tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post2706170097111462322..comments2023-07-02T08:20:06.391-07:00Comments on Zac's Blog: Final RepairsZachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438212071833438643noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-27240931410623114152010-03-24T22:24:47.050-07:002010-03-24T22:24:47.050-07:00cape town , there are majestic sights, unlimited ...cape town , there are majestic sights, unlimited excitement and breathtaking experiences. This is the ideal holiday destination for travelers and make your trip very happy here.<br />Thanks<br /><a href="http://www.cometocapetown.com/" rel="nofollow"><br />cape town accommodation<br /></a><br />Cape Town Accommodation says:<br />“Interesting post, we shall be following your blog more closely in future! Best Wishes from Cape Town ”cape town accommodationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11942518420205967476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-4994143919677387672009-03-28T07:19:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:19:00.000-07:00Hello All,This was a nail biting blog entry Marian...Hello All,<BR/><BR/>This was a nail biting blog entry Marianne. Thanks goodness you place everything in the hands of someone else. Miracles do happen sometimes we just have to trust.<BR/><BR/>Great Ending,<BR/>Douglas Pistone<BR/>MDR, CaliforniaDouglas Pistonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17270588277398163577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-37573973087932703622009-03-27T20:59:00.000-07:002009-03-27T20:59:00.000-07:00MarianneI can't understand for the life of me how ...Marianne<BR/><BR/>I can't understand for the life of me how the commenters wcould be peeved at Zac for taking so long. It almost looks like the focus is on him being the youngest to circumnavigate solo when the real focus should be to get him home safely. In order to accomplish the latter, he must have a seaworthy boat. From reading his postings, he seems to be very aware of that. Yes, there are things he could of done differently and there are probably things he could have done quicker. As you have mentoned, he is only 17 years old. In the 30+ years that I worked on boats I learned one thing and that is, the learning curve never ends. For me, I place little value on his being the youngest to circumnavigate. I just want to see him get home safely.If he has to hole up in some where in Mexico during the Pacific Hurricane season and complete his voyage in the fall, so be it. He still will have accomplished something that very few people are able to do. I just want him to get home safely.<BR/><BR/>JACK LINNAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09178996158462480161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-82967521998148945392009-03-27T18:05:00.000-07:002009-03-27T18:05:00.000-07:00Marianne,Anyone who has spent any time overseas kn...Marianne,<BR/>Anyone who has spent any time overseas knows that "things" just don't move on the clock like we like to believe they do. Zach is doing things amazingly well given all the variables. It is amazing to see the miracles and the way "things" work out. Thank you for the update and for providing such an environment that a 16 year old could go for such a great dream. Thank you for your trust and faith in letting him go!!!!!Yikes!!!!This is an amazing story for many to be watching and reading.<BR/><BR/>alecalechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16546577449173661518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-5081236566427133582009-03-27T16:43:00.000-07:002009-03-27T16:43:00.000-07:00Hey Everybody, Keep Mike in your prayers too. His...Hey Everybody, <BR/><BR/>Keep Mike in your prayers too. His boat was knocked over by a wave today and he is working on sorting out some issues with his electronics. He is back upright, but it's a good reminder of what these boys are up against. <BR/><BR/>Wishing all the best!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the update, praise God for the "Montior Miricle!"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-84269547473763381412009-03-27T16:17:00.000-07:002009-03-27T16:17:00.000-07:00Sometimes the smallest things turn into the larges...Sometimes the smallest things turn into the largest things to remedy, and no amount of hard work and wishing will make it any easier. These things have a life of their own, and they will be resolved when it's time...and not a moment sooner. Patience is the word for the day, and perseverance is the pay day.<BR/><BR/>You're doing good Zac, and that's all that anyone can ask for.