Photos of the Day
Photos courtesy and copyright 2009 of Lisa Gizara:
It was a wonderful day. So many boats and people came out to see Zac return it was amazing!
Everyone is exhausted here and Zac, Laurence and Marianne will be up at 3:45am to head back to Intrepid for interviews with CBS: The Early Show, CNN American Morning, FOX 11 Good Day LA, CBC World News (Canadian), and the CNN Campbell Brown Show.
We all have a lot to say but may not have time for a bit - please be patient and enjoy these shows in the meantime.
It was a wonderful day. So many boats and people came out to see Zac return it was amazing!
Everyone is exhausted here and Zac, Laurence and Marianne will be up at 3:45am to head back to Intrepid for interviews with CBS: The Early Show, CNN American Morning, FOX 11 Good Day LA, CBC World News (Canadian), and the CNN Campbell Brown Show.
We all have a lot to say but may not have time for a bit - please be patient and enjoy these shows in the meantime.
posted by Zac at
10:30 PM
168 Comments:
Welcome home, Zac. You have certainly taken us along on quite an adventure. Thank you.
Congratulations Zac! I'm so glad that you returned safely. I was on CNN.com earlier today and I freaked out when I saw that one of their top 10 stories was about you. Thanks for sharing your journey with everyone over the past year, and good luck planning your next adventure - wherever it may be.
I'm praying for you!
FJ
What a magnificent homecoming.
We were able to watch it on the internet via Fox news...AWESOME....and yes, I did shed a tear to see Zac back home safe and sound.
However, my heart skipped a beat when he started mentioning his next adventure....already!
UK friend
Oh and Zac is on the BBC front page news...today....here in the UK..yeh!
UK friend
Zac,
Though i would have loved to talk more with you today, i so enjoyed being part of this adventure from the beginning to the end today.
When you pulled into the slip, you had a look on your face that was priceless..a little over whelmed, a little relieved but most of all i saw a confidant young man.
You handled the press like the pro that you are..calm, cool and collected.
When you were signing my ESPM magazine, i said to you "crazy huh" you looked up and said "yeah it is".
Soak it in but don't let it change who you are..your are one of a kind.
Take some time to recoup..you have plenty of time to get back out there on another adventure.
I hear your going to be on Mark & Brian tomorrow..that is where i first heard about you..i will for sure tune in for that.
Have a great first evening at home!!!
Laura in BD
PS i lost my voice on that dock today... see i told you your a rock star lol.
Congrats on a job well done Zac!
I wanted to see you come into MDR, but I saw you on the news.
We saw those subs you sailed around in San Diego on Wednesday while we sailed the harbor entrance, and took lots of pictures until the Navy chased us off. ;-)
I guess we missed seeing you in San Diego by one day, but maybe we'll run into you another time if you come down this way again.
I can't believe your adventure is over, and I've followed you the whole way. It's not going to be the same when I check your blog from now on...I'll sure miss reading about your adventures on the high seas.
I'll be waiting for your CD or DVD to come out.
I'll bet you're sick of sailing for now, but I'll bet there are some places you'd like to see again...I know I would.
Keep up the good work Zac.
Congratulations and welcome home. I shared every minute of the trip with you and I am so grateful to have been able to sail around the world with you in my mind and heart. I am sure there is a lot more to tell than what was on the blog, and I look forward to reading the book.
Hi, Zac!
Welcome home, super job!
3 hours shoreside, unfinished burger, shade canopy removed from autograph tent... still smiling! You are awesome!
http://gallery.me.com/begarden#100064
Thanks for being so gracious to your "Pac." You and your whole family are the best!
Thanks for posted photos, and thanks to all the Pac-ers who posted photos. Above only one worth sharing my end...
Look forward to seeing Jen's work, too. Watch for her update on photos available for print.
Peace and joy to all,
Janis
Woodland Hills, CA
Lady Marianne, Lord Laurence & especially Capt Zac! - Y'all NEVER need apologize for being just who you are. i love y'all unconditionally for y'all being who you are & for stating exactly how you feel. Enjoy these crazy next few days/weeks.
Be safe, yet enjoy the moments.
Bear HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
Hi Zac it was great to finally meet you today and offer my congrats after following your incredible journey. Totally worth the drive down to be a part of welcoming you back and celebrating your epic accomplishment. Thanks for signing the photo of my sailboat. It will be framed and hung in the perfect place in my home. I know you have plenty of friends but you now have one more friend, admirer, and fellow sailor here in Santa Cruz. Again congratulations Zac!
Brian
Sorry to be a killjoy, but Zac didn't sail around the world solo - he had people onboard through the Panama Canal..
@Anonymous claiming that Zac was "not Solo".
Read the rules for qualification for round the world solo sailing - - read the posts at that time that expleain how Zac transit through the canal with "rope handlers" on board complies - then eat humble pie!
Then - get yourself a life!
Zac - Congratualtions!
I've been following you (and Mike Perham - who's web site conveys congratulations to you too) via the internet on your record breaking voyage - and I salute you!
DD
(UK)
Hi Team Sunderland
Warmest congratulations to Zac and the team on a magnificent achievement. Well done!
Tim Harding
In a word, WOW! Welcome home sweet prince.
Lulu
Hi Zac,
Welcome back to civilization, you did it, you did it, you did it, and I could not be more proud. Being a former long haul truck driver I know a bit about those sleepless nights. Congratulations on your voyage, you are an American and So-Cal original, tough and wise beyond your young years. Now do me and yourself a favor, get yourself a pizza, burger, or whatever you like to eat and get yourself some sleep and I'll chat with you later. Way to go, and I don't care what the nay Sayers say they don't have your courage and fortitude. Get some sleep now Captain Sunderland, and may you have more adventures.
Welcome back, Zac. Sorry that I missed the event but was definitely there in spirit! (Work can be so inconvenient that way!) After the initial frenzy, take a well deserved rest and a GOOD night's sleep.
Scott
:)
Dude, you rock!
Ok this adventure is over, now what are you going to do?
I enjoyed following you in my armchair while you sailed. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
What a fantastic day! Congratulations Zac and the entire Sunderland family.
You can see a few of the photos I shot at
http://www.simcox.us/ZacSunderland.html
The news reports have all been terrific, and I hope you all get some sleep sometime soon!
Marilyn in Woodland Hills
Well done! It has been a pleasure following your trip, worrying about sea pirates and bad weather with you and admiring your courage and determination (you've faced far more challenges at your early age than I have probably experienced in my 39 years!) I look forward to see what else you will set yourself to do. Again, welcome back and enjoy!
Awesome, just awesome!
