Teen Circumnavigator on Home Stretch

The uphill bash from Panama has not been easy for 17-year-old singlehander Zac Sunderland. But with only 400 miles left to go on his year-long circumnavigation, the thrill of becoming the world’s youngest circumnavigator is practically within his grasp.

Last week’s strong winds gave Zac quite a workout as his Islander 36 Intrepid clawed her way up the Baja coast. Adding to the drama of slamming into 25-knot winds and a three-knot current, he was boarded late last week by U.S. Coast Guard officers on patrol south of the border. During the inspection, Zac had a chuckle when one guardsman asked him if his parents knew he was solo sailing around the world. They were soon on their way, though, after issuing Zac a fix-it ticket for not having a fog horn.

Anticipating a huge turnout for Zac’s arrival, his parents and supporters have announced that he will make his official homecoming Tuesday, July 14, at Marina del Rey’s Fisherman’s Village, at approximately 10 a.m. The general public is welcome to attend. For more info on Zac’s history-making trip, see his website. And look for a recap report in the August edition of Latitude 38.