Monday, July 20, 2009

Zac News

It has been a pretty crazy time since I’ve been back with tons of press and interviews keeping me really busy. It has been great to sleep in my bed, hang with my family and also been having an awesome time seeing my old friends.

The night before I got back, I stopped in Emerald Bay. I had lived there for two summers before our family cruise to Mexico and had stopped there before heading over to Hawaii last summer. I met up with Harbor Steve, the same harbor patrolman that worked there when I was a kid. I arrived in the early afternoon and after I pulled up a mooring next to Steve’s boat, I got some sleep. I had been up the whole night before sailing through the shipping lanes on my way up the coast from San Diego.

I woke up a couple of hours later and jumped off the side of Intrepid into the frigid California waters which, though they were 70 that day, still felt freezing to me as I was still used to the tropical warm waters I had been in for the last months.

Later on in the afternoon my dad, Jen Edney, Christian Pinkston, Lisa Gizara and Peter Kokelar came out to take care of some last minute things. My dad brought me the shirt with my sponsor logos that I was to wear the next day. Christian and I went over some last things on my speech. Unfortunately, at the arrival I forgot most all of it and ended up just going for it - but hey I tried! Jen mounted cameras all over the boat and Lisa was snapping pics of all the action.


We had an awesome steak dinner over on Steve’s boat (also an Islander 36) and went over to the Boy Scout camp to say a quick hello to our friends, the people who run the camp, Brian and Judy Peirce. After that, they were all off back to Marina del Rey. I told Steve I’d be out of the bay by 3:00 am and on my way to Marian del Rey, a 6 hour sail in light wind. I went over my speech a couple of times, set my cell phone’s alarm clock and fell asleep. At 3:30am I heard a banging on the deck. It was a wake up call from Steve. I flipped open my cell to see what time it was and it was dead, probably from searching for service all night.


If it wasn’t for Steve, I’d probably have been 3 hours late getting in to Marina del Rey! It was a cold, dark sail across the channel and I guess you can see the rest on YouTube!

Seriously though, it was great to get in. One by one boats began to come out and meet me until there were so many boats around Intrepid it was getting a bit crazy. There were a few near misses but for the most part, it was just awesome. There were a lot of pleasure boats, a Life Guard boat spraying water, a Sherriff’s boat with siren running, 3 or 4 helicopters in the air and once we entered the harbor we all sailed through an entire Junior Sailing class headed in the opposite direction!

The rest of the day was a bit of a blur. There were speeches and awards and interviews and autographs to be signed. In the midst of it all Christian got a call from Arnold Schwarzenegger and so I spoke to the Governator for awhile as well!

The Del Rey Yacht Club hosted a party at the club afterwards which was packed with well-wishers. It was an amazing day for sure. So thank you to Sherrie Barone who coordinated a lot of that.

The web cam died in the end of unknown causes. The good news is that Velodia Media had an entire crew out that day to document the return and even took the time to capture interviews with Mom, Dad, and I. This footage will be up on the site soon.

Also, I am working with Humanety, a non profit organization that raises money for various causes. They have arranged an Ebay auction of a 1 on 1 video conference with yours truly. All proceeds to benefit the Surfrider Foundation.

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide.

Follow this link to the auction for more details:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Zac-Sunderland_W0QQitemZ270427845421QQcmdZViewItemQQptZTickets_Experiences?hash=item3ef6c1732d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

There is also a link to the auction on my web site on the left margin. Check it out and support a great organization that helps protect our oceans.

Cheers,

Zac

PS If you are up late tomorrow night, I will be on the Jimmy Kimmel Show at midnight!

61 Comments:

Anonymous Denise said...

Thanks Zac for the update. Been waiting to see how things all went. I did see the clip on the internet of your return and your speech. WOW! Is all I can say. You did a GREAT job with the speech and answering questions.

Your little brother was so anxious for you to hold him. That was precious.

Good luck and will miss your blogs.