Thanks to all who posted photos, links and impressions, especially Laura (I loved "being there" with you), Marilyn in Woodland Hills (I've often admired your written words and now am enjoying your photos as well), and RBWilson (next best thing to hanging around dockside was looking at your pics soon after you posted them). Also, thanks to John McCoy -- your people pics really captured the day!
Best wishes, Zac, the Sunderland family, and especially Jessie as you all "navigate" the uncertain waters of new-found fame. CindyinCincy
Good on ya Zac!!!
WELCOME HOME! WELL DONE!
Hugs
Anita M. Miracle
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"
Welcome home Zac - a magnificent achievement that no-one can ever take away form you! You made the prime -time morning news on the BBC here in the UK. I have followed you all the way - look forward Zac the world is yours for the taking now!
Russ - Cumbria - England
Wow! Huge congratulations to Zac, and to all the Sunderlands - what an amazing year+. I so look forward to the DVDs, book, etc., and seeing what adventure is next for Zac, and maybe the other Sunderlands! Marianne & Lawrence - thank you for letting us share in this, what a wonderful ride it´s been. I can't wait to catch up on the videos - the pictures show quite the mob! Many blessings to you all - Zac, Marianne, Lawrence, the rest of the Sunderland clan, the whole support team, and my fellow Zac Packers!
Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher
To Zac and Family,
Congratulations on accomplishing your dream.
I'll bet a hug never felt so good as that shared between Mom and Zac.
I too watched through the help of Television, wishing I could have been there to be part.....but in reality I have been, and with the memories of this past year, always will be.
You've done yourself proud, and I am sure Mom and Dad are beaming.
Still some work to do, and soon you can start to help refill the family coffers so that those younger can dream dreams, live and accomplish great things.
You're an inspiration to your brothers and sisters, and to many out here in the world.
Welcome Home
Congratulations Zac!
Watched you sail in on the Fox live feed. What an awesome sight.
SteveB
Birmingham,AL
Congratulations Zac. It was a worderfull voyage. I have followed your blog every day since the beginning. and i enjoyed it.
Good luck with your next chalange, getting used to a regular life.
Good luck and enjoy your safe return.
Ruud from Roermond, Holland
Welcome home..your travels are amazing! I havent't posted before but have been following travels and blogs since I read my kids ESPN (which I never read but the cover got me). I just want to say as a mom, your parents are amazing. I see it as your parents let go but never let loose. They are amazing role models. what you have accomplished is amazing and your parents should be so surrounded by accolades for backing you!
Mom in Phoenix (Captain of a Sun, Dipper,and Cat. a long time ago.and on the great lakes niot the ocean!
Welcome home. Even in Germany they mentioned you in news papers. Hope I can find more pics on the arrival in MDR.
Did Bill gave you the promissed haircut??? LOL
Axel
@Axel
No Axel, after much soul searching and seeing Zac handling the crowd like a seasoned pro, I felt that Zac is perfect just the way he is. Consequently I stayed in the background where I belonged and just soaked in the jubilation of a remarkable young person handling a remarkable day.
More on my thoughs in my newsletter.
Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com
Congratulations you are now a product to be used and discarded!
Wow.. Congratulations on your incredible achievement!
Great pictures, as always! Great to see you home again, Zac! What a quest...
And that last photo is the one I was waiting for... The reunion. Gotta say you look a little whooped, there, Zac... Either you're beat from just sailing around the world or a little put off by the flood of "Paparazzi"... 8-)
I hope you can now get some good rest and relax a bit. But not for too long - I'm anxiously awaiting the book!
Thanks again, Zac and all the Sunderlands for sharing this with us!
Cheers,
willy
milford, ohio
Regarding the haircut. Hope he leaves it - at least keep it similar. It fits him - This is my vision of an adventurer.
Not that what I say matters, but in the words of my 17 year old daughter after showing her the Jen Edney "Then and Now" picture... "[now] He's HOT!". hehe.. she thought you had much improved. She noted - not that you weren't nice to look at before; - but just much better now.
Not that you need encouragement Zac.. but not every girl is watching you just for your sailing. :)
I hope not to embarrass you - just another cute family story from one of your many 'virtual' followers.
...Mary Lyon ( & Marki)
Jax Beach, FL
ZAC!! YOU'RE BACK!! I AM SOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!! I was having breakfast at the hotel I'm staying at on vacation, and suddenly I saw YOU on the tv I was watching, and I just HAD to get on here to check to see what was going on!!
It has been so awesome being able to follow you on this, rather grand adventure of yours. Thank you SO much!
And when your book comes out, I will definitely be one of the first people to buy it.
Cheers from the East Coast,
EmilyAnne Nystrom
btw Zac, where's Jen?
I miss her shoots at the end of yr voyage...
Hi Zac,
welcome home mate, you are an amazing young man. Keep smiling and exploring.
LP OZ
Way to go Zac! As one of your Mom's email "prayer warriors" I have enjoyed not on your journey around the world, but your journey in faith. Over the last year, I cannot recall how many times I received an emergency prayer request from your Mom (and Dad) and I slammed on the brakes to offer up prayers for you and your safety. My son (age 10) and I have followed your trip and discussed the prayers we have offered up for you and marvelled in how they have been answered. What an experience! I plan on sharing it with my 7th and 8th grade Sunday School class this fall. Each and every prayer was answered perfectly. Your parent's
deep faith allowed them to know that the good, loving, and gracious Lord would see you through this journey safely. Your experiences have deepened (matured) your faith. As a parent,I know how proud your parents are of your spiritual maturity.
Enjoy being goofy. Don't ever take yourself seriously. Always be thankful, and continue to be a blessing to your family and others.
I know how happy you will be for Mike when he arrives home safely, because only you know what he is going through right now. Please share your faith with him as his journey nears an end,and if you can, let us know if he needs our prayers.
Congratulations on your accomplishment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Much love and happiness upon your safe return,
Stephen from Memphis
Jen just updated her site with arrival pictures:
http://jennedney.blogspot.com/2009/07/zac-sunderlands-arrival_17.html
CONGRATS!!! SOOOO glad to see you back safe and well. Praise God, eh? Wish we could have been there to celebrate. We've been praying for you the whole way!
Say, what would it take to get an autographed copy of your book when it comes out?! Take care and keep the blog up so we can follow your next adventure. Rest well - you deserve it!
A Homeschooling family from South Dakota
WELCOME HOME ZAC!
Did you get the certificates I sent?
Tim Burns
Palm Springs, CA
Welcome Home ZAC!!
I have loved following your journey these past 13 months. I will look forward to the documentary and book.
You were mentioned on a Christian radio station here in Atlanta, GA this morning. 104.7 The Fish, mentioned your accomplishment and played a clip of Laurence giving credit to God. It was a nice pick me up on the way in to work today.