<BR/><BR/>Now, time to order some bearings to replace the borrowed ones with.JiffyLubenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-7395198539772261532009-03-27T14:48:00.000-07:002009-03-27T14:48:00.000-07:00Zac, please don't take this as a critisizm, we lea...Zac, please don't take this as a critisizm, we learn as we go and the ocean is a great place to learn, sometimes it isn't. <BR/>We learned that whenever disconecting something from our boat, especially if it was overside (like the outboard motor) we would tether it by a sheet so that if it did decided to go down instead of up, we could hoist it up with the winch. and we did that several times, phew. IT didn't matter how little or how large the job was, there was always a tether on somehow. Remember one hand for the boat and one for the sailor. This was a good lesson. even our winch handles has small tethers on them in case it decided to go overside.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-30340876785269843952009-03-27T13:52:00.000-07:002009-03-27T13:52:00.000-07:00Meanwhile south of Australia, 17-year-old Mike Per...Meanwhile south of Australia, 17-year-old Mike Perham just suffered a nasty midnight knock-down while sailing in 50-knot winds and 40-foot seas. (Think of 4-story buildings toppling down on you, one after the other. The big wave that hit him might have been a 50-footer or more, as when you've got 40-footers running, waves can combine into monsters called Rogue Waves that based on a 40-foot sea state could easily be 60 feet or more in height.) <BR/><BR/>For those who have been following Mike Perham's adventure, he's nearly across the Indian Ocean. Mike and Zac got the chance to meet while in Cape Town.<BR/><BR/>You can follow his adventures at:<BR/>http://www.totallymoney.com/sailmike/ <BR/><BR/>And, here's the post from his Dad, as Mike's electronic gear suffered some (hopefully temporary) damage when bilge water shot all over the place during the knock-down.<BR/><BR/>His father reports:<BR/><BR/>Knockdown! - 27 03 09<BR/>From MIke's Dad:<BR/><BR/>The wind was up to about 50 knots and the seas a lumpy 10m high. Mike was wedged at the chart table and had been happily sailing along with three reefs in the main and his tiny staysail when TotallyMoney.com was hit by a wave sending her onto her side, forcing Mike to brace himself by putting his foot on the deck head (ceiling). <BR/><BR/>The weighty keel soon kicked in and had TotallyMoney.com back upright in a couple of seconds. This all happened close to mid-night Mike time. He was plunged into darkness but quickly located one of his emergency torches. A bit shaken, Mike surveyed the scene: a few items had decided to relocate themselves and the bilge water which resides under the engine (which is very difficult to get to) was now everywhere and had taken out the electrics.<BR/><BR/>I received the phone call: "Dad I've been knocked down, I'm OK, the mast is still up but I've lost my electrics." Relieved that Mike was OK we decided on a plan of action. First, he had to phone in regularly and keep well fed. He had to secure down anything heavy that might have been dislodged. He then went to work on the electrics and successfully got them mostly back up and running and with the help of Mastervolt we have since managed to sort out the battery status controls.<BR/><BR/>TotallyMoney seemed settled, so once daylight came, Mike decided to go into the cockpit to have a proper look at the rigging and all seemed fine, except one of the lazy jacks had come away.<BR/><BR/>Unfortunately, the lazy jack line managed to wrap its way round the main halyard forcing Mike to continue sailing with three reefs in the main. To sort this out Mike will have to climb the mast to the first spreaders. For now he is content to sail a little de-powered until conditions make mast climbing possible.<BR/><BR/>TotallyMoney.com was still surfing down waves at a good rate of knots (big smile on Mike's face) but he decided to throw out a drouge to act as a break and reduce the amount of work the auto-pilot was having to do, as this would help reduce the slewing motion.<BR/><BR/>Once all this was done, Mike hungrily consumed an entire half-pound chocolate bar!<BR/><BR/>At the moment Mike is unable to re-charge his batteries to their normal capacity so he is playing safe and has powered down his lap-top and a few other non-essential items which explains why I’m hitting the key board in place of Mike.<BR/><BR/>Mike’s DadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-26716104428633199322009-03-27T13:45:00.000-07:002009-03-27T13:45:00.000-07:00I still get goosebumps on goosebumps with this sto...I still get goosebumps on goosebumps with this story. All praise be....... Zac you will get back out to sea in just the right time with your God and you at the helm, I just know and pray for it.<BR/>Thanks Marianne for the great post and the great picture. We are a family of Zac supporters.<BR/><BR/>May you now look forward to getting Intrepid back out to sea - I know she wants that too.<BR/><BR/>God speed, Zac,<BR/>Kathy<BR/>Bend, ORAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-54692545120475267202009-03-27T13:02:00.000-07:002009-03-27T13:02:00.000-07:00@Marianne: As usual, Mom to the rescue. Thanks f...@Marianne: As usual, Mom to the rescue. Thanks for the post letting us know what's going on with our young hero. At first, it sounded dismal, without recourse. But ... as usual, the power of prayer and the karma of Zac came through at the end.