Denise
Texas

July 21, 2009 at 1:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great to hear from you Zac.
Just knew it would be a mega busy time for you but glad you have been able to hang with your mates and family.
We are still going over the events and chatting about your accomplishments with our friends....people are amazed!
We are proud!!

UK friend

July 21, 2009 at 2:36 AM  
Blogger Clay said...

Hey Zac,

Must have been a nice feeling to have slept in your own bed, and I assume mom made you breakfast.
What a wonderful world it is hey Zac.

Thanks for the adventure, but still would like to hear how your doing from time to time.

July 21, 2009 at 3:17 AM  
Blogger Anita said...

Hiya Zac!!
Glad to hear you are well and enjoying the fruits of your hard work!
Keeping you in prayer and wishing you all the best.
Hugs
Anita
Waterloo, NY
Captain SV "Wombat"

July 21, 2009 at 3:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great update. Jimmy Kimmel? You really are a celebrity!

July 21, 2009 at 4:23 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Zac: Just getting to go to work but I wanted to check your site just to see if you had posted. So glad to hear all the good news about your arrival. I am still in awe of all that you have achieved. Will visit the site to support the Surfrider Foundation. Congratulations to you on an amazing achievement.

Marjorie Forster
Baltimore, Maryland

July 21, 2009 at 4:44 AM  
Blogger Willyboy said...

Sounds like the rush of activities related to The Return (The Completion?) are still keeping you busy. I hope you also take plenty of time for yourself and getting reacclimated to a "normal" life.

Looking forward to Jimmy Kimmel.

Stay well....

willy
milford, ohio

July 21, 2009 at 5:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac congrats. A trip to remember for a life time. Rudder whispers.

July 21, 2009 at 5:40 AM  
Blogger Ruth said...

It's GREAT to hear your take on the big arrival, Zac. Thanks for sharing the news and for giving us the heads up on the upcoming video from Velodia Media and your appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Show tonight! Awesome! It's been such a thrill and pleasure to be 'on your shoulder' through this adventure. THANK YOU!
Ruth
New Hampshire

July 21, 2009 at 6:08 AM  
Anonymous Kodiak Mike said...

Zac-
Great update! Thanks. Bet it's really nice sleeping in your own bed again. Now go hit an in and out burger....
Kodiak Mike

July 21, 2009 at 7:19 AM  
Blogger Becky said...

Congratulations Zac!! I would have said that (again) before, but I was busy trying to read the over 300 comments on the last 2 blogs! Wow!

I love the Youtube peeks of your entry into Marina Del Rey! The sound of boats horns, the blast that announced that you crossed the finish line, and all the cheering almost made me feel as though I was right there!

I'm sure you will be busy with interview and all that, so thank you for posting when you will be doing those. (ie: Jimmy Kimmel)

So happy you are back and have achieved the title as the youngest to sail around the world solo! Amazing!!

It's been an awesome 13 months following you on your blog. A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible and for sharing your adventure with us.

Not bad Zac! Not bad at all!!

Namaste~~

Enjoy your family and friends now. I'm sure everything is still a 'blur' of activity, yet at least now you can sail if you want to with little pressure. I hope little Ben gets a little sail ride on the Intrepid. Take care of that little boat. You and the Intrepid are sort of like 'one' now.

July 21, 2009 at 7:22 AM  
Blogger MindWalker said...

For several days the thought has occurred - wouldn't it be great to be a fly on the wall at the Sunderland household!

Your account of coming in to MDR was a fun read as I compared it with my memories of how it looked from dockside. I had taken tons of pictures for later, when those memories fade, but I'm betting your memories will last your lifetime. That's GREAT!

Ask your Mom to pull out that watercolor that was auctioned several months back. I'm hoping she can find it, and I'll be looking forward having to my own, 'official' Zac Sunderland autograph once it arrives.

And, THANK YOU for providing so many of us a view of the world through your eyes. God Bless.