Renee
Thank you for the arm chair adventure! You've set out on a experience I've only dreamed of....I woke up every single morning to read your blog update...the big question is, what will I read NOW with my morning coffee? Truly NOT the news....I guess it will have to be your book! GREAT job..and I'm very happy for you and your parents that you are very much alive and home sweet home!
Congrats from Texas!
I've been following your story since I read about you in my husband's ESPN magazine. What an inspiring, brave young man you are! I was so glad to see your arrival on the internet yesterday and hope you are able to rest and catch up with friends and family.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Zac,High Five and welcome home. What you have done is so inspiring. I will be mentioning you in my sermon Sunday. My sermon theme: Do Hard Things. Blessings to you as you rest - after all the interviews!. Then on to the next adventure!
His parents should be arressted for child indangerment. Letting a 16 yr old travel in that manner... He is Lucky those pirates did kill his arse throw him over for shark bate and take that boat.. pretty dumbarse move on the parents part....the world need more parents like this Uh-Not!
Zac your an inspiration. After reading your story I plan on sailing to the carribean from N.C.. Life is like a book. Those that do not travel only read one chapter. put my order in for your book.
SO awesome!!! I saw your interview on good day la this morning. My brother is production manager for Volcom. So RAD that you rocked the Volcom recycle sweatshirt!!! You are an inspiration to all!
I look forward to your next adventure.
GV
Welcome back ....to humanity - bigtime, eh ? We are all breathing a sigh of relief that you made it back safely !! You have matured....and all of us moms have aged right along with you in prayer and such for you. Thank you again and again for such an opportunity for us to follow your trip ! It was a privilege to be a part of your life for a year, thank you ! grants in nh
Zac - WOW! You've accomplished more at 17 than most people have in their entire lives. Congratulations on your achievement. You are my hero, as sailing around the world is a dream of mine. With God, all things are possible. You have quite a story to tell your future children!
God bless you always, Sharon
Your photo says it all "I just want some sleep !" with all the media cameras in your face .... YOU DID IT !!! CONGRATULATIONS Captain Zac ! Glad you are home and safe. grants in nh
Zac,
You are awesome...following you has been an inspiration for me throughout the last year.
Congratulations on your success. You are an example for us all.
Seth B Spearman
Congratulations Zach!
Hi Zac,
My gosh you were in San Diego the same time I was in Tucson....how dissapointing was that (for me of course)!
I am so happy for you and your parents! A great big CONGRATULATIONS to you and your whole family.
I was scrounging all over the TV yesterdsay to watch as much of your coming home coverage as I could.
I did give you a standing ovation when you made your remark about the Zac pac prayer team and your prayers getting answered...now that was awesome!
Please take us all along on your next adventure.
With greatest respect and admiration,
Cheryl in San Diego
PS Please join me in prayer today for peace and happiness for those bitter souls in the blog.
AWESOME ZAC!
Welcome home!
Here's a 30s video of Zac sailing Intrepid past the "finish line"
Zac arrives in MDR
Congratulations Zac! You are an ambassador to all teens that have a dream and mean business! We are so proud to have been a part of the Zac Pac. It was a wild ride and now the Lord has brought you home, back to your warm bed, back to your family where you can dream another dream...
Maureen and Family
Boise
"Home is the sailor. Home from the sea." Well done Zac. Marianne it was great to finally meet you and Jen yesterday. Zac and Laurence were swamped with people so I didn't get a chance to say hi to them. To all of you all I can say is thanks for everything.
I see it as a gift to the world from a grand family.
To those in the Zac Pack who were not there here are a few of my thoughts on what I saw through the eyes of an old sailor:
1) Zac looked fantastic in person for someone just having done a solo circumnavigation. I just got back from 5 days at Catalina and I'm fried to a crisp with sunburn and all my muscles hurt. He looked like a tired young man but otherwise ready for Mt. Everest. Oh to be that young again.
2) Marianne and Jen are wonderful in person. Very happy with lots of smiles and friendly handshakes.
3) The Sunderland family is very close and you can see that right away. AND---The people around the family are very protective of them. Much love is there and you can see it.
4) I spent alot of time looking at Intrepid and she is amazing to see up close. Much stronger and better fitted out than I expected. Well worn now but with a month or two of refurbishment she would be ready to go again. I would hire Laurence any day to help me fit out a boat for sea. He really knows what he is doing. Intrepid was not fitted out like a typical cruising boat. She was very carefully constructed for this specific task. I saw her as very beautiful even in the worn state she is in.
5) The names on the boom are mostly worn off. Maybe there sould be another boom signing party to restore them.
It was just a day that I will always remember.
Rusty
Good job Zac, it was nice meeting you yesterday. As we say in the Navy, "Bravo Zulu"
I have so enjoyed your adventure from the beginning. So much that I've purchased an old sabot for my daughters (3 & 1y/o) and we've been reconditioning it together. It's almost ready to splash, so my girls can hopefully begin a life-long love of the ocean.
You and your family's story planted this seed in my family and I thank you all for that.
Congratulations from Long Beach!!!
PJP
Now would you PLEASE get a haircut!!!!
To Zac and Family,
Congratulations, very well done.
I hope someday to meet you.
Way to go Zac! Congrats on the long, life changing journey. Glad to see you made it back safe to SoCal. Thanks for taking us on your journey with you, it has been exciting just to keep tabs on your trip. Enjoy your time at home, but KEEP EXPLORING, there is a world of adventure out there for those with courage to do it. Well done.
Zac is Back!
What an incredible family triumph.
In the footsteps of Magellan, Slocum, Graham and others. Not because of them, but in addition to them.
Left a boy and returned a man,
by doing what we knew he can.
Well done!
I can't wait for the documentary.
Welcome home! Congratulations, Zac!
In Him Alone,
Rachel M.
Zac,
We are so happy we were able to see you arrive home safe and sound.
Don't know if you were listening to the radio upon your arrival, but the classic quote of the day came over when you were surrounded by all the chase boats and the official escort vessels (i.e., fire, sheriff) were almost at your location:
"Please advise which vessel we are supposed to escort".
Everyone on our chase boat just started cracking up! Priceless!
Welcome home!
Love,
Don, Sandy, Roxanne
CONGRATULATIONS!
Mega- Kudus & Welcome Home Solo geo-navigator!
Guess its time for R&R and grow off your sea legs matey!
@Zac, looks like sleep deprivation isn't behind you yet!
Congratulations!
If you are thinking of Everest, better come to Alaska and do McKinley as a warm-up!
@Laurence, thanks for your boldness and humility in pointing the way to Him! It is so good to see men in our country honoring He who is worthy!
