Zac Sunderland’s around-the-world odyssey: Puerto Vallarta detour

Zac Sunderland with his sailboat, Intrepid, in rainy Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Sunderland, now 17, embarked from Marina del Rey on June 14, 2008, on a mission to become the youngest sailor ever to circumnavigate the globe alone.

Zac Sunderland with his sailboat, Intrepid, in rainy Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Sunderland, now 17, embarked from Marina del Rey on June 14, 2008, on a mission to become the youngest sailor ever to circumnavigate the globe alone. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

July 5, 2009 2:31 PM PT

Zac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sunderland, with his father, Laurence, collect his gear before departing Puerto Vallarta.

He had sought shelter in the port after his boat’s bulkhead buckled and its mast supports ripped loose in rough seas. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Zac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sunderland helps his father repair the bulkhead. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Zac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sunderland secures his sail. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Zac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Good wishes are written on the mast of the Intrepid. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Zac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sunderland reads a magazine article about him. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Zac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The 36-foot Intrepid. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Zac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sunderland says goodbye to his father before leaving Puerto Vallarta. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Zac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sunderland raises his sail. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Zac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Zac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Zac Sunderland in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sunderland aboard the Intrepid before leaving Puerto Vallarta. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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