July 21, 2009 at 7:42 AM  
Anonymous Elizabeth / USA said...

There's a brief article at People magazine's website, too...

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20291944,00.html

July 21, 2009 at 7:44 AM  
Blogger Mona said...

Zac,
Thanks for the update. Looking forward to the Jimmy Kimmel show.
Mona
Tucson, AZ

July 21, 2009 at 8:38 AM  
Blogger Tricia said...

Hopefully some of the junior sailing class are inspired by your example, and will do great things of their own in the years to come!

July 21, 2009 at 8:46 AM  
Blogger Xray said...

As I sit here reviewing what will probably be the last real sailing blog, it leaves me with a bit of an empty feeling. Selfishly, I wish Zac was still sailing so I could be part of his world and live vicariously through him and his adventures abroad. This chapter, in what was a wonderful adventure, is now over. I have laughed with him and his adventures in Majuro (swimming with sharks), and sweated over his pirate saga. Worried about him when he disappeared off the charts for a few days, rejoiced with him going through the Panama Canal and sided with him on his decisions about the weather. Zac, I just want to let you know you have been in inspiration to us all. From children saying “I think I can” to adults acknowledging your accomplishments. This was a wonderful accomplishment. Thank you for your adventurous spirit and youthful/adult comprehension, thank you for your loving parents, Thank you for giving us a chance to share time with you and your family. I look forward to seeing your name on future adventures. Now is the time to finish your education and get your driver’s and captain’s licenses. Knowledge is power. Good luck to you Zac. Best wishes and God’s speed.
Xray

July 21, 2009 at 8:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A team of researchers on the Oceanographic Research Vessel Alguita set sail over a month ago with a mission to study the effects of trash being dumped into the Pacific ocean. They sure could use some support from Zac and the Zac packers. They are blogging daily with their discoveries.

Check it out...http://orvalguita.blogspot.com/

I hope your auction does very well. Thanks for the great adventure!
RG

July 21, 2009 at 9:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have been an avid Zac packer since day one, but also have followed Mike around the world too.
I have always been saddened that people feel they have to compare these two young men. So here is what Mike had to say about Zac on the day before Zac was due into MDR. Honestly, I think he (and Zac) have more adult attitudes than some 50year old "adults".

"Zac Sunderland arrives in Marina Del Rey tomorrow and I really do offer my heartfelt congratulations. Very few people can even begin to realise how much Zac and his family have put into his project. I met up with Zac in Cape Town, South Africa and it was really great to spend some time with him and his father and compare loads of different things about our trips, from financial concerns, to great funny stories from our trips around the world. They were really down to earth people, and always had a smile on their faces.

Both our trips have been very different, I originally wanted to attempt to sail around the world non stop, whereas Zac was always going to stop in many different places and really see the world. Due to equipment failures, I've had to stop in Portugal, The Canary Islands, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and now Panama - all places I never envisaged visiting - but these stops have really made the trip even more special (after all Zac and I got to meet in South Africa!).

Our routes have been very different too, I always wanted to see the raw power and fierceness of the Southern Ocean, the most dangerous stretch of sea there is. I also wanted to surf along at break neck speed and really feel the boat come alive hitting average speeds of over 15knots at times and surfing well into the 20's, whilst being deep into the southern ocean down at times to almost 50degrees south and literally days away from rescue. I'm really pleased that I've experienced both of these and I loved it down there!

Zac took a different route, and sailed through the tropics which although has much better weather conditions and is much more of a cruising route, and those who've been following his blog will know that this presents a whole different set of challenges...

I set off on this trip knowing that sailing round the world would be really hard, but it was still much, much difficult than I could ever have imagined. So a big thumbs up from me and my family to Zac and his family. They seriously deserve it!

I always knew that some people would try to pit us against each other and it bugs me when that happens. Was it Zac vs Mike? No. I tell you what it is. It's two teenagers going out there, living their dream and having the adventure of a lifetime!

Once again, well done Zac!