@Marianne, congratulations on having your boy back! Your beautiful smile says it all! How your heart must be overflowing!!!
@ZacPackers, thanks again for all the references to photo and video links!
A day of exclamation points!!!!!
ArcticFamily5
Congrats and welcome home, Zac!
Please know that I have enjoyed reading your blog throughout the journey. Many thanks for keeping us up-to-date along the way.
All the best in your future adventurous endeavors!
Todd
Grand Rapids, MI
Hello Zac -
I read about you and your story on AP today. You are one great inspiration, to so many people - young and old. I pray that your faith and courage serve you well in your life, I pray that your faith and courage serve others well -
God bless you Zac !
@ Killjoy Anon....bless your heart....
To the Sunderland Clan....I am so happy for ya'll. What a blessing to have your son come home. He has represented the Sunderland Family well as well as Mom and Dad. I am a gal who has never bought an ESPN Magazine in my life until Zac was on the cover. I can't wait for the book and the DVD. Be blessed and rested as the Lord guides you into the next part of this adventure. He is faithful. What a joy all of you are.
you are a testimony.
Thanks for being the burning fire for those who lacked courage for their dreams..
God bless,
Kiki-Singapore
Congratulations on a remarkable feat. I loved following your adventures and reading about all the wonderful people along your route who did so much to help and support you. Your family must be so proud.
Congratulations young man! Your journey reminds us all that there is still adventure in this world, adventure as big as the world itself. A life less ordinary is there for the taking if we find the courage to step up to the challenge. You are a genuine inspiration, all the more amazing when considering your young age. Well done sir, and thank you for including us all in your journey.
David Hagan
Louisville, KY
Way to go Zac! You have made my year! You are an inspiration to us all. Best of luck on your next adventure!
The Marks Family
Raleigh, NC
What a journey! Welcome back. Life on land might take some getting used to again. It might seem mundane, unnecessarily hectic and frustrating, and all the people might get on your nerves. I'm sure you'll adjust.
So what's your next great adventure (after finishing high school, of course!)?
Congratulations Zac!
I have been following you around the world and thank the Lord for your safe return. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us all - I'll look forward to reading your book too
gms in Thailand
You are one amazing guy bro! Congrats on the safe journey. God was your co-pilot forsure. Hope you do not get overwhelmed with the media attention your now going to get. It's well deserved for such an amazing journey I watched daily on Google Earth following you! Take care!
Congratulations. To view another wonderful young man such as yourself see: www.Coppworks.com.
Congratulations Zac, I know what it feels like out there - You've done something magnificent that can never be taken away from you, and few people truly understand - Bravo! - Enjoy it!
That's great, Zac! I saw you on the news the other night and I wanted you to know that you are in my prayers in Cresson, Texas! Ha!
Praise God for your safe and triumphant return! Surely this is abundant evidence of God's love for you and your family. You can always remember this. We're glad you're back! Congratulations and love! The Coyles
To Mum and Dad Sunderland: My best to the both of you for the support, courage and love you displayed for the last 13 months. You should be very proud of Zac and his record. God is on your shoulder (s).
Balmoral Sailor
Congrats Zac been reading the blog daily, graduated from college in May,and checked your blog whenever I needed a break from studying. Thanks for that! All the best for the future.
By the way, you made it to the German newspapers as well.
http://www.spiegel.de/reise/fernweh/0,1518,636735,00.html
To a great trip, great people, great bloggers, and everyone associated with Zac and this world journey. I must say that I'm totally proud to be part of this journey.
Yesterday was INCREDIBLE!!! The Sunderland's RULE!!! Zac RULES!!! Eveyone at MDR yesterday RULES!!!
This past year was something I can say was such an incredible experience for me and so many others. So many people I spoke with yesterday told me the same.
@ Marilyn, somehow I missed you yesterday. So sorry that I never saw you and was able to spend a few minutes talking.
@ Bill Mann, I also missed you too.
I'm sure the next few days will be crazy for the Sunderland family. But what a showing of how a family should operate!!!
Thanks Everyone for such a great year and so many fond memories.
Sincerely,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Great photo -- and story -- in the online version of the sailing magazine Lattitude 38:
http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2009-07-17&dayid=300
The photo is one of the best I've seen of Zac sailing the boat - although the most dramatic photo remains the one Jen took of Zac's boat sailing through the waves as it ducked into port to miss the hurricane.
Onya mate.
Chris and John
Moana 4
Way to go Zac!
What an amazing adventure!
DSD
I have been following and living the dream through you since you left. Brought a tear to my eye to watch you come into the harbor. Thanks for the ride, good luck in life, you have a chance to continue to touch more lives with your notariaty. God bless and welcome home...
We are all so grateful to you, patience is easy. I prayed for each of you for rest and the task of getting life back into a routine. Not an easy task. I hope you will each take a deep breath and bask in the glow of our prayer for the mercies shown over the last 13 months. That alone would make a wonderful devotional publication some day - from a family waiting at home while our God cares for the young son out at sea realizing a dream. So many possibilities, and lots of time.
Love to you each and all,
Kathy
Bend, OR
Welcome home, Zac! It was so exciting watching you come into the marina yesterday -- what an escort service you had with that fire boat spraying! It was thrilling to watch you at work quickly taking down the sails before docking. Congratulations on your outstanding accomplishment! Oh - any chance you can also record that book you are writing? A blind 80 year-old man perks right up when I read him your blogs! He can't wait for your book.
BTW, how big is the "around the world solo" club? What number are you?
Welcome home!!!! I am going to miss the daily reading of your blog to see what kind of adventure you ran into at every corner. It is great to hear you made it home safe.
WOW. This is all pretty overwhelming. Just wanted to reach out to all the fellow Zac Packers as I wrote a personal note to Zac's e-mail. In particular Bill Mann and Dave H. Was nice to bond with those guys and share in this amazing journey with Zac. I know Marrianne and the PR team will be busy and hopefull we will get Zac on the Late Night Talk show circuit and hopefully the White House. I can't wait for the DVD to come out and in fact I dontated some music from back in the day when I was rocking out there to be used with some of the footage. We are all so proud of this amazing young man. Although I could not make it down to MDR the other day, I felt like I was there. Actually got a lump in my throat. What a great experience this has been for everyone. God Bless you all. Way to go Zac and the Sunderland clan. You guys are awesome.
Love ya all!!
Chris Carnaghi
Alhambra, CA
ccarnaghi@yahoo.com
As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 8:36-39 NIV
Zac you are a hero and role model for teens and people of all ages. Someone up thread completely missed the point, berating your parents for letting you do this, but I say your parents are examples of courage and faith. You're point to "do hard things" because we can and need to do hard things and not to be boxed in by fear and low expectations . We need more people to be like you and your parents. Congratulation and welcome home!