<BR/><BR/>I've not read previous posts (yet) to this entry and I am probably being redundant here, nevertheless, I support Zac's initial reluctance to completely remove the windvane. Only his own two hands on a rolly boat in 90 ft. of water? Whoa, let's think about possibility, probability, and alternative procedures.<BR/><BR/>The young Polish lady seems to have character and compassion that matches her looks. Let's all say a prayer for her!<BR/><BR/>CroakerCroaker of FrogPondhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10668084787671523377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-7957877481416301372009-03-27T10:49:00.000-07:002009-03-27T10:49:00.000-07:00Hi Marianne,I looked for your family at the yacht ...Hi Marianne,<BR/>I looked for your family at the yacht club last evening, however I didn't recognize you among so many people, as the place was packed! The theatre was sold out and Mr. Disney's introduction, remarks and question and answer period was great. I was absolutely amazed at the incredible achievements of those young sailors. Along with their sailing ability, their academics are nothing short of amazing. How they could excel at their university studies while training for the Transpac was an incredible accomplishment that mirrors young Zac. I was fortunate to obtain an autographed "Morning Light" poster and will purchase the DVD when it is released in June. As far as the critics and comments regarding "Zac's Excellent Adventure", unless you are an ocean boater and have traveled long distances out of sight and help from nearby harbors, marinas, repair facilities, etc., you cannot imagine what it's like to try and jury-rig or repair a piece of boat equipment while underway. On one trip where I served as crew helping to deliver a 58' trawler from Channel Islands Harbor to Bainbridge Island, Washington, everything that could go wrong did, including loseing the steering<BR/>between Morro Bay and Monterey in 12-14 foot seas with 20-30 knots of wind. There was no way to turn around and we had to continue for more than ten hours using the transmissions and throttles to move the boat forward and steer at a snails pace. No help there, only the Coast Guard to keep in contact with. Hang in there Zac!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-80767181801405656642009-03-27T10:44:00.000-07:002009-03-27T10:44:00.000-07:00That was a great blog today. We have always seen ...That was a great blog today. We have always seen Zacs trip as a journey to adulthood lived out before an audience in an extreme situation. I don’t think there is a person alive that can’t relate on some level to Zacs situation, though maybe not the grand scale by which he must live and suffer the consequences of his decisions. The ocean is a hard mistress she tends you punish one for the smallest infraction. <BR/>Frustration, worry and mistakes are part and parcel with growth. As you said things could have been done differently or even better (the old hindsight thing & armchair quarterbacking come to mind), but knowledge is only gained by experience, and experience comes with age. It's just too bad that by the time we get to an age where we don't make to many foolish mistakes we're usually ready for the old folk's home. <BR/><BR/><BR/>CheersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-48296006391860216912009-03-27T09:54:00.000-07:002009-03-27T09:54:00.000-07:00Jamestown Harbor is just one massive seawall with ...Jamestown Harbor is just one massive seawall with simple concrete steps into the water. There is a ferry service to all the boats anchored in the harbor, which pull up to the steps and you are expected to leap off, timed through the swells. For a better idea of the sea wall:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.worldcruisingevents.com/Office/Content/St-Helena-Jamestown-from-above.jpg" REL="nofollow">http://www.worldcruisingevents.com/Office/Content/St-Helena-Jamestown-from-above.jpg</A><BR/><BR/>For a discription of the process, from a couple also sailing around the world, who in fact met Zac in Durban and recently left St Helena:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.sailblogs.com/member/valiam/?xjMsgID=81421" REL="nofollow">http://www.sailblogs.com/member/valiam/?xjMsgID=81421</A><BR/><BR/><B><I>"Shortly after anchoring at midday - 10 days 22 hours after leaving Simons Town, South Africa we were given permission over the radio by Port Control to go ashore. A young man with Creole features took us ashore in his wooden boat ('ferry'). The exciting part was disembarking as the boat rose in the swell as we had to grab hold of the hanging ropes to jump ashore on to wet concrete steps. This was not easy when we hadn't got our 'land legs' yet! "</I></B><BR/><BR/>Some other thoughts.