Sunday, September 6, 2009

Photos and Thank Yous

We have had a whirlwind of a time since Zac returned home. Today Zac is out sailing Intrepid with Uncle Phil and cousin Kathy from the UK. Abby is out on an advanced sailing lesson getting tips and a real feel for the Open-style boats. She and Laurence are honing in their sites on a boat and there will be some news this week.

As I was going through Zac's blog today, I noticed that I never put up Jen Edney's return photos. There are some really good ones. So, sorry to Jen (who is sailing somewhere between Panama and Australia at the moment) and also to all of you who had been asking about her.

It has also come to my attention that there have been people who donated money to Zac's campaign that never received a Thank You. This is unthinkable in the sense that we are so grateful for the amazing support of so many people. If you are a financial supporter of Zac's campaign and you were not thanked, we apologize. If your name is not on the Supporters page, please let me know at marianne@zacsunderland.com and I will get it up there ASAP.

We have had some technical difficulties in the final stage of the production of Zac's documentary DVD. Unfortunately, it will be another month before it will be in the hands of all of you who pre-ordered your copies. Again, if this is a problem for anyone, please direct your concerns to me at marianne@zacsunderland.com.

Zac's life has changed from myriads of interviews to meetings, appearances and speaking engagements. In the next weeks we will be updating Zac's web site slightly to have his public appearance and speaking schedule as well as a few other changes. He is working on his book and working with a creative team of writers and producers on a screenplay for a motion picture of his story. All very new but also very exciting.

Enjoy the photos!

Marianne











Long time, no see
Intrepid and Zac on the last mile
Lydia (5) takes it all in...
At the podium: Zac, Laurence, Toby, Lydia, Mom, Grandma, Jessie, Abby (holding Katherine)
Brother Toby at Fiserman's Village

19 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks Marianne. I am sure that getting used to life back on land has had Zac in a spin. I am praying for wisdom, safety and joy in this part of his journey.

Love you all,
Kathy
Bend, OR

September 6, 2009 at 9:28 PM  
Anonymous Grant Fjermedal said...

Thought of readers of Zac's blog last night when I came across this crazy report of 2 guys who took their flat-bottomed 21-foot outboard fishing boat across the Atlantic Ocean, setting a bunch of records in the process.

The boat only draws 3 inches of water, has no cabin, and hardly looks like it has a place for duffel bags, but they made it across the Atlantic Ocean.

Along the way they used butter knives as splints plus duct tape to hold the thing together.

Amazing.

Here’s a nice video report from MSNBC:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/32716911#32716911

September 7, 2009 at 12:59 PM  
Blogger Ken said...

The Bounty Boat Expedition has just scored a coup as Michael Perham, has signed on as crew for the expedition.

http://www.sail-world.com/news_printerfriendly.cfm?Nid=60934

September 7, 2009 at 1:18 PM  
Blogger Marie said...

Thank you, Marianne, for the welcome update. Sounds like a very busy time in the Sunderland home!

We're ready for "Chapter 2"!

As always, blessings to all!
Marie
WA St.

September 7, 2009 at 2:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think it is just terrific the amount of attention and consideration Zac is receiving after his year long journey. My best for his future.

Balmoral Sailor

September 7, 2009 at 3:26 PM  
Blogger Marie said...

@Grant --- thanks for the link. I saw that on the news as well. Goodness --- I'll never look at butter knives and duct tape the same again!

Hope all goes well for Mike Perham and crew...

Blessings,
Marie
WA St.

September 7, 2009 at 3:43 PM  
Blogger Mouse on a Motorcycle said...

It'd be kind of petty to be upset about a single delay right now, wouldn't it?

A longer wait for the DVD just makes it that much more exciting when we finally see it. Besides, we all know that it's not as if you're running a huge multinational company with no higher priority than this video. You're running a small (well, small-ish) family with all of the issues therein.

I occasionally wonder if my own extended family is still waiting for the Christmas album that I promised them in 1999?

Still praying Numbers 6:24-26
Mouse in Whittier
www.myspace.com/mouseonamotorcycle

Buy "Death and Coffee" here!

September 8, 2009 at 7:54 AM  
Anonymous Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher said...

Thanks for the update, Marianne -- good to "hear" your voice again, too! Looking forward to hearing more about Zac's next steps and Abby's own adventure -- and will enjoy part 1 of documentary whenever it arrives! All my best to you and the entire family as you continue to chart new waters... Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher

September 8, 2009 at 11:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

well done zac :)

September 9, 2009 at 1:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jessica Watson crashed her boat within 24 hours of setting sail on her quest :-(

I find this mind-boggling. To me it's an absolute clear indication of inexperience.

I say that because being a non-sailor I noted with great interest, Zac's repeated reference to his radar dual settings; that is long distance and close by, alarm setting. He indicated or mentioned this repeatedly throughout his voyage. It only cottoned on for me after a while what it meant or means. Thereafter it's fundamental ocean sailing 101. Rule #1.