@ Douglas Pistone - Sorry we didn't connect yesterday! It was a mob scene (a good one!), wasn't it? I was right behind the large sign just to the right of the riser and behind a HUGE camera. I did see "Mouse and his wife," and also ran into Terry Mattson (boom man), but didn't talk to many other Zac Packers. It was just too hard to find them without a photo score card! I spent some time watching litte Ben while Marianne and Laurence did interviews. What a cutie he is . . . wish I could bring him home!
@ Bill Mann - Missed you, too!
Marilyn in Woodland Hills
Hey Zac,
Welcome home!! Thanks for be a great example for all especially the young ones. I watched your return online...and maybe I am wrong...I hope so...but it sadden me that you did not give credit, nor thank or comment on missing your family. All of this certainly would not have happened without them...I hope you understand how lucky you are to have such a wonderful family.
Good luck with all!
Hi Zac.
Congratulations.
From Capt. Rick.
Zac, you did it!!!! All dreams can & do come true! Welcome home. We're so proud of you...we're speechless. We know you're happy to be back, but we pray we don't lose touch. We'll miss you soooooooo much!!! Can'r wait to get photos fromm Jen. Off till you you beckon back...or if lines stay open. Atlanta, Mimi & Desi
more pictures..go to latimes.com/sports..the best mom & Zac hug so far!!!
Congratulations! You did it!
-Fellow Rebelutionary
Congratulations Zac! It has been a fantastic journey to follow you on your blog. I am so incredibly proud of you for setting this challenge for yourself and then doing what it took to make it happen. You are an exceptional man, there are few with your courage.
If you do a tour and come anywhere near Central Florida I will be there to shake your hand. Your book is already on my "must have" list!
To the Sunderland family, congratualtions you are all totally amazing and awe inspiring. Thank you for sharing this adventure with all of us out here. Thank you for believing in Zac and for not clipping his wings. You are amazing parents, an amazing family.
Thanks again for sharing all of this.
Thanks for an amazing inspiration Zac! Keep on encouraging people from around the world! Your family is such an amazing supporter! God bless!
Soli Deo Gloria!
-Fellow rebelutionary, Philippines
Dear Zac and family: Welcome home and congratulations on a job well done. I have been following your adventure every step of the way. The first thing I would do on returning from work is to log onto your blog just to know where you were in your journey. I am so happy to know that you arrived safe and sound in California to a resounding welcome. I have heard a number of broadcasts on NPR the last few days acknowledging your feat of being the youngest to navigate the world. I am so glad you will continue your blog for a little while. Eager to hear about the next steps in your life journey. Take care and best wishes from one of your staunch supporters.
Marjorie Forster
Baltimore, MD
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Sour Grapes is back :-(
blah blah blah blah
*yawn*
Another Monday Quarterback comes crawling out from under its rock.
Congratulations Zac!
I have written a few comments critical of belief in God, because he gets credit for the good, but no blame for the bad (broken bulkhead.) If there is a God, he should be in the middle east, not involved in an expedition. Praying makes believers feel good, I guess. Zac had to fix the bulkhead, God didn't.
Giving the credit to God takes away from the credit that Zac and his supportive parents deserve.
Finally, the pirate thing should be downplayed because the evidence says they were fishermen. If there is a blight on Zac's parents efforts, it is that he had that damn gun. It could have gotten him killed by escalating an encounter. But there WAS NO ENCOUNTER. Zac's dad admitted the fact in an interview. His Supporters need to know the TRUTH!
I was there, cheering for Zac, GOOD JOB ZAC!
To continue:
The biggest complaint about Zac's supportive parents, who deserve a lot of credit fot Zac being the guy he is, is that the attitude of protection wasn't "Keep your head" but, "Load your gun."
Lawrence should be ashamed of that comment. The world is not as big a threat as he seems to think it is.
I hope he does some inward looking and decides that he should have said, "Be aware, and keep your head."
That one point is a biggie, I hope he has more sense at home as there are a lot of small kids.
Have another a drink :-(
Give me a boat like that and all the funding I could ever want and I could let the wind push me around the world 3 times.
Its always nice to see the privileged pull something like this off then have the balls to stand up and say that they did it to show that anyone can do anything. Forgot the part about the needing money though eh... shit my 16 year old cant afford a Kmart dingy.
Wow - what an inspiration. We are gearing up for our first long voyage - and when fear rears it's ugly head - i will think of Zac - and how brave and fearless he was to do this alone and at such a young age - Well done!
The Finnerty Family - Thousand Oaks California
Hurry,....turn back on the moderation. Some people who refuse to drink the cool aid are starting to comment......
Zac, Just want to tell you how honored I feel to have been in MDR to watch you accomplish your dream...to shake your hand and meet you. What you did is such an inspiration to so many people and such an incredible feat. You are no longer a boy, but a very wise young man way beyond your years. And you made it all look so easy, which of course was not. I was so impressed watching you yesterday dealing with all the people and media. I can only imagine how overwhelming it all must have been after so long living your "low key" life. For all those that were not there....Zac was so patient, humble, kind and polite for hours on end. He was amazing!
I hope all the craziness will settle down soon, and you can spend some quiet time with family and friends, and doing the things you have missed the most. Whatever you choose to do with your life next, I have no doubt that with your determination and faith, you will succeed. I hope selfishly you will allow us to accompany you virtually with that as well, as you have captured so many hearts.
I'm sure I don't have to tell you how special your family is, you already know that. When you are older and lucky enough to have children, you will then understand fully what your Mom and Dad have been through this past 13 months! And to Marianne and Laurance ....how wonderful was it last night to have your son back at home where you could see him and hug him!!!
So Zac...again...Congrats
you deserve it and so much more.
Your well wisher from Houston, TX
Barb
Wow, Anonymous, time for a chill pill!!!!! While I'm generally not a fan of guns, in this situation, Laurence was correct in 1) providing Zac with a gun for protection, and 2) telling him to load it and be ready to shoot to kill when what certainly appeared to be pirates at the time were closing in on him. Don't you follow the news??? Pirates are out there capturing ships all the time. The boat Zac encountered was acting anything but friendly towards him!!!! In that situation, he had to assume the crew were pirates.
You said Zac should have used his head. DUH!!! He did. He was scared and needed to be ready to defend himself. I don't believe we heard that Zac actually fired the gun, but knowing he had it at the ready no doubt made him feel a little safer. I can only imagine how fast his heart was racing at that time.
