Pressing On
Position: 07/03/09 1633Z 26 16.151N 114 01.632W
The last couple of days have been pretty crazy around here. I have been battling a 2-3 knot current and a 25 knot wind from the NW. I have been tacking every few hours day and night trying to make headway which has been exhausting.
Yesterday morning my radar alarm went off and I saw a white boat heading towards me. I tried hailing them a few times but got no answer. As they got closer I saw it was a Coast Guard cutter so I waited as they approached and launched an inflatable. The side of the boat said US Coast Guard which was strange because I was only 20 miles off of the coast of Mexico.
I dropped the sails and 4 armed officers boarded the boat and did a customary search for anything illegal. They checked all of my safety gear. I didn't have a fog horn or a life ring but after explaining to them that if I fell in there would be no one left on the boat to throw the ring to me they decided not to write me up.
After checking my paperwork and passport they asked if parents knew I was sailing around the world alone and which was pretty funny. They were from Ventura but must not read the newspaper or they have been out of town for awhile. They got back in their boat and left me with a fix-it ticket to get a fog horn. Must be getting closer!
I pulled up the sails and was off again. The wind and current built in the afternoon and into the night. I ended up staying up all night tacking back and forth in 25 knots. As the sun rose the wind died and I tacked one last time and crashed for a couple of hours. The conditions have improved some now and I am able to make better head way. I am thinking of heading into Turtle Bay for a day or two depending on the weather.
Cheers,
Zac
ABC Nightly News:
http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/
The last couple of days have been pretty crazy around here. I have been battling a 2-3 knot current and a 25 knot wind from the NW. I have been tacking every few hours day and night trying to make headway which has been exhausting.
Yesterday morning my radar alarm went off and I saw a white boat heading towards me. I tried hailing them a few times but got no answer. As they got closer I saw it was a Coast Guard cutter so I waited as they approached and launched an inflatable. The side of the boat said US Coast Guard which was strange because I was only 20 miles off of the coast of Mexico.
I dropped the sails and 4 armed officers boarded the boat and did a customary search for anything illegal. They checked all of my safety gear. I didn't have a fog horn or a life ring but after explaining to them that if I fell in there would be no one left on the boat to throw the ring to me they decided not to write me up.
After checking my paperwork and passport they asked if parents knew I was sailing around the world alone and which was pretty funny. They were from Ventura but must not read the newspaper or they have been out of town for awhile. They got back in their boat and left me with a fix-it ticket to get a fog horn. Must be getting closer!
I pulled up the sails and was off again. The wind and current built in the afternoon and into the night. I ended up staying up all night tacking back and forth in 25 knots. As the sun rose the wind died and I tacked one last time and crashed for a couple of hours. The conditions have improved some now and I am able to make better head way. I am thinking of heading into Turtle Bay for a day or two depending on the weather.
Cheers,
Zac
ABC Nightly News:
http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/
posted by Zac at
7:43 AM
61 Comments:
Cool my wife (Judy Sunderland) says it is likely Zac is related through her grandfathers brother- She teaches 2nd grade- and I just encouraged her to keep up with Zac -even with her class. (I teach over at South Texas College- Brad Altemeyer)
Well, heck, guess there had to be at least one boarding and I am so glad it was a USCG one. (Even if they were a bit dense.) Guess they will have to read the book, eh?!!!!!
Sail On Cap'N Zac, see you soon,
Kathy
Bend, OR
Well Marianne, thou was right after all. He is a typical teenager.
He does not even have a drivers license yet and already he is getting tickets.
Right on Zac. I am sure there are a few lawyers in the Zac Pac that will try to keep you out of jail. Unless of course if Toby does not want you out. He may be happier if you went to jail or immediatly left for Mt Everest after your haircut and double/double at In N' Out.
Sail on Zac. We cannot wait forever.
Bill Mann
bill@barstools4u.com.
Oh - that bit about the Coast Guards had me laughing till my ribs hurt! Oh mindless bureaucracy!
It's bad enough when you cannot escape it - but when you've been quite happy sailing around the world - to discover your homeland officials behave like that must make you want to stop a few miles short of your goal and carry on around the glone one more time!
