Zac Sunderland mired in doldrums

Zac Sunderland, the Thousand Oaks teenager hoping to become the youngest sailor to solo-circumnavigate the globe, is begging the heavens for wind to fill his sails.

You may recall the high school sophomore departed Marina del Rey on June 14. He dropped to the southwest, expecting to find hearty gusts, but is presently only 1,500 miles from Los Angeles and 800 miles from the big island of Hawaii.

At this pace the 16-year-old, who plans on returning within a year, will be an old man by the time he completes his voyage (complete itinerary below).

Well, perhaps not. But the slow pace has caused him to alter his itinerary in order to take advantage of favorable weather patterns along his route. After reaching Majuro in the Marshall Islands, instead of island hopping and hanging out, as he'd hoped to do, he'll enjoy a 10-day rest and set sail directly for Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, a 2,400-mile passage.

In his blogs, Zac has complained about fish biting his lures but not becoming hooked. Blame that on the wind, too. Eight knots is insufficient both to power his 36-foot sailboat and properly set the hook on a fast-swimming tuna or mahi-mahi. And oh, how Zac is looking forward to eating some real food, rather than the freeze-dried packaged fare in his store.

But the kid remains in fair spirits, promises his mother. "He's doing amazingly well," Marianne Sunderland reports. "He gets some comments on how he sounds bored or really tired but he isn't either. He is tired but he has quickly learned to sleep when he can and to nap throughout the day and night. He's working hard to keep the boat shipshape -- a huge change from the hellaciously messy room he had not so long ago!"

Marianne adds: "We are so impressed with how he is rising to the challenges of running his own boat. He's up at night dealing with urgent matters. There are critics who say he is miserable but he isn't. He's meeting the challenges associated with doing something great, a challenge he made for himself. We couldn't get him to take the trash out without grumbling before!"

And so the saga continues. Zac knows he must be careful what he wishes for. He desires wind but not storms. He craves fresh fish but not the attendant sharks. He can get the latter, plus a hot shower and real bed, in Hilo, so he might stop there for a night, Marianne says. After all, she adds, "he might need to freshen up because he has such a long way to go."

He surely does. The Marshall Islands are still nearly 3,000 miles away, so Hawaii, when it looms into view, will resemble nothing short of Paradise. The hard part, if he goes ashore, will be stepping back aboard his little boat.

Decisions, decisions...
--Pete Thomas

Illustration by Lorena Iniguez / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Erica Baker]

I have been tracking his progress for over two weeks on Google Earth and it does seem that Zac is doing remarkable for such a young man. Whether or not he stops at the big island is irrelevant, I think he is already developing a steely determination to press on to his first goal of the Marshall Islands. I think he is maturing into a fine young man and I will try to make it to the marina when he makes his arrival home.

[Odile]

Zac will make it!
Like the first man who sailed alone around the world, Joshua Slocum.
Like Robin on Dove who was also under age when he started his solo around the globe in the sixies.
Like Tania, the young girl who braved the 7 seas on her own 20 years ago.
Thanks to these audacious american people who did not miss the opportunity that life had offered to them.

[Suzanne]

Hi Zac, our family is enjoying following your incredible adventure. We have also spent some time on our sailboat. My husband and 3 kids spent 8 months cruising Mexico and loved it. We understand your passion and are living vicariously through you. You are a lucky young man to have such understanding parents, as we all know not everyone understands the longing to be on the water in this way. We do and are looking forward to the day we can get back out there.
Our thoughts and blessings are with you all the way!
Cheers
Suzanne and Family

[Dan Aponik]

I, too, have been following Zac's journey in amazement. I've emailed to him to try to persuade him to stop by Guam and see us and re-stock, but we may be a bit north of his weather track, which I know nothing about. It seems like I always here about amazing feats after they have occured and this is one I've followed since his departure. I doubt you'll read this Zac Sunderland, but we wish you luck and God's speed.
Dan

[Lola]

Great job Zac.... you are being viewed by many people...what an adventure......Lola

[Thomas]

Good luck Zac.
Tom

[Brad McEachern]

Good for you! Life is an adventure, we are here to feel , smell, love and learn. I am sure that you will live more in this trip than many people have in a whole life time. Most people can only dream or talk about sailing around the world. But you are just doing it. Enjoy your trip and every minute of your life. You are worth it all.
We are keeping track of your trip from Vancouver Island B.C. Canada.
Brad& Roxanne

[Wes Freeman]

Great job and I wish I could do the same thing. Good luck.

[Jill C.]

Awesome! I have been very interested in your adventure from day 1 and will
be following you until you come home. God Bless you on your journey.

[Shona]

yu are great...............yur so damn cute looking men i m dying 2 see yu in real............... i wish i can see yu.........