So stop the negativity and let's keep on celebrating Zac's HUGE achievement. ZAC, YOU ROCK!!!!! Laurence and Marianne, and all the Sunderlands, YOU ROCK TOO!!!!!
Congratulations and enjoy all the accolades. Oh, yeah.......and have lots of fun with your buds!!
--Sue McGah
Laguna Niguel
Hey...Zac! Great job..congratulation. You must have taken many beautiful pictures.
Cheers.
Welcome home Zac. I've prayed for your safety, and glad He protected you. Please continue to be a good example for your younger siblings and the rest of the young people you come in contact with. Sounds like a very big burden, but you can do that very thing with the Lord's help.
Please people!
After Zac's battle with the elements I think the last thing he needs are the poisoned-postings from"anonymous".
Put alittle thought in your comment before you hit the send button.
Many sour comments don't even make sense.
Don't try to distract from the moment just because we haven't shown the courage this young man and his family has!
Besides......my grandsons read this blog.
I hope YOU can find some happiness in your heart.
Mike Sproull
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!!
To "Anonymous"; If you followed this from the beginning you'd know these are good people with the sense and foresight to trust in their children and support their dreams and endeavors. This kid has shown the courage to take on a challenge only a handful of people will ever take on. Give the credit where it's due and have some courage yourself instead of posting as "Anonymous"
The Bluesman
bitchandmoanoftheday.com
Marianne, Lawrence, and in particular, Zac, ignore the bilious spewing of one or more "anonymous" trolls that seem to have resurfaced. They are sad and jealous people who can only find self worth by tearing others down. Pay them no mind and, if you can, dedicate a meditation (or say a prayer) for their enlightenment. There are many sad people like this in the world and all we can do is try to lift them up.
Cheers all...
willy
milford, ohio
To Bluesman:
I'm anonymous because it's one of the choices. My posts are pretty controversial as I'm an athiest and think worshipping a God is something mankind should be past.
God worshippers should lay down their guns and practice what they profess preach, peace.
Zac deserves congratulations on his accomplishments.
His dad is a fool if he has guns around small children. I hope he thinks long and deep about his beliefs and the reality of guns.
Hey look at me! I'm the athiest guy!
I troll around the internet and infiltrate other people's blogs with my 'controversial' posts.
Go make your own blog you pathetic loser, there you can post your own 'controversial' posts to yourself. No one's interested in your gibberish here.
K' I'm a wee bit P'd off. At A. Nony Mouse - if you don't have the "courage" to post your RL name, yet DARE have the balls/tits to blast MY Hero, Capt Zac! & Team Sunderland - DON'T POST.
I've repeatedly stated thru-out this HISTORIC journey, post YOUR name, or if you're that willy'd of a peep, at least your inits.
Capt Zac! AND Team Sunderland, w/the help of the ZacPac & MANY Prayer Warriors (& GOD!), were able to accomplish this so very blessed journey.
GO Capt Zac!
Your post is one of the many reasons why moderation was invoked originally.
Team Sunderland has opened the blog wide so peeps can post their POSITIVE comments & thanks for having the chance/opportunity to vicariously "tag" along.
If ya can't congratulate this HISTORIC event - DON'T post!
Sry Capt Zac!, Team Sunderland, ZacPac - just had to vent on the last A. Nony Mouse post.
Congrats (if I haven't said it before) & Welcome HOME!
HUGS!
Tomi/ATL
CONGRATS ZAC! too bad it was a "mom/dad" thing,,,you accomplished a good thang,,mom/dad just wanted to be a part of "world record,,,its YOU that did it Zac!!!!,,yeah mom/dad had a lot of say so/money to back you and wanted to have "fame" in it,,good job Zac,,,proud of you,, so much better if mom/dad stayed outa pic,,ohwell,,yer young,,go for the gusto on yer own as you did already (almost),,can't wait fer the next "adventure",,,WELCOME HOME!
Zac,
As I said on Facebook - Congratulations! You have completed an incredible accomplishment. Blogs are an interesting part of society. You kind of have to think of it as a conversation at a public establishment. You may not agree with all of the comments sent your way, but that is life. Try not to get defensive. I am sure that if you had a really strong opinion about something, you would voice it. You would appreciate being heard. Professing only one viewpoint appears to be a bit closed-minded. There is no one viewpoint.
Savor your accomplishments. You have done great things. Move on. Discover what else life has to offer for you. You will do more great things.
Minnesota Family
Congrats ZAC! Your journey has inspired me to get out into the world more and travel! Thanks so much for sharing!
To all Zacpackers:
A blog can and should include all comments, even when they are "not positive" in the eyes of the Zacpackers.
The only way to deal with those so called negative comments (positive in the eye of the writer) is to IGNORE those postings.
So, just read over it, fellow Zackpackers and do certainly NOT COMMENT on them, because that is the main reason why they post.
Smile!
Will
Welcome home Zac! You're an inspiration to young people throughout the world, and your family an example to us all. Congratulations Zac, Mom, Dad, brothers, sister and of course Jen, whose sacrifices allowed us a window to your world. Well played, Team Sunderland !!
Hi, Zac!!
I watched you arrive, listened to your many sponsors and finally you, bought my souvenir which you kindly signed for me after awhile and eventually departed. All in all, a great experience...a memorable and historical event I will always remember and cherish.
I shook your hand an could tell from your eyes that more adventures are in store. God be with you and keep yu safe as you accomplish the many dreams you have envisioned. Your family is one in a million....thanks for letting us all share with you on your voyage. Dana V. sv "Gladys Erzella"
ZAC, CONGRATULATIONS and WELCOME HOME!
You have been an inspiration to all of us and we have enjoyed riding along with you. Thanks for allowing us to join you on an amazing adventure and sharing the many memorable stops along the way for the past 13 months. Thanks, also, to your parents for always keeping us posted, when you were not able to.
Take care and God Bless.
Dick & Gin
Upland
Dear Anonymous, you know who you are..this is not the venue for a religious discussion. Everyone is entitled their own beliefs.
This is about a kid who has done something incredible and if he and his family choose to believe divine intervention was present and helped, it's their choice.
To coin a phrase, guns don't kill, people do. They are a necessary evil. In a moment of self-preservation, if one had a baseball bat and came at the other and the other had a gun, don't tell me they wouldn't shoot.
The Bluesman
Haha, I heard about you on newspaper! Take a break and relax before your next adventure! Cheers!
From the other side of the earth,
Hongkong
-Bao-
Nice job man!
Found you whilst reading a Swedish online newspaper. Have been sailing for all my life, all 18 years, and just wanted to show my recognition of such a fab achievement. Hope it was wonderful in every way for you and that the 'mal de mer' isn't too bad now your stuck on dry land! haha!
Best wishes for the future!