©MikePerham2009"

Well said Mike and Well done Zac.

By the way, I chose to be anonymous, not out of cowardess, but because I cannot get the google account thing to work. Thanks - Julia in Alberta.

July 21, 2009 at 10:04 AM  
Anonymous Melanie said...

So, you're headed to Hollywood Blvd. to do "Kimmel?" Sweet! I'll be watching.

It's funny you mentioned the "near misses." As I was watching it all unfold on the dock I was thinking the same thing, and hoping nobody crashed into anything. Talk about chaos! It was quite awesome to witness. So glad I was there!

Thanks so much for supporting the Surfrider Foundation. It's an amazing charity that does sooo much good work to protect our oceans. Well done, Zac!

P.S. - Get into the dentist to get your cleaning and have those wisdom teeth looked at ;)

July 21, 2009 at 10:33 AM  
Blogger Janis said...

Hi, Zac!

Kudos for your achievement, and for using your fame to bring attention to worthy causes like Surfrider. Now, no worries about low expectations coming your way! Around the world, lots of folks expect you to do even more hard and GREAT things, and I know you will -- to the Glory of God!

Your arrival speech was from the heart, and that is the best kind!

You and your family have been such blessed witnesses for our Lord, and fine role models. Awesome!

Janis
Woodland Hills, CA

July 21, 2009 at 10:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks Zac. It is so good to hear of the day from your perspective. Again I say thank you for dreaming your dream and working to bring it to reality.

Keep on posting. We the ZP are interested in all of it.

Have a great day enjoying the blessings of home,
Kathy
Bend, OR

July 21, 2009 at 10:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for the update Zac - I had wondered where you spent your last night, etc. Congratulations on an amazing feat, and thank you for your blog. I really enjoyed reading it throughout your trip and wish you all the best in your future endeavors. With your grit and determination, you'll do well. Have fun!
Sue from Newport Beach

July 21, 2009 at 11:59 AM  
Anonymous Bruce @ Baxter said...

Once again, enjoyed your post and those of supporters. It's great to hear your perspective on the day and the "behind the scenes" action.

Just one question. Did your world record officially begin and end on Catalina, or MDR? What are the official statistics? How soon do you expect to hear from Guinness about the certification of your record?

I too enjoyed Mike's blog to you & respect you both for your maturity and achievements.

Again, bless you and your family for your spirit & example. >b.

July 21, 2009 at 12:02 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Hello Zac, I am from Costa Rica.
I was reading an old newspaper last night and I saw the report about your trip, early this morning I got into the computer to get to know more about all your adventure. That is all impressive.

Congratulations.

Pablo
Costa Rica

July 21, 2009 at 12:32 PM  
Blogger Trina Y. said...

so cool, I imagine you will be tired from all the action onshore like offshore for a while! ;) I am looking forward to your next adventures!
Would love for you to join my blog

July 21, 2009 at 12:54 PM  
Anonymous Jana @ The Homeschool Jungle said...

You are a great role model for homeschoolers! Congratulations!!

July 21, 2009 at 1:20 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

You're such a stud! :-)

July 21, 2009 at 2:11 PM  
Anonymous Maureen said...

Hi Zac,

Welcome back to the LA rush! It must be somewhat of a culture shock even though you live there (I grew up in the OC).

When should we start looking forward to the DVD? Just curious on that. If you want some cool music for it, check out Modern Sirens on My Space Music. Just two talented 17 y/olds like you trying to make dreams come true. Just check it out - especially the song ALIVE.

Take care Zac - you done us proud!

Maureen
Boise

July 21, 2009 at 3:05 PM  
Anonymous Marie said...

Hey Zac ---
Thanks for the update on what's been happening since your homecoming. Sounds cRaZy!!! I, for sure, have set my DVR for your visit with Jimmy Kimmel tonight. How exciting!

What? No moderation today... Glad you all are trusting us to "be good".