Priceless!
DD
(UK)
Welcome home! Do your parent's know....now that's funny. I guess we should be glad the Coast Guard is out there doing preventative searches, but it sure seems odd that they didn't know who you where.
Do your parents know where you are? Hysterical. I guess you forgot to pack the permission slip from your parents, eh?
Great post today, Zac. You've pretty much seen it all, I guess. Well maybe not everything. It sounds like our dear friends, Parker Fritsch, should give you some fishing lessons when you return. Make sure your mom reads his most recent post....
@ Parker - I hope you can make it down to see Zac come in. I'd be honored to meet you.
Hi Zac ---
A day early, but happy 4th of July! We'll shoot off something spectacular tomorrow in your honor!
WHAT A HOOT!....."Do your parents know that you are sailing around the world alone...?" Where have these guys been all year??? LOL!
Before you get back home, you might want to share that news with your family... you know, just in case they might have missed it! :)
Have a safe weekend. A little fun in Turtle Bay? PIZZA!
As always, Blessings!
Marie
WA St.
Oh good grief. I used to live in Ventura and was friends with all the Coasties up there. That is a funny encounter! LOL "Do your parents know you're sailing around the world?" Hahahahahaha
okay, that was quite odd and very funny all at the same time! Did they not have any clue about you? even after all the latest (and greatest) news reports?? I would love for them to be interviewed to hear their thoughts about you sailing around the world alone!! You must've laughed out loud when they asked if your parents knew!!
I may just agree with another post that you may want to just drop the sails and stop short of your goal - at least take an hour to think about what you have achieved and what it will be like when you get back - then hoist the sails again and if you come back terrific or if you tack and head back to Majuro... I don't think anyone but your mom will blame you!!!
take care on this last leg Zac...
B from BC
Now, I ain't exactly saying Zac is dogging it here. Not at all. But, you know, it doesn't look at all unlike he might just be not wanting it to end just yet and maybe if it takes a while longer and the sea is sweet this time of year and he isn't exactly in home waters yet, so he's still adventuring about and not at all disliking where he finds himself from time to time, maybe... just maybe... it might take a little while longer to get back to home port than it was at first thought. Turtle Bay. Kinda has a nice ring to it. Maybe check it out. Stay a while if it looks good, and drop a line one last time and see if there is one more fish down there for a good meal an' all. Why not?
-Hugh
Vancouver (but would rather be at sea on a day like today).
Hey Zac..i think you need to send your ticket in attached to a copy of ESPN mag!
Are ya sure it wasn't one of those pranks like on days of thunder...was the coast guard officer a cute girl in a bikini? lol
Hey dude..take all the time you need..if you have to make a pit stop, do it..
just stay safe!
Laura
PS when you do start driving, what will it be? You know Dodge makes an intrepid:}
Zac,
Sorry to hear that you are having to fight so hard for progress. Pulling into Turtle Bay for some rest sounds like a good idea.
Now, in regards to that Fog Horn ticket, I'd like to pay that ticket for you and I will throw in a Fog Horn to boot!
Stay Safe Zac.
Mona
Tucson, AZ
Perhaps I'm being thick (not being an American) but does The US Coast Guard have any jurisdiction off the coast of Mexico?. Sounds a bit arrogant of them.
That is too, too funny!
Praying for you on this last leg. Have a wonderful Fourth!
I've been checking your blog ever since you left, and unfortunately this is the first time I've commented. But, I've been praying for your safe return home, and have thoroughly enjoyed "virtually traveling" with you around the world through your blog. Your faith, determination, and courage are truly an inspiration. May God continue to bless you! I'm relatively new to sailing (I've taken one class), but I'm more intrigued by the sport after following you around the world. Take care, Godspeed, and may the wind always fill your sails!
Throughout this past year, I vote this has to be the funniest entry in your blog...."Do your parents know....." and your answer to the CG about the life ring was absolutely priceless. Quick thinking. Way to go, Zac.
The Master of the SS Matsonia and I had a chuckle about this - The Matsonia is the senior ship in the Matson Line Fleet and whoever gets that boat is the senior skipper of the Matson Line. Steve promises to get you a foghorn!
