've got a great kid there!

Steve in CA

May 1, 2009 at 5:15 PM  
Blogger John Gezelius said...

Comm Issues: I suspect a problem with the power. The radar crumped out first and now perhaps the sat phone charger. He could be getting bad power from his generator or somewhere along the generator / battery / mystery box / appliance chain.

Wish I could be down in Grenada.

May 1, 2009 at 5:23 PM  
Blogger Becky said...

Hey Zac!

What must that be like to see land on the horizon after more than 30 days of ocean, wind and sky! I got a little 'tear' thing going just thinking about it. I think it was the photo of 'Dad' with Intrepid carrying Zac into port in the background.

Not bad....not bad at all!

Whew!!!

Namaste**

May 1, 2009 at 5:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great job, Zac! You will be an awesome father some day in the future--a man who is able to get up throughout the night and still function is a marvel!

God bless you all as you walk by faith in this amazing venture.

May 1, 2009 at 6:41 PM  
Anonymous Betty E. said...

That smile on Laurence's face with Intrepid in the background says it all!!....
We are happy too, that Zac has finally arrived in Grenada... LOL..the postman and I were 'punching' the sky when I told him that Zac was approaching Grenada!! shouting 'Yes, yes'...
we are so proud of him...rest easy now mom....dad has him for the next few days...
Betty E., Lomita, CA

May 1, 2009 at 8:02 PM  
Blogger Uncle Hectic said...

Nice. That was one long leg. Good job! Enjoy your time on land.

May 1, 2009 at 8:27 PM  
Blogger Bob said...

Hi There Zac...

Congratulations on a FANTASTIC leg. And another very interesting chapter of your journey...

WELL DONE ZAC!

Blessings,
Bob in OKC

May 1, 2009 at 8:29 PM  
Blogger Anonymous said...

Welcome to port Zac! Good to see you made it. Have a great time with Pop's and get that boat ready to bring you home!

May 1, 2009 at 9:36 PM  
Blogger Trish Franklin said...

Hooray!! So glad to see the pics of the island...I love that place!! Enjoy Grenada! If you need an awesome pizza or burger and fries...go to Rick's Cafe....ask a local...everyone knows it! And you HAVE to try nutmeg ice cream....it's like no other!!

God is to be praised for travelling with you all this way and keeping you safe!! Can't wait to see more pics!

Trish and family
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada

May 1, 2009 at 9:39 PM  
Anonymous JiffyLube said...

Very good job Zac!

You just finished the longest leg of your trip (a tough one at that too), and it's down hill from here on. Once you're through the canal it's homeward bound for you!

May 2, 2009 at 12:45 AM  
Blogger Rory Gogan Singapore said...

Get a greasy cheeseburger inside U and have a cold beer with your Old Fella!
I thought U might have pulled into to Trinidad to check on the babes!

May 2, 2009 at 3:14 AM  
Anonymous Dave (Bedfordshire UK) said...

Hi Zac :)

Great to hear that you made it into Grenada, after such a long and difficult leg of your voyage. I hope you can take time out to relax once you have sorted out the problems with Intrepid, and you have my best wishes from here in the UK

May 2, 2009 at 4:43 AM  
Blogger Daveh said...

With Laurence there, I'm sure things will happen in the order of "rest, work list, play...."

That was one longggggg leg for sure....

It will be good to see him on the other side...

Daveh
Dave@davehickson.com

May 2, 2009 at 6:20 AM  
Blogger Dana said...

Oh thank goodness he made it in! What a thoughtful boy, too, to think so far ahead to send his mum a Mothersday card! Marianne, receiving it and reading his words at that moment of great concern for him, when communication was lost, must have broke your heart right in half!

I watched the KCET program--wow! And he says he's just out there sailing. I can't wait to see more! (And I saw myself in the show too! My daughter went nuts when she saw me there! We were on the dock upon Zac's departure.)

Marianne, when you spoke about riding on the chase boat as Zac left MDR, I instantly got a flinch of a thought of what you have been going thru for close to a year now: I remembered that last summer, I sent my 8 yr old daughter to Israel to spend a month with her cousins over there. My brain was good with it, and she went and we Skyped just about daily, and I thought I was just fine about it. But when she walked thru customs at LAX upon her return, I started crying so hard...I had no idea how I had been burying my fears, isolation, etc. Best feeling of my life to have her back in my arms. I can't imagine how it will be for you when Zac returns.

Beautiful pix in Grenada. Laurence is beaming...nice to see!

Dana
Santa Monica

May 2, 2009 at 6:45 AM  
Anonymous Dave said...

CONGRATS! Glad that you are safely in port and have time to grab the z's. Thank you so much for sharing your dream and then your story. It's been great following you via the posts. My wife & I have been praying for you daily since learning about you from the article about your encounter with the pirates. Glad you are safe in port and can service the radar unit.