How surprised are you that we seem to be suffering from "Zac withdrawal?" We have spent a good portion of this past 13 months thinking about you, praying for you and your family, and talking with our families about "our Zac". And an honor it has been! Looking forward to hearing about what adventure lies ahead for you, however, I'm not done hearing about THIS chapter yet! :)

Blessings to you, Zac -
Marie
WA St.

July 21, 2009 at 3:22 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Good to hear from you again, Zac, nice of you to stay in touch.

However, enjoy "normal" life and it sounds like you are adapting back to it fast! Way to go.

Staying tuned for future bulletins via blog and/or newsletter.

All the best.

July 21, 2009 at 3:26 PM  
Anonymous Tricia in Vancouver, BC said...

Dear Zac,
This is the first time I've had reliable access to the internet since before you arrived home. Congratulations! I've been watching youtube videos with a big lump in my throat.

Wednesday morning I was motoring through fog in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and suddenly realized it was 10:20. Sent a big "YEA ZAC!" into the fog. I think I startled a few gulls.

God bless you, man. I've had such a great time being one of the Pac.

Tricia, usually in Vancouver BC, at the dock in Kingston, WA.

July 21, 2009 at 4:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Did Zac get some "talking skills". ?

Granted he's been at sea for a year and hasn't really spoken much. But to go on some tv show, relearn, I guess like as a kid with orthodontic braces, or a retainer @ 17, don't start every sentence with the same word, or as before even that with too many you know's injected.

Funnilly enough if you compare it to the "stiff lipped Brits", the Perhmans keep hiding their problems, where Zac embraces them and discloses them honestly. I guess when somone else gives you 300,000 dollars based on the premise of being the youngest non stop around the world, and you fail, you thereafter are not obliged to complain.

That there hankles the wranckles, where this journery of Mikes. is "a great adventure" WHOO HOO" I got to do want I wanted to do, surf the Southern Seas.

Oh Wow.

Get 300,000 dollars sponserhip, to make your kid have some 5 minute fun?

Pretty sure if Mike bought a new boat for 50,000 he'd have sailed it around the world in 12 months non stop, and pretty sure if Zac WANTED TO, sail around the world non stop un assisted and if he were "given" an open 50, Laurance would have fixed it up, to make it do what it is supposed to do

IF.


IF that was Zac's interest.

To do a non-stop, unassisted circ.

July 21, 2009 at 5:30 PM  
Blogger KarenH said...

Forgot your speech, huh? I was going to tell you that you should've used notes, until I remembered what happened to our pastor last Sunday. He stepped up to the pulpit, ready to start his sermon, but his sermon notes weren't there! He found them a few feet away, and jokingly blamed the worship leader for misplacing them. After he'd gone through a few pages, he found himself trying to read the worship leader's song sheets!

Anyway, you did OK without notes-- you said what you needed to say.

Zac, I am glad you're continuing blogging. You're part of a worldwide community now, and after sailing around the world, please don't let us think you've fallen off of it somehow! You probably won't have daily updates, but we want to hear any news about you, your DVDs, your book, or your sailing.

Speaking of books, have you ever read Richard Henry Dana's Two Years Before the Mast? It's a great example of how NOT to write a book about life at sea. Dana buries his fascinating, detailed story of life in "early California" under a running catalog of which of the tall ship's gazillion sails were being furled, reefed, or shredded at any given hour during the 2-year voyage. Your blog is already way ahead in that respect!

I'll be praying for your coming endeavors.

Karen
Homeschool Mom Emeritus

July 21, 2009 at 6:58 PM  
Blogger Bluesman said...

Zac;

It's great you're home and safe and more congratulations are due. My apologies for the bit of tirade with "anonymous"! but, he/she needed to be told everyone has their own beliefs and opinions, not all of which might be welcomed or embraced.

It's an incredible thing you've done and should always be proud of it. Nothing can take it away.

My kids and I enjoyed following your trip all year and you should feel proud of all the fans you've gathered and the example you've set for people your age. I agree in what you said in your speech that kids are not to be underestimated and you proved that.

