Young sailors to brave ocean in bathtub-sized boats BY PAT REYNOLDS
In the wake of 16-year-old Zac Sunderland's voyage around the world that started in Marina del Rey, another event involving young sailors has come down the pike.
The CATALINA KIDS
Three Kids establishing a Record Sailing to Catalina Island in an 8' Optimist
How it all began, see page 10 & 11
"The Mariner Magazine"
The San Pedro Channel Crossing
Start: Palos Verdes Point 118,26.95W - 3346.42 N
Finish: Between Ship rock & Eagle's Reef 33,37.67N 118,29.77W
Est. disatnce: 19 nmi (nautical miles)
"LifeSail program goal is to build character of disadvantaged youths through sailing"one (1) mile from shore -on August 28th 2008 ETS at 0945 h
Zac Sunderland, 16, prepares his 36-foot sailboat in Marina del Rey for an attempt to solo-sail around the world that begins May 31. Rafael Ochoa, right, a boat builder and rigger, is helping Sunderland prepare the rigging.
Email Picture
With his parents' encouragement, Zac Sunderland aims to be the youngest to circumnavigate the globe. And yes, he says he'll do his homework.
Pete Thomas
May 26, 2008
Zac Sunderland is admittedly nervous but experiencing no second thoughts, he assures, as he counts down to what promises to be one of the greatest adventures a 16-year-old could imagine.
Volunteers: Dr. David Benson DDS, Rowanda RN, Kris Davis - business owner dental equipment, Lori Kallestad - Filmmaker, Matt, Pat - Pilot came from Hongkong on his off days, Dr. Mellman emergeny at Sea education and TeamDr on call, Brian O'Malley, Denny Dew, (active LifeSail contributors). Donors: Mr. + Mrs. Hinerfeld, LifeSail Inc., Anchors Away Ventura, CA, Local West Marine stores, SeaTek Mast & Spars, Schaeffer Marine, Garhauer Marine, SchulzSurveyors, Zeke Quezaba Photographer & writer, Pat Reynolds owner of 'The Mariner Magazine' author & writer, marine industries business owners, Danny Dew (varnish, maintenance), Santiago & crew painter, electricians, rigger, Brian O'Malley, and other private contributions. Goal: Leaving in 3-4 weeks (end of April 2008) Giving Zac a good base for the success in financial, recourses, emotional & payer support from start to finish. Work to be done:
Complete rigging, sea trail vessel to Ventura, CA for a free haul out, complete parts of the interior & electronics installations. All Sailors are encouraged to provide him a tremendous and memorable harbor send off as Zac is sailing into his dream.
Hundreds of sailors and folks are expected to fill the breakwaters, waving American Flags and framing his keel water.
.... determined squint I found in the eyes of a 16 year old preparing to embark on a defining trip on the world's oceans.
I would like to thank you for accepting my son into your summer sailing program.
It is great to see the personal growth in a kid over just a few weeks.
The program is wonderfully balanced. It covers all the fundamentals in an orderly step-by-step fashion and also provides interesting and creative opportunities for the kids.
What Fun !!!
It is wonderful to see the spirit of friendly competition develop as the kids sail to their limits and even if they capsize they will right themselves, bail out their boats and continue. I saw one kid do this 3 times in one race. He was the fastest bailer I have ever seen !!!
Thank You LifeSail for giving my son and all the kids a summer they will never forget.
Sincerely,
B r u c e B y a l l
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