May 2, 2009 at 8:28 AM  
Anonymous Patrick said...

Wow! The PBS show was great!! It really shows the boy becoming a man. I'm proud to be part of this historical adventure Zac. Watching the video and listening to your mom and dad talk about you was inspiring. My son Jeff and I always wanted to do a sailing trip together but we never got the chance. I hope I make it to your triumphant return and shake the hand of the MAN who sailed around the world! Have fun in Grenada and don't forget to bang your drum...

Patrick

May 2, 2009 at 10:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It was great to change my Google Earth symbol for Zac from sails to an anchor! Hope the repairs go well and the next legs are uneventful.

Jim

May 2, 2009 at 10:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow...the picture of Lawrence with Intrepid in the background says it all...

May 2, 2009 at 11:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Way to go, Zac. Another great finish to a long leg of your trip and another end to the madness of isolation. I'd love to know just how you maintain your sanity on those long endless days at sea. I would go bonkers, for sure.

My students are delighted that you are safe again on dry land. They feel as though their prayers said for you each day are truly helping. I am sure your parents are quite delighted as well.

Craig Schreiber
St. Gregory Barbarigo Elementary School
Houma, LA

May 2, 2009 at 11:26 AM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Well he's finally in. Great news Zac you arrived without incident. I hope you'll get plenty of rest now.

Laurence take good care of Zac and Intrepid. Enjoy your together.

Rest & Repair,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

May 2, 2009 at 12:08 PM  
Anonymous Craig Schreiber said...

Zac,

When you find out what your mailing address will be as you pass through Panama please let us all know. I have a special card signed by all of my students for you. If you could please answer it and return it with a Panamaian stamp (we collect stamps)we would greatly appreciate it. I will provide a self addressed return envelope.

Craig Schreiber
St. Gregory Barbarigo School
Houma, LA

May 2, 2009 at 12:18 PM  
Blogger MindWalker said...

Sitting here, reading all the comments. Wondering what I may possibly write that doesn't echo the pride, love and concern of my fellow Zac Pakers. Then --

Hey, Zac! What kept you?

May 2, 2009 at 3:29 PM  
Anonymous Melanie said...

I can hear Zac saying, "I don't wanna work, I just wanna bang on the drum allday!"

It's so great to see all the comments from old bloggers and new. The excitement is surely building for Zac's homecoming following his passage through the canal.

May 2, 2009 at 4:46 PM  
Blogger Tomi said...

The rest have said the best. :)

Enjoy your time Capt Zac! repairing Lady Intrepid in another exotic locale.

The drum festival bring to mind a phrase from Henry David Thoreau, "If a man steps to the beat of a different drum...". Tho', in this case maybe it should be paraphrased sails to the beat of a different drum? ;)

Hugs!
Tomi/ATL

PS -
Don't forget those anti-malarials!
T.

May 2, 2009 at 8:13 PM  
Blogger davejb851 said...

Another incredible leg complete. Funny thing is as I read the concern over missing communications, I did as I always do. I closed my eyes, said a little prayer, and felt peace and serenity wash over me. I knew Zac was safe and still heading towards port.
Where before my heart was in my mouth, and terrible thoughts drifted in and out of my mind, this time with the knowledge and the witness that Zac overcomes, I was calm, and confident.
GOD works in strange ways!
Welcome to Grenada....now sleep!

May 2, 2009 at 8:56 PM  
Anonymous Michael Sheetz said...

Congrats Zac! glad you finnnnnnnnaaaaly made it, haha. Anyway incredible job in making it all the way!You might find some peace in Grenada, hopefully you do, beacuse I have heard that navigating the Panama is frustrating, which you probably have already taken into consideration.
God Bless you,
Michael Sheetz
Mission Viejo, CA

May 3, 2009 at 7:22 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

And a beautiful Sunday morning to everyone.

There is a mention of Zac in my newsletter.

http://www.barstools4u.com/Newsletters/May09.htm

Enjoy the island Zac and may peace shine upon your journey to Panama.

Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com

May 3, 2009 at 7:57 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

New pictures posted on Zac's facebook!

May 3, 2009 at 8:40 AM  
Blogger valntim said...

any updates on repairs needed? how is Zac? What happened to communications?
Tim Burns Palm springs, ca

May 3, 2009 at 9:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You need to be invited to view Zac's facebook :-( maybe Mom can upload the pictures here for us to see?

May 3, 2009 at 2:22 PM  
Anonymous Sylvia said...

Outstanding accomplishment - completing your longest leg with the challenges presented. We all are excited with you and your family.

Were you able to "smell land"? Just wondering if this really happens.

Enjoy your dad, and sleep.

God speed to you as you return home.

Sylvia in Cherry Valley, CA

May 3, 2009 at 9:48 PM  

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