Be well
The Bluesman

July 21, 2009 at 9:04 PM  
Blogger Tomi said...

Capt Zac! GREAT TV interview w/Jimmy Kimel. In me (limited) opinion, he was a wee bit harsh, but that's his job man - to make ya state & mispeak. You did GREAT, ya didn't let him rattle ya! MY HERO Capt ZaC! Great job man!

BEAR HUGS!
Tomi/ATL :D

July 21, 2009 at 10:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,I just saw you on Jimmy Kimmel show and I wanted to say you handled yourself well!
He was cracking jokes but I think you wowed the audience with your acomplishments!
Your story is more entertaining(amazing) then his spin on your story
Once again,good job!
MMmmmmm,so you need to come up with 5 new adventures for the producer?
Sounds like you got a deal in the works!
Straight Wakes,
Mike S.

July 21, 2009 at 10:12 PM  
Blogger John Gezelius said...

Watching Jimmy Kimmell. And Zac will be on with the Bachelorette!!

July 22, 2009 at 12:21 AM  
Blogger MindWalker said...

Fantastic, Zac, the way you handled the interview with Jimmy Kimmel. Deftly cool and focused. How could we have expected less after what we already know about you? Now - better get yourself an agent.

July 22, 2009 at 1:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

On to college at the Naval Academy? That's a worthy adventure. I'm sure you could teach them something!

There's not much more that can top what you've already done.

..
Great interview tonight!
>b.

July 22, 2009 at 1:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

zac, just wanted to say that you were great on jimmy kimmel. what actually struck me is that you were so much more composed and mature than the adults in the room. you handled all the jokes thrown at you well and still got your awesome story out there. good job!

July 22, 2009 at 7:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nice to see you relaxed with the interview with Jimmy last night. It went very good, you will be getting calls from all the rest now.

I suspect Letterman will be after you, he likes the sports angle. Remember, he owns an Indy racing team so try to think of something clever like challenging him to a sailing race around New York Harbor and a Go Cart race through Manhattan. He will love it.

Remember Leno is a car nut too. If you turn the spot light on them just a little they will have you back for some fun! And those almighty scale appearance checks are always nice to get in the mail.

When asked what’s next, the answer is “The America’s Cup” and bringing it back to where it belongs. Start learning about the history of the cup and who has won it and so on!. That is your key to the future!

Take up golf QUICK! The celebrity golf tournaments are a great way to make a few bucks too.

Have your publicist coach you on dodging or dealing with the hotness thing. (I suppose you know what I mean.) You can kill your future by one mistake in this area so talk about it with an industry pro and not your mother or father.

There are ways to have fun with things and the audience will laugh along with you and not turn on you.

The 3 links below are an interview with Zac Efron that is a perfect example of what it takes to be liked by everyone and that’s who decides who’s going to be rich and famous and who’s not, everyone!

Watch the interview and be ready because before you know it, something like this will happen to you and the camera is completely un-forgiving.

Yes you are young but 15 minutes can go by very fast, you want it to last a lifetime and for that the entire industry must take a liking to you!

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA_UOQGKlF0

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgsObFLuHR8&feature=PlayList&p=3EA4323F90ABE421&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=45

Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxXrmPLnKYY&feature=PlayList&p=8F6286B89130A8AF&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=43

I'll be watching, good luck!

July 22, 2009 at 9:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,
Really great interview with Jimmy Kimmel. You were AWESOME!!! Looks like you're getting more comfortable in front of TV cameras---a good thing since it sounds like your next adventure will be filmed for a series??? I know we're all curious about the 5 ideas you have to come up with by today. Please let us know what they are and which one gets picked for the next big adventure!!!!!

And like some others have said, PLEASE keep blogging. We know how busy you are but we'd like to hear from you as much as possible. And thanks for hooking up with The Surfrider Foundation -- an amazing organization.