<BR/><BR/>Absolutely ! Young Zac, is exactly that 16/17yo kid. Nothing more nothing less. Doing something naturally, that is sailing, that people twice or trice his age wouldn't even dream of even trying to do. But underneath that he's just your run of the mill goofy 17yo kid, that will drop his phone in the sink, not learn, then repeat and drop his charger in the same sink, or struggle with a very expensive satellite phone trying to make a call, when all you need to do is go to the hotel or pay phone and simply make a collect call home. Along with protect the service repair manuels of all devices on board, consider when dismantling things over water, that something can drop.Take Sanmars expert advice and take the repair kit that comes with the Monitor WindVane, which includes 36 spare ball barings (which means Natasza has 18 left - the required emergency amount)<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.selfsteer.com/products/monitor/parts.php" REL="nofollow">http://www.selfsteer.com/products/monitor/parts.php</A><BR/><BR/>Have gmail account spare handy if yahoo doesn't work.<BR/><BR/>Ask Mom to fax the diagram to the hotel,set to super fine mode, in it cannot be emailed<BR/><BR/>:-)<BR/><BR/>Buy a tri-band unlocked GSM phone, mil spec'd and keep it with you so that when in places like South Africa, Australia, Caribbean and almost everwhere else in the world, except St Helena of course, for 25 dollars you buy a local SIM card receive free incoming calls 100 minutes free outgoing long distance calls and maybe 20cents long distance costs thereafter, vs fighting to get a satellite signal @ 5 dollars per minute.<BR/><BR/>All these small little things. That even some grown ups forget about or don't know about.<BR/><BR/>Otherwise, like an old salt mariner sailing around the world alone at 17 for him is as simple as breathing.<BR/><BR/>Keeping an eye out, <BR/><BR/>Good Luck on the final leg!<BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/>Your Natasza blog reader ETA St Helena and Montior WIndvane spotter<BR/><BR/>:-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-53242571860495230612009-03-27T09:50:00.000-07:002009-03-27T09:50:00.000-07:00Hahaha, I read Marianne's posting with a lot of am...Hahaha, I read Marianne's posting with a lot of amusement !!!<BR/>Why? Well, here in Africa when you work in the middle of the bush (Congo...Rwanda) those technical mishaps are really a standard....of course I thought about Zac...and remembered umpteen times that I was in the same situation.<BR/><BR/>A lesson for would-be sailors: take a 6 month engineering course before leaving !!<BR/><BR/>and here the naughty bit:<BR/><BR/>Does a 17 year old man really needs a MANUAL to receive "bearings" from a young nice woman?<BR/><BR/>héhé<BR/><BR/>greetz<BR/><BR/>WillAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-38456164393478305112009-03-27T09:47:00.000-07:002009-03-27T09:47:00.000-07:00What's the hurry? Life is more important than spee...What's the hurry? Life is more important than speed. Let's remember that and pray for Zac.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-83807410651609363572009-03-27T09:26:00.000-07:002009-03-27T09:26:00.000-07:00Hi There Zac...What an amazing story you are livin...Hi There Zac...<BR/><BR/>What an amazing story you are living. Not just the voyage of a lifetime, but a story of how your life has been inspiration for so many watching events like those on St. Helena and how you have managed to overcome barriers and how prayers have been answered over and over. In all things acknowlege Him and He will make your paths straight (or in sailing, zig zags). What an angel Natasha must be ~ To come at the right time, to the right place, with the right windvane, with the right manual, with the right bearings, with the spirit of sharing. Just a coincidence? Right...<BR/>There may well be trials still ahead, but look who's leading you through them. <BR/>Now go and enjoy some time on the water, do a little fishing, keep your electronics dry, and revel in the moments you have left on this fantastic voyage!<BR/>Blessings,<BR/>Bob in OKCBobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07864651261331211546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-86937486076319784532009-03-27T09:21:00.000-07:002009-03-27T09:21:00.000-07:00Thank you Lord! This is so awesome! I have been ...Thank you Lord! This is so awesome! I have been praying every day for God to bless Zac and protect him on this big adventure! When things were getting tense in St. Helena I started praying for Zac and his family. I will continue to do this every day morning and night. Thank you Marianne for telling the story of the miracle. <BR/> Zac's journey has been so exciting for me and my 11 year old son, we went hunting for an Islander Sailboat to experience sailing. We found a 1972 Islander 30 foot for the right price. We felt confident it was a good year, same year as Zac's. We will be sailing in a week or so. Zac and his family and his fans have made our lives so much more exciting!!<BR/>Robert H. Daughters<BR/>RHDaughters@aol.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-83651854967799457172009-03-27T09:07:00.000-07:002009-03-27T09:07:00.000-07:00Marianne,Thanks for the long awaited update. So h...Marianne,<BR/>Thanks for the long awaited update. So happy to hear that progress is being made and Zac will soon be on his way again.