Just an observation...I've been keeping up with both Zac's and Mike's blogs, and I couldn't help noticing a couple of Mike's entries lately.
After Zac had the bulkhead damage from being slammed by a wave, there was this statement "What is so good about having an Open 50 rather than a standard sailing boat is that when powered up with ballast, they really don't get moved around much at all – no rolling about. It's a very different feel to a normal sailing boat."
Then soon after we saw Intrepid's slightly dirty hull coming into Puerto Vallarta, "The Blake’s Paint anti-foul is self-polishing and there isn’t a single mark on the whole underside of the boat. She’s totally jet black underneath and looks just as good as when she left the boat shed in France after being painted."
Zac, I just want to say that I admire your strength of character! Your blog is always a pleasure to read.
Zac, great blog, good answers, and YOU make me proud to be an American!
Enjoy Turtle Bay, cruise on home when you are good and ready, and we'll all be cheering you -- even if it is an ovation (standing as able) in front of a computer linked to the WebCam!
Wishfully, metaphorically, fair winds and following seas!
Janis
Woodland Hills, CA
Nearly there now Zac!
I think my feelings would be hurt if my own states coast guard didn't know I was sailing around the world, alone, on a yacht called 'Intrepid;' especially after one whole year under the safely belt. I like to think they were just kidding around.
Do your parents know? I guess that would be a very good question if you didn't know the Intrepid and the Intrepid's Captain.
I guess that is just proof that, perhaps, your journey has just begun. After all, you're only 17!
I wonder if folks who do know where 'Zac' is, will maybe light fireworks along the waters edge, in hopes that you will see them!
Happy 4th of July everyone.
Be Safe one and all.
I'm off to 'google' Turtle Bay...
Namaste~~
NO!!...Zac is 500 mile short of sailing around the world alone and the Coasties cite him for no fog horn. Ya can't make THAT kinda stuff up.....I too laughed and laughed.
"Do you parents know....", nah..."I just slipped out over a year ago and they haven't noticed yet that I'm gone."
Don't get me wrong, I have DEEP respect for the Coast Guard...those folks literally put their lives on the line, but...ya gotta shake your head.
Steve in CA
So you received a fog horn ticket. Just look at it this way, they might have thought you were delivering illegial drugs.
I hope you'll get so rest and recharge those batteries. No the ones abouard Intrepid but your internal batteries.
Sail North Zac,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California
EPIC!
Sounds like your friend at the USCG was having a DBM (Dumb Blonde Moment). I wonder if Barney Fife thinks you will be grounded when U get home.
"Do your parents know your sailing alone around the world?" (You must have said to yourself "WTF!") Your Old Man is gonna be pissed when he sees the boat is gone!
(I keep thinking the USCG guy must have been like Brad Pitt's guy in Burn After Reading.."Osborne Cox....Is this Osborne Cox..")
Turtle Bay is nice for a break and a good sleep.
Be as safe as U can Bud!
Zac, it being past 11:00 and this old guy is hitting the sack to get ready for a big bangup celebration tomorrow, I wanted to wish you a happy 4th.
Celebrating our independence as a country makes one realize just how lucky we are to live in this time, and in this place.
Having the freedom to do the things we want, go places we choose, and live the lives we are capable of living.
We'll be thinking of you as you head towards home and those who love, miss, and wait for you.
I had hoped you would be in by now, but the sea and the wind cannot be hurried, but that time is nearing and all of us will celebrate along with you.
Can't help but make another comment: I too check in on Mike Perham's site regularly. For months now each of his short video entries has him appearing in the cockpit, and now apparently up on deck in his clean clothes, but...no harness.
Grant, Axel and the other blue water folks....I'm thinking (and even wrote him) this is seriously not smart...your thoughts?
Slippery deck, bow into a drifting chunk of debris and well, the boat makes it to Panama without him.
Steve in CA
OH my goodness Zac! I just realized you're younger than me.
All I can say is WOW.
You're doing something that I doubt I would ever do in my life.
You're my hero.