Fair winds and following seas for future adventures.
Jen
Zac, WELCOME HOME!!!
The last few weeks have been crazy and i cant believe that after following you a round the world for
a year, sitting at my PC for 3 hrs while u went thru the Panamacl Canal, I missed your historic return.
With tears in my eyes I watched your return on video and felt relly proud of you and honored to have had the opportunity to share in this adventure.
To the Zunderland Family and Team Zac you are an incredible group of People.
To the Naysayers who criticized Marianne and Laurence.... well you know what we Zacpackers think of you.
Zac enjoy your time home, cause another adventure abounds
Love and regards
Sherna
Zac was on front page of two local SoCal papers yesterday, The Daily Breeze and The Daily News, as we continue to celebrate a local hero who conquered the seas of the world in The Little Boat That Could.
That boat is sweet; I hope you don't sell it, Zac. Pleeeaaase don't.
Thank you for being an inspiration to all ages, Zac, and that includes me... When is the parade?:)
Zac-
It was a great day in Marina del Rey
on Thursday. Again, dude....it was a pleasure meeting you in person, and all your family. Enjoy the good things coming your way. Keep in mind that we want to invite you to Alaska
when you're ready.
Cheers.
Kodiak Mike
Hello Zac~
Congrats on your successful solo sail around the globe. As one of many journalists that covered your story I need to say that even the most jaded of our press corps were impressed by your motivation and drive.
It takes a heck of alot to accomplish feats such as this and you as well as your parents and siblings can take pride in the familial effort that was involved to ensure completion of your goal.
If nothing else young man, you have taken a step beyond a place in life that most would dare.
I'll close with this ancient mariner's saying; " May have you always have fair winds and following seas."
Warm Regards Zac & Family,
Brody Levesque
Hi Zac
I thought you be super cool to the young around the world .. you are very brave.
Kisses
isabela(Brazil)
Hi Zac,
I thought you be super cool to the young around the world .. you are very brave.
Kisses :)
Isabela(Brazil)
Hey Zac..did you see what Jessica Watson said about you..check it out
Laura
***************************
Thursday was an exciting day out at the shed with the news of Zac Sunderland’s triumphant return reaching us over all the local radio stations. It was great to hear of Zac completing his voyage and claiming the ‘youngest circumnavigator’ title. It’s been amazing to follow his progress, from myself and all the team here I’d like to say a huge congratulations!! We’re all only just beginning to understand many of the challenges involved so can really appreciate Zac’s incredible effort. Go Zac, you’re an inspiration!
Posted by Jessica Watson at 10:51 PM 0
Hooray for you Zac! You made it! What an incredible experience you have had. I know the Lord saw you through it all. It has been totally awesome following your journey. I want to thank you and your parents for the consistent blog updates that kept us informed. I know many times it would have been easier for you to not do it.
Anyway, congradulations!!!!! I will continue to pray for you and what you decide to do now.
God bless!
A homeschooled friend :)
I've said it before, but I am TOTALLY AWED by your spirit, Zac!!
Congrats!!!! I've seen bits and pieces on the media, but think you deserve so much more. Looking forward to getting your DVD -- so, let us know as soon as it's available, or let us pre-order.
Sorry I missed being in MDR -- regrets... Thanks to all who posted sites that I can follow.
Except for sibling, or whoever is "dissing" you, you have a great family of fans! [Including Mike who gave his own congratulations to you on his blog].. Now we can continue praying for HIS safe return.
Enjoy life. Enjoy friends & family. "live long and prosper!"
Congratulations Zac!!
Welcome Home...
I have followed you from the beginning and You are remarkable. Thanks for the adventure. Your Mother, Dad, and family are simply wonderful too.
Best wishes now and in the future.
Bev
I think we should pray for him (anonymous) and God will find a way touch his soul as he touched and led Zac through his journey.
Funny you had to experience EXACTLY the same thing we did in Gulf of Panama. Had to make an uturn and were also as close as 50 yrds from it. SCARY yes! We crossed the pacific and sold the boat in Australia. One of the smallest cat that ever crossed the pacific. Check out www.7hav.se (english)
By the way...did you meet any interesting people in Panama? Like Ali on the red steel boat "Genesis"? He and his family have been there for 7 years and he is doing welding jobs for cruisers. Funny guy!!
There were also a guy (Jushua) from the states...he was 16 and wanted also (just like you) to beat the record as the youngest to cruise around the world...Dont now why but he got away late and had to wait out til this season.
It's a great pleasure to see the blog open again. This means your blog gets posted right away. Unfortunately many times in the past The Sunderland's had to monitor the blog because some comments were not so pleasant or positive.
Everyone please remember that this blog RIGHT NOW is here to congratulate Zac for the historic event he just accomplished in breaking two World Records. It's so much fun to read all the positive comments, links to personal pictures taken at the event, people saying how much fun they had at the event, and how Zac made sure everyone was greeted at the event, and Zac signing everyone items even though he could have been doing so many other things during his first hours on land.
I know we have a bunch of new people here on the blog because of all the media coverage. We welcome you all and hope you'll visit from time to time. I would like for everyone to understand this blog was set up to encourage Zac while he was trying to accomplish this incredible feat. Since I was here since the beginning I have seen so many chapters pass me by in this blog. I must admit most have been great positive memories with a few that turned things sour and the monitors came back on. I hope that everyone will keep this an encouraging blog for Zac. If you have any negative comments please do not post them here. We would like to keep the monitors off and just have a bunch of kind supporting people here on this blog who enjoyed Zac's adventure. I'm sure there are plenty of other blogs you can visit if you intend to be hurtful or negative in any way.
I wanted to say Thank You to all the new bloggers here and we welcome you with open arms. Let's support, encourage, and keep this a positive blog for Zac.
A big thank You to all the Sunderland's for making Thursday such a great event. And thank you Zac for giving us something to celebrate. Your determination and courage is admired by me and many others who also shared this with me personally. Now your going to learn how to handle all the media.
Enjoy Zac,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
Did anyone get pics of the signage at Fishermans or at the yacht club?
Nothing but admiration for you Zac, I have been quietly reading your story here as it unfolded, and it has been one heck of an amazing journey.
You have achieved something that most guys your age just dream about, and you have shown such maturity and wisdom throughout, thanks for sharing your adventure with us all on here....and keep us posted on what you are gonna do next!
Best Wishes from me here in the UK!
CONGRATULATIONS ZAC!
It was so exciting to be on the dock when you pulled in. When you got to the top of the ramp you walked by me and I gave you a congratulation pat on the back and you turned and thanked me. I also had a chance to introduce myself to Marianne who greeted me with a hug and thanked me for coming. It surely was a great day. My only regret is that I did not meet any other Zac Pac'ers from the blog. I spoke with lots of people but none of them were people I would have recognized from the blog. I guess we should have worn name tags.