Have an outstanding day, Zac :)

July 22, 2009 at 9:10 AM  
Blogger Mona said...

Zac,
I stayed up "WAY PAST MY BEDTIME" last night to see you on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, and I was so glad I did. You were GREAT! I had a huge grin on my face the whole time. I'm so proud of you and so thankful to have been able to be a part of this fantastic adventure.
Thanks,
Mona
Tucson, AZ

July 22, 2009 at 9:13 AM  
Blogger johnnyBgood said...

zac --- great seeing you on Kimmel. I'm sure your nerves were in high gear but you seemed to pull it off. i was a bit put off when jimmy referred to you as a 'kid' in the shows intro. i am confident that when all was said and done everyone knew you are no 'kid'. anyway, more will be coming. i also encourage you to work with christian on how to be ready (or at least try to be ready) for the unexpected. easier said than done, i know.
bottom line, we are proud of you and thrilled for you.
keep it up young man!
john baker/w hollywood/ca/USofA
jbaker1226@aol.com

July 22, 2009 at 9:36 AM  
Blogger Debbie said...

You did great on Kimmel! Love the hair cut too Zac. You look good! Welcome home.

July 22, 2009 at 10:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

RG....WOW, THANKS FOR THE DIRECTION TO THE SITE through your blog to Zac below.... (A team of researchers on the Oceanographic Research Vessel Alguita set sail over a month ago with a mission to study the effects of trash being dumped into the Pacific ocean. They sure could use some support from Zac and the Zac packers. They are blogging daily with their discoveries.) Check it out...http://orvalguita.blogspot.com/
and so I did RG!
What great info! To be honest...After first learning about Zac in my local paper "his article had me on the edge of my seat" and I had to check his adventure out! I began reading his blogs for also the reason of him sharing oceanographic~ info! We can make priority changes in the home and lifestyle when we have the "real life" "unsensored" information through amazing people like Zac and the Oceanographic Research Vessel Alguita including bloggers of the like!
Zac,... I havent finished reading all your blogs yet....you have unselfishly shared so much.
My family celebrated you coming into your home waters by serving Teriaky Wild Pacific Salmon! My son loved every bite knowing it is a entre we put together because of your blog and honouring your achievements and safety!!
Looking forward to your book and DVD! Great to hear from you
Sincerely
Pam and Colton
Langley, Canada
If you ever need anything from the Vancouver area, do not hesitate to ask...it would be our pleasure :)

July 22, 2009 at 10:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac, the camera loves you! You are even more handsome on TV. The hair cut was just right, glad you kept the shaggy look.
You MDR homecoming was so emotional. I was right there on the dock watching your face. I could tell that you were there physically, but the glassy look in your eyes told another story. Thank goodness so much of your entire adventure and homecoming is on tape so you can look at it and say "oh ya, I remember that now".
You were so patient and polite with the press and all of your Zac Packers.
I meet your mom, she is a very strong and proud woman, and your dad, well he has your back 24/7.
Thank you for all of the good times. Good luck with all of your future endevours.
Peace - Janice

July 22, 2009 at 11:13 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac,
I saw one of the anonymous post on this page(a real long one),explaining how you can "change" to market yourself.
Walk away from that idea,you don't need to become anything other than who you already are.
Thats you,dude!
Thats what we like about you.I liked the way you walked on stage with Kimmel in your flannel and shaggy hair.You may not of been a fashion-plate but you were real,I'm sure the young ones thought you were cool(i'm 55)but I understood it,I was young once too and you reminded me of me thirty five years ago!
Don't lose that!

Follow our God,
Follow your heart,
Follow your dreams and walk the walk!......and....do hard things! :)

July 22, 2009 at 11:50 AM  
Anonymous Tori said...

Incredible.
What you did was fantastic and I hope you know that you inspired many. =]
Excellent job and kudos for achieving your dream, not too many people have the will power to try anymore.
You're one in a million, boy. =P

July 22, 2009 at 12:41 PM  
Blogger Mary said...