Anyway, happy early 4th!
Very funny about the Coast Guard. I actually thought to suggest if you had found some English ESPN mags in your first stop in Mexico to grab a few in case the Mexican Coast Guard stopped you. Been ideal in this situation.
Technically if they asked you where you are coming from you could have said:
Marina Del Ray via ... via ... via ... via ...via ... via ...via ... via ...via ... via ...via ... via ...via ... via ...via ... via ...via ... via ...via ... via ...via ... via ...via ... via ...
:-))
on the "do your parents know . . " being fellow sailors they sure don't follow local news. If it wouldn't have caused any delays or problems, you shoulda told the USCG "no I didn't tell them because it was only supposed to be a 3 hour tour, a 3 hour tour" lol
as far as the USCG being out of their jurisdiction, they can perform safety checks on any ship in any waters. as far as the ticket goes "every ship is subject to the jurisdiction of the country whose flag it flies. So are its occupants." so, Zac being American is subject to American laws, statutes and safety inspections by the USCG, even in open waters.
bob
Zac, you are just about completing my dream. What will I do afterwards? You are my hero, even though I'm old enough to be your Dad. I love what you have done. Your Friend, Marc You are welcome to come to Iowa anytime and stay here with us. Maybe you can give me some sailing lessons.
LOL what a scandal, USCG not responding to ch 16 hails...
Operation Baja Oleada since 2005
Nothing personal :-)
The Coast Guard works with other nations and agencies to actively monitor and respond to air, land, and maritime threats to the U.S. Southwest border. In particular, closer bilateral cooperation with Mexico holds the potential to tell us more about air and surface threats bound for the United States. As the terrestrial United States and Mexico border becomes more fortified, the maritime border potentially becomes more vulnerable to illegal drug and migrant smuggling.
Interagency cooperation is critical to securing the Southwest border. The Coast Guard partners with Customs and Border Protection on a standing effort (Operation Baja Oleada) to stem the flow of illegal drugs and undocumented migrants along the Baja peninsula of California and into the arrival zone in Northern Baja and the San Diego area. This operation started in December 2005 in response to reports of go-fast vessels moving up the Baja peninsula. The Coast Guard also conducted a two-month interagency shoreside and maritime pulse operation along the Southwest border in February and March 2009 called Operation Red Zone. This operation disrupted illicit activity and achieved a better understanding of illegal activities through and around the San Diego ports of entry
Zac---The USCG boarded me once years ago when I was coming back from Catalina. I was following Cindy (not my wife yet back then). Me in my boat, she in hers. I was taking pictures of her boat and zig zaging all over the ocean. I guess the Coast Guard thought it looked wrong so they boarded me and let her go on her way --AND SHE DID!!! She just left me there with the Coast Guard guys going through everything on my boat. I got a fix it ticket for outdated flares. I have never forgiven Cindy for not sticking around.
Rusty
@pigpen
great article posted by anon regarding USCG activities off of Mexico. I might add that USCG operates as far as the Persian Gulf supporting anti-terrorism efforts in cooperation with other navies of the world.
I'll excuse the CG not knowing Zac this time, they're busy focusing on their mission... But it you are ever in trouble on water, you definitely want the USCG there helping you! So hats off to them.
Happy 4th!
coast guard are arrogant beyond belief they have been known to site people thousand of miles at sea for bull. I appreciate they have job to do but what are they going to do not let you sail on? this had been an ongoing problem for years with them. they used to fly over our boat in Costa Rica in helo's asking what we were doing my wife and I used to take off our cloths and yell at them for being peeping tom's
Hiya Zac
Like I commented on your facebook page...loved the question "do your parents know you're sailing around the world alone?"....LOL.....yea they might have noticed you've been gone over a year by now...LOL...WOW just WOW!!! Did you get their names? you might want to send them your web page link...I'm still laughing..:O
Sail on Capt.
Hugs,
Anita Miracle
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV Wombat
Turtle Bay is great - I highly recommend it!