I hope you are adjusting back to life on land.
Looking forward to hearing what it's like to be back home and having accomplished such an awesome goal.
Thanks for letting us be a part of it!
Mona
Tucson, AZ
Zac,
Thank you for sharing your great adventure with all of us. Good luck on your next one!!
Matthew In Florida
Are the new tshirts and photos going to be available online for sale?
Sorry if i missed that info somewhere.
Congratulations! Our family has been watching your progress for months and are really glad you made it home safe! Thanks for sharing your trip with us all on the blog!
Glad to see Zac being a normal 17 year old. (facebook pic he posted)
@ Mona...i know...i to was bummed about not meeting more of the Zacpac. I was standing in above the slip Zac pull in. When he was just about finished with the Q&A from the press, i went to stand in line to get my magazine signed then got a call from a friend{that was my cell that went off:/} who was taking a drive on his new motorcycle..we talked him into driving out to see Zac & Intrepid and he did..whoo hoo recruited another Zac fan! We ate lunch and headed back to the hot desert..i had been there since 8:30am..i wanted to be sure i had a front row seat and boy i was glade i did! What a great turn out.
Hope you had a good time..i still can't stop talking about it!!
Take care every one!
And one more time..CONGRATULATIONS ZAC..U THE MAN!!
Laura
@ccarnaghi - Yea, I got a haircut in honor of Bill AND Zac...
Dang, what are we to do, late night with Zac being done!?!?!?!
Great news he's home, safe, and with a record......
I'll miss this... My apologies for being a bit absent these last 3-4 months, a lot is going on in my world, all good, but distracting...
Daveh & Skipper
dave@davehickson.com
www.davehickson.com
www.truemyths.com
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM ZAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are we going to hear anymore in the blog or is it all over?
God bless you, Zac.
I ´ve followed your adventure from Spain (I´m also a sailor).
Many times you´ve made me remember Rob Mundle words...
" To the Ocean warriors who have the courage to live our dreams..."
THANKS, ZAC.
Welcome back Zac!What an accomplishment and journey.I've come aboard real late in your story but hope to make up for it by buying your book and video.
Please keep us posted...rest up and God's speed!
Don S.
welcome home zac!
thank you for allowing us to ride along with you on your most excellent adventure. i am proud to be a supporter and member of the ZacPac.
i've been thinking about the past 13 months--all that you have experienced and how wonderful it has been for you and you family.
though i could not be part of the MDR welcoming crowd i was with you via all the online media. my heart was filled with such joy for you and your family.
you have inspired so many and shown such character and strength during your journey.
thanks for ride.
God Bless us ALL.
john baker/w hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com
congratulations!!! congratulations!!! congratulations!!! congratulations!!!
My family were on vacation in Southern California, and my kids wanted to meet Zac. We was very nice and gave them an autograph. Now they want to take sailing lessons. What a marvelous example you are to the children of today. Your journey and the people that are supporting you efforts are marvelous. A group of us we taling the other day saying the work to bring your journey to us in video and photographs is the most impressive use of the internet, video and photography we have ever seen. Thanks to Lissa, Jen, and Mike and Brett, for your amazing work. But I was surprised that I didn't see any of them speak or be acknowledged. It would have been very exciting to hear their stories. You are so fortunate to have had such talented people helping you.
Then of course there is you parents, you are both an inspiration to we parents. Your dedication and love of your children is a lesson for all of us.
Hi Zac ---
Hope you had a great weekend with friends and family! You earned a little chillin' time. Just please don't forget all of us out here... We are suffering from "Zac withdrawal"!!
Looking forward to seeing you on Jimmy Kimmel tomorrow night!
Blessings!
Marie
WA St.
We are proud to have been a part of your quest, Zac.
Thoughts on THE MALTESE FALCON . . . and then I'm off to Mike Perham's Page . . .
If you've ever seen the magnificent Bogart movie "The Maltese Falcon" you may recall the ending in which Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre have just had their hopes crushed: The treasure they had sought has eluded them.
But then . . . Peter Lorre says something like "I've heard of a mysterious group in Paris . . . " And both their faces light up, as they set out on a new chapter of their never ending journey.
Along those same lines, I'm signing off of this interesting blog that I've enjoyed from its inception, and heading over to Mike Perham's page at www.totallymoney.com/sailmike to follow his journey home. (Click on the blue headlines on Mike's site to see the comments and to add one of your own. And by the way, he posted a very gracious congrats to Zac on the day Zac made it home.)
And reportedly in November a 15-year-old named Jessica Watson will head off from Australia in a 34-foot Sparkman & Stephens sloop, trying for a nonstop, unassisted, singlehanded circumnavigation. So I'll plug into that one, too. (Though after seeing all that can go wrong on a circumnavigation from Zac and Mike's trips, I'm assuming that the 'nonstop, unassisted' part will soon drop away.)
HOPE TO SEE some of the familiar names from this blog join these other journeys.
By the Way: I've also signed up for Zac's update blog to keep tabs on what he is doing. And I've left enough unsolicited sage advice to last him a while: Don't assume that because you can sail, you can or ought to climb Mount Everest -- without some years of prep and training; don't assume that just because you did one great adventujre the world expects you to do another; if you really want to Do Hard Things, go to college and study something that will help you make things better for others as you continue your journey through the world; and someday make time to become a husband and father.
So, it's been fun. Met a lot of nice folks. And hope to see you in that next little nexus where the Internet intersects with the oceans.
- Grant Fjermedal, Seattle
When there is time and energy once again, I'm sure we will hear from Zac & Co.
I admire all of you who made it over, down, and across country to greet Zac and his family on the big day. Well done all of you! I am sorry you did not all get to meet up as anticipated... now I know why companies issue baseball caps.
Has anyone else thought that Mike Perham's webmaster could take a few lessons from Marianne? That kid is also a great writer... Mike has been sponsored by a company with the currently inappropriate name of TotallyMoney but the lad's writings, when they appear, are right out of the Boy's Own tradition of Victorian adventure literature, except that they are genuine. He was having the time of his life when he was completely out of control in the southern ocean in huge seas being thrown forward hell bent for leather and having not a care in the world. An incredible attitude. What these young men can teach the rest of us...
-Hugh
Hey Zac.
Congrats one more time,not sure if you are getting my comments.You and your mom made the front page of our little home town paper.www.lodinews.com on July 17th.Thanks for taking me on your journey around the globe. Jen`s photos are awesome. Panama was cool stuff. can`t wait for book and DVD
rickbauer@softcom.net
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