Zac,

Thanks for giving us another blog - and a heads up on Kimmel. I finally got to see the interview. You did very well. Congrats on all the media coverage a what looks to be a nice lineup of new sponsors.

Hope things settle down for you soon - to allow some normality (is that a word?) in your life.

It looks like you have a lot in store for you from an adventure perspective. Never forget who you are... and never forget that it was God who created you... and put that adventurous spirit in you. It is for a purpose - use it wisely.

I hope to continue following you throughout your future adventures. Thank you again for allowing us to get a glimpse into your life and seeing the man that God is building.

...ml
Mary Lyon
Jax Beach, FL

July 22, 2009 at 12:41 PM  
Blogger nilowalter said...

Hey Zac
Just read your update and I so glad you are in so good shape after the long trip. A sailor is always a sailor and the ocean is there to keep on sailing on it. This was an adventure of a lifetime and I'm sure you will get most of it now and plan your next trip.
Mike is stuck in Panama and also he as you are making dream come true.
Is the adventure that counts the risk involved and the experience you have inside of you many of us do not have.
Keep on posting.
Take care

July 22, 2009 at 2:00 PM  
Anonymous Jeff said...

Hey Zac. Great job on Kimmel...also Mark & Brian last Friday morning!

You can see & hear how everybody was in awe of you & your accomplishment. Jimmy may joke but he was "knocked out" by what you've done....just a comedian's way of conveying it.

F.Y.I. I've been told by several people that David Lettermen is a sailor. If (or should I say when) you appear on his show, you can ask him.

See you in MDR.

Jeff

MDR via Santa Clarita

July 22, 2009 at 2:12 PM  
Blogger Tray (The Expert) said...

You looked good on Jimmy Fallon last night!

Tray

July 22, 2009 at 3:14 PM  
Blogger Tray (The Expert) said...

I meant Kimmel...sheesh...
Tray

July 22, 2009 at 3:39 PM  
Blogger Tomi said...

As Bluesman stated, me also needs to apologize. Me had no right to tell peeps not to post - that was flat out wrong & me asks your forgiveness.

I do still ask, if you choose to post via A. Nony Mouse, Please post your name in case anyone of the ZacPac'ers chooses to comment.

HUGS!
Tomi/ATL

July 22, 2009 at 6:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

BOY o BOY
Fame brings out the weirdos and girls with no shame or morals.
YUK!!!

July 22, 2009 at 9:45 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Fantastic Zac! Happy to see you safe @ home. Your journey has inspired and electrified many. I wish you the best of luck in future ventures and thank you for bringing us all along during your epic travels.

Peace,

Dave H. from S. Jersey

July 22, 2009 at 10:20 PM  
Blogger Douglas Pistone said...

Great post Zac. I'm sure it's great to be back in California with all your friends.

Now you can enjoy they rest of the summer.

Have Fun,
Douglas Pistone
MDR, California

July 23, 2009 at 5:46 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Welcome Home Zac!! You are truly a testimony to all of us that "ANYTHING" is possible.. We all felt so much awe and inspiration through your journey, and most importantly felt that you were never alone. Truly this was a Divine gift to all of us to share your story, and help to rewrite ours...
Thank you, God Bless and may you forever seek what only so few will find...

The Fox Family, Apopka Florida.

July 23, 2009 at 6:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zac, Congrats on your achivement!! Youre an inspiration to EVERYONE! You Rock!

I live in Beverly Hills, CA and a few friends from the Pasadena area mentioned you will be the Grand Marshal for the Duarte Route 66 Parade? Is that true? If those are true rumors thats awesome!! I hope you stick around to sign pictures afterwards. I went to the website.... duarteroute66parade.com but its not posted yet so thats why I thought I ask you direclty.

Thanks
Love... Kayle Ann

August 1, 2009 at 10:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

spartins rule

August 6, 2009 at 8:02 AM  

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