Solo
If I could capture the look that I would have hoped to have as a young man venturing out to set sail on a large adventure, it would be the determined squint I found in the eyes of a 16 year old preparing to embark on a defining trip on the world's oceans.
Out on the Pacific Ocean the Islander 36 came into full view as the Santa Monica bay playfully lent the sailing vessel some motion. Zac Sunderland steadied the tiller as his father and mentor brought us to port side to greet the young sailor. He had delivered the recently bought boat, solo, I might add, to Marina Del Rey for the beginning of what might be considered a testament of faith.
A young man who will challenge himself to tackle on the world with the knowledge and skills that his father has given him in a boat that will bear the hard work, sweat and love of the duo. As the boat is outfitted for an initial leg of a possible two year journey the pair will work tirelessly side by side as a means to an end.
While the story of a young man setting sail is one filled with adventure, intrigue and the rights of passage of growing up, the sub plot is one more appealing of family, faith and a friendship so very evident in their companionship.
"Hey Zac", the words of this father to his son from one helm to another resonate a confidence and pride that is what can best be described as "normalcy." It's normal to believe in your children and as an adventure is set to begin, the pride of a father is rooted in the simple pleasure of a father knowing his child. A father knowing his child so well that he encourages that he set off on his own, around the world, on a 36 foot boat that will transform, educate and deliver a young man into adulthood.
In April 2008, 16 year old Zac Sunderland will attempt to become the youngest boy to circumnavigate the globe alone. Zac has actively crewed and single handled up and down the West Coast of North America. His experience on sailing vessels is one that spans his entire lifetime from his first home as an infant on a Tradewind 55 to his current activities that include working, repairing and crewing on sailboats.
LifeSail’s Staff writer
Zeke Quezaba
The coure
Solo Around the World at 16