This Coast Guard story is totally believable. It reminds me of how the Coast Guard boarded the sailboat of friends returning from a world cruise. When my friends were off the Dominican Republic(in the Caribbean)they were boarded by the US Coast Guard. Coast Guard wanted to ticket them because their head(toilet)seacock was set to discharge directly overboard and Coast Guard said this was a violation and that their head should discharge directly into their holding tank. It is obvious that the coasties did not know there was no pump out station in that area to empty the holding tank. Maybe the coasties thought it would be more legal to pump all of the human goop out of the holding tank into the ocean.
The irony is, NASA which "patrols" the "ocean" of space knows who Zac Sunderland is, but the USCG that patrols THE ocean doesn't!
I liked the part when then asked if his parents knew that he was circumnavigating. I could see Zac saying, "No, I told them I was running down to In N' Out..... June of last year.......Here's your sign!
Tim Burns
Palm Springs, CA
@anonymous I get all that..but a 36ft. sail boat a go-fast vessel humm? I can see if he was say an off shore racing boat or something like Mikes open 50 with the big money sponsors and that go-fast self polishing paint:/ It's all good though..just another exciting chapter for the book!
Keep it safe out there today!!
Laura
Zac, you could have told the USCG that you left MDR June of 2008, heading for Catalina. Being a typical man, not stopping to ask for directions made a few wrong turns ........and the rest will be history! Literally!
Zac,
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
GOD BLESS YOU REAL GOOD!
George Cox
Wilimington, NC
www.xanga.com/ncstatefootball
Naugthy, naugthy Zac !
No foghorn, hey....
héhé
I haven't commented much, but I'm subscribed to your blog in my newsreader and I've been keeping up with your trip.
"Do your parents know you're traveling around the world"... that's one of the funniest things I've read!
I just had to google it, I live here in michigan, near port huron Michigan. When i was young my dad had a sail boat, then I used to have a 25 ft also, I have since sold it.So I do my sailing this way, Thanks zac for the trip.
Location of Turtle Bay, Baja California Su, Mexico (Latitude: 27° 38' 60 N, Longitude: 114° 50' 60 W)
Mabe zac could try get in on the race next year, I am sure someone would take him aboard. Then we in michigan could meet him.
85th sailing of the Bayview port huron to Mackinac Race
Check it out
Bayview Mackinac Race - Pure Michigan Travel http://bit.ly/a5PXd
http://www.byc.com/mack/
On Saturday, July 25, the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race will begin
Not familiar with that side of the world....where is Turtle Bay....Hawaii??????
UK friend
Here is a little bit more on the race, and fresh water sailling is a bit different then the ocean, a lot.
Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race
YouTube - Port Huron to Mackinac race - Pure Michigan Minute http://bit.ly/3ZSgtM
On Saturday, July 25, the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race will begin – recognized as one of the most challenging freshwater sailing races in the world. Join the excitement as boats sail Michigan's Great Lakes from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. It’s all Pure Michigan from start to finish!Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race flag
Celebrate the start of the race in Port Huron. Once the boats head north, travel along the shores of Michigan’s eastern coast and join the festivities at the finish line on Mackinac Island. The hospitality and celebration on the island is always second to none.
And wherever you are on race day, visit us online for boat location updates. For the first time in this historic race, GPS tracking devices will be placed on all boats. Pure Michigan is exclusively hosting the new online system, allowing web users to track the progress of each boat on the course.
Bayview Mackinac Race - Pure Michigan Travel http://bit.ly/a5PXd
Bayview Yacht Club - Bayview Port Huron to Mackinac Race http://bit.ly/4vy2jT
Zac are sure the pirates in the indian ocean were actually pirates? perhaps they where the US coast gaurd because both the pirates and the coast gaurd were not monitoring their radios when you tried to hail them. they could have checked the saftey gear and just let you know about the fog horn. i do admire what they do but some times they lose sight on whats important. that was bad PR.
@anon I read both blogs too and thought it was a dig on Zac's boat.
@ Melanie hilarious post
I've been following Zac for a long time now and I have to say he is an amazing young man. Thank you for you vivid blogs.