<BR/><BR/>I have a question. If there is no place to land a dingy, how does Zac get back and forth from Intrepid to shore?<BR/><BR/>Zac, <BR/>Anxiously waiting to hear that all equipment is functioning properly, and you are on your way again.<BR/><BR/>Sail Safe!<BR/>Mona<BR/>Tucson, AZMonahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05318798176568131821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-50717435815540876202009-03-27T08:53:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:53:00.000-07:00As a non-sailor who has always dreamed of doing wh...As a non-sailor who has always dreamed of doing what Zac has done, I suppose I'm one of those guys who lives vicariously through his adventures (and misadventures). So when we don't hear much from him it's a little disappointing but certainly not anger.<BR/><BR/>Let's not forget people, at 17 Zac is still learning his way into adulthood. The problems he currently faces are monumental even to someone who is advanced for his age.<BR/><BR/>Zac, I wish you well and I look forward to your continued travels. Hopefully I will be abel to make it to your homecoming. Stay safe young man.<BR/><BR/>SteveAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-50897192302371122622009-03-27T08:42:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:42:00.000-07:00Zac and team Sunderland(s);Thank goodness Natasza ...Zac and team Sunderland(s);<BR/><BR/>Thank goodness Natasza had, not only a manual, but also extra bearings for a windvane monitor. I hope they can get replacements ordered and awaiting them at the next port. They may not be headed for the same port in Granada, yet they may be...!!<BR/><BR/>It does seem like ball bearings are sort of like a cat at the door; they get an opening and they are through and gone! <BR/><BR/>That's a great pic of Natasza and Zac on her boat. I did see it on his facebook also. Just another serendipitous event Zac's world adventure! This gal, however,....looks a lot like 'Mom.' <BR/><BR/>So, it's on to Grenada then!?!? Will there be an address to send Zac a posty?<BR/><BR/>(16 degrees and oodles of spring snow here in the Denver, Colorado area)<BR/><BR/>Namaste~~~Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02181932892402805285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-71933842420829144492009-03-27T08:41:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:41:00.000-07:00Dang she's hot and helpful! Its been fun to see Z...Dang she's hot and helpful! Its been fun to see Zac meet up with the various sailors that I've been tracking along the way. This one just happens to be alot easier on the eyes!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-80404823209758250182009-03-27T08:40:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:40:00.000-07:00Whew! I feel like I've been on a bumpy ride after...Whew! I feel like I've been on a bumpy ride after reading that post. Thank goodness that Natasza pulled in when she did!<BR/><BR/>I began to think of Zac as "Gilligan" stuck on this remote island with nothing but a coconut for a phone. Natasza looks a bit like Mary Ann don't you think!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-5624817842517730562009-03-27T08:33:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:33:00.000-07:00I am in disbelief that people are criticizing anyt...I am in disbelief that people are criticizing anything about the time duration of this endeavor. I'm reminded of this quote, which probably explains the inanity of the criticism. <BR/>"Everything looks impossible for the people who never try anything."<BR/>Good Luck Zac! Keep on truckin'!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-4333610866001894352009-03-27T08:31:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:31:00.000-07:00Thanks so much, Marianne, for the update... was so...Thanks so much, Marianne, for the update... was so glad to see it today after checking every day this week :) Holding my breath through reading it! Oh my, what a miracle for Zac to finally get things in place in the middle of nowhere like that. I am so looking forward to hearing of his departure - and so thankful that the people of St Helena have been so kind and helpful during his unexepcted extended stay. Keeping Zac in my prayers... Peace, Your Oklahoma Well-WisherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1496489450166516267.post-50491322495636965762009-03-27T07:59:00.000-07:002009-03-27T07:59:00.000-07:00Quite a story. I truly believe Zac is doing the be...Quite a story. I truly believe Zac is doing the best he can, if I were in his shoes I would have lost it long ago! As Dorothy once said "there's no place like home" so Zack keep doing what you're doing and you will get home safely.<BR/>Looking forward to the next blog from sea. John in frigid Minneapolis.John Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09749936715285644463noreply@blogger.com