Either someone drilled this into Zac's head from day one, or it's simply his expert experience.

Alas such a simple basic rule seems to have been overlooked by Jessica as she set sail. Which unfortunately is very telling of things to come.

Fortunately she is unharmed, it was close to shore and she managed to motor her way back in one piece.

One would think anyone setting on such a dauting task would have scrutinised and made notes of Zac's blog and real-time reporting as he did his and all manner of emergancies came to a head.

This to me is very worrisome. All fine and dandy, throw lots of money and sponsership behind a casual sailor in their teens, and set them off. This failed with Perham and his fancy boat and lofty goal of non-stop unassisted around the world, and now we are seeing a repeat with poor Jessica her pink dreams.

Bottom line, shaggy haired real sailor in a 6000 dollar fix me upper boat is the real deal.

:-)

Pretty damn sure Abby's memorized everything big brothers gone through.

September 9, 2009 at 8:01 AM  
Blogger Barbara Stevens said...

Thank you Marianne for the update. It's always good to hear from you as well as Zac. Looking forward to the DVD when it does come out...and also wondering if Zac would portray himself in a movie of his trip? I sure hope so!! Good luck to Lawrence and Abby too on their endeavor.

Blessings to all,
Barb from Houston

September 9, 2009 at 9:43 AM  
Anonymous Lisa from Mt. Juliet, TN said...

What a joy it is to come to Zac's blog and read all the wonderfully familiar Zac Packers I have come to know and love. Everyone has a special piece to bring to relationships, even a blogging one! And Zac is the glue. How cool. I have tried to Blog on Abby's website but for some reason it won't let me. I get some kind of an error message. I'll keep trying. Cannot wait to see how the next Sunderland makes her dream happen. What a blessing!!
God bless each and everyone of the Zac Packers and Sunderlands.

Psalm 91
Lisa from Mt. Juliet, TN

September 9, 2009 at 12:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So great to get an update from you Marianne. Zac is busy but in such a great way! I'll be watching for the speaking engagement schedule.

Meanwhile, like Lisa from Mt. Juliet, I haven't been able to blog on Abby's website either. I get an error message also. Hmmmm......Not sure what to do, but I want Abby to know I'm behind her 1,000% and can't wait to follow her exciting voyage.
--Sue McGah
Laguna Niguel

September 9, 2009 at 5:57 PM  
Anonymous Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher said...

Lisa & Sue - You have to have some kind of an account, like Google (other options are listed) to comment on Abby's blog - doesn't have the simple name/URL option. As Zac's and now Abby's are the only blogs I follow, not really sure why the difference :-)

Viewed some MSN Gossip yesterday when logging out of my email account - noticed that Zac was hanging out with Disney sister band AJ & Aly Michalka - could that mean he's working with Disney for the movie deal? I don't want to spread any untrue rumors - was just surprised to see Zac's name with theirs - guess he's a celebrity! Will be great to have someone of Zac's character and accomplishment in the limelight.

Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-Wisher

September 10, 2009 at 8:13 AM  
Anonymous Lisa from Mt. Juliet, TN said...

Thanks OKWW, I'll give it a try. Hmmm....what if Disney did sign him on....wouldn't that be awesome! So cannot wait for the movie!

blessings!

Lisa from Mt. Juliet, TN

September 10, 2009 at 10:16 AM  
Anonymous Grant Fjermedal said...

Jessica Watson Collides with Ship

As Anonymous already noted, 16-year-old Jessica Watson collided with a ship just after setting sail on a test run for her rounding.

You can read an article, and see a photo of her boat with broken mast, at: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/solo-sailor-jessica-watson-hits-bulk-carrier/story-e6freuzr-1225770857209

September 10, 2009 at 10:34 AM  
Anonymous Kathleen in Palms said...

I really appreciate the update from lovely Marianne. I saw you at Zac's homecoming but never quite got over there to speak to you and Laurence.

I am thrilled to see that Zac's epic adventure will become a film, but especially looking forward to your book, Zac.

As many people as possible need to know of your achievement. As I recall, your next appearance will be as grand marshall of a parade on September 19.

What do the Sunderlands plan to commemorate 9/11?

September 10, 2009 at 2:22 PM  
Blogger Anita said...

HI Marianne!
Good to hear from you. Sounds all is well even though very busy.

Will continue to hold you and yours in thought as well as prayer.

Blessings
Anita
Waterloo NY
Captain SV Wombat

September 11, 2009 at 3:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Zac

We come from England and we are a school called long meadow in Milton Keynes.We have been learning about you and we have really enjoyed looking at your blog.

We especially enjoyed when you encountered with pirates. Did you find it scary? How did you feel when your boat the intrepid got broken?

It is an amazing Quest you must of been scared.We have been learning about survival and you have made our learning much funnier and enjoyable.

Yours faithfully


Bethany & Tomi

p.s We will enjoy reading about your next quest.

April 21, 2010 at 3:32 AM  

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