Take care Godspeed,
Jennifer in SB
Zac-
Wow! I agree with Bill Mann, no drivers license, but getting a ticket. I'm in So Cal and look forward to your arrival
Kodiak Mike
Happy Independence day to Zac, his family, and all Zac Packers. This is a great American Adventure.
As Lee Greenwood sings.....
http://www.imeem.com/reaper2460/music/MkEiocS3/lee-greenwood-god-bless-the-usa/
For those who don't know, Turtle Bay is just about the only real place to stop south of Ensenada. Have a lok on Google Earth.
It used to be off the traveled road and remote, but things are changing quickly.
Used to be an interesting place.
I'm one who thinks the Coast Guard is arrogant. The US thinks they are the world police. It's a self defeating attitude.
They say they are looking for drugs and illegals, but both aren't hard to find in Southern California. Go to any Home Depot and get as many as you want.
Opposing opinion for the day.
Well Coast Guards (any) are not new of course. The "trick" is to sail in the high seas.
I think it's 12 miles territorial water + 12 miles contiguous zone (24 miles which is why the stopped Zac in 20 miles) plus or including 200 miles trade zone. From any countrie's land mass.
If you got nothing to hide, what the hey, a bit of entertainment to break the boredom of your trip :-)
Did they at least offere Zac a cold bottle of water, or an orange or something to eat :-)
Methinks Pete Thomas from the LA Times with his press credentials should contact the Coast Guard and ask them for a comment. For all their high tech surveillance, they don't know our Zac is right there. Jeeze, even Google does LOL!
Er, Zac....Is it a coincidence that Turtle Bay has some of the best surfing in the world?
I'm just sayin'
Have Fun...watch out for the sharks, rocks, and big waves...
Love Zac's comments.... love everyone's comments.. especially the one about finding illegals and drugs at Home Depot!! Not needing to go hunt the seas for them.
I have great respect for the Coasties, but yea, this case illustrates how YOUNG THEY ARE!!
I am sure (if they are true mariners), they wish THEY were doing Zac's trip? I believe it takes greater courage to face the seas alone... and, well, I'm just totally WOWED by Zac, his character, courage, and zeal! Thanks for taking us along!!!!
When he gets back home, will Mom be after him to pick up his clothes, etc... Things change>>>
Zac,
I don't know which is funnier, the actual blog or the comments! I am just sitting here howling as I read them!
I especially love Steve from CA comment. And Laura's suggestion about sending a copy of the ESPN magazine in with the tickets - OMG simply hilarious!
Stay safe!
Love,
Don, Sandy, Roxanne
Zac,
I am very disappointed to learn that you were not able to present the air horn. If your parents had only known that you were sailing around the world without the air horn in your boat I bet they would not have slept a wink in over a year. I imagine that an air horn aimed at a pirate's boat would alert them that you are a prepared sailor. How many blasts signals to leave me alone or I'll throw my rescue ring at you?
Thank goodness that the only encounter with the USCG provided a bit of levity. I would have probably gotten in trouble by saying my parents think that I am away at boarding school finishing by Junior year.
SteveB
Birmingham,AL
How can they give you a fix-it ticket when you're in international waters? That meakes NO sense at all!
You don't need a fog horn. You only need a "sound making device" that can be a bell or anything creative. Next time tell them you're planning to bang together pot and pans for your "noise".
Hey Zac. Thank you and God bless you for holding on to a dream of this magnitude for all the rest of us. We can all share a little as fellow human beings in your incredible success as you complete this final leg of your history-making journey. I wish I could be there when you come in to Marina Del Rey-- I know it will be quite a shindig, and it will be only the start. Your own book about your experiences will take its place on the bookshelves beside "The Dove", the book that you mentioned inspired your journey, and "Intrepid" will go on to inspires countless others. You have certainly inspired me.
Thank you again, dear, amazing boy!
Only one of your legion of fans,
rainey
raineyonline.com
hey zac, I think it is really cool that you traveled around the world all by yourself. Good luck.
Sarah (age 10, El Segundo, Ca)
Okay, that is actually hilarious! My hubby found your blog and sent it to me. Love it but why can't I follow it?!?! Google isn't giving me the feed. Whatever. Anyway, congrats and we are WAY jealous!
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