16 January 2006
The story of the Billy G.
by Nathan, onboard the Esperanza
©Greenpeace/Sutton-Hibbert
Billy G. meets the whalers.
All Greenpeace inflatables have names, though few are named after individuals. While some have names that are simply practical (Novi 1 and Novi 2 are the names of the two smallest twin inflatables on the Espy, both of which are manufactured by Novurania), most have names that often at best only hint at the stories behind them.
Of course, you usually have to hunt down a Greenpeace old-timer to find out, for example, that the African Queen (a boat on our sister ship) is named after a Humphrey Bogart movie.
The story of the Billy G, however, and how it came into our hands, should be told for it came to us as an exceptional act of love, kindness and support following a tragedy. The boat is names after Hamilton Billy Greene, called Billy by those who knew him. I never got the chance to meet the man, but here is what I know about him:
Billy Greene was a promising young filmmaker and animator who was shot and killed in Emeryville, California, on September 9, 2001, during an apparent robbery attempt [You may read more about this at here]. Born March 19, 1968, he was well known to have a sunny and generous personality. His art reflected his acute perceptiveness, gentleness, and subtle sense of humor. Billys last work, the independently produced short animated film Thought Bubble, premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. It has since been exhibited at film festivals worldwide and continues to win significant awards. He was also a performing musician and puppeteer.
Billy cherished the natural world and took every opportunity to spend time in it: he was a backpacker, a snowboarder, swimmer, and a conscientious bicyclist. He considered the Earth and everything on it with respect and love. He admired Greenpeace's history of peaceful direct action.
After his tragic death, his mother, Robin Davey, wanted to make a donation to Greenpeace in her son's name. She had her heart set on buying us the best boat we've ever had at Greenpeace USA; activists in inflatable boats confronting environmental wrongdoers at sea may be the most recognizable image of Greenpeace around the world. Activists in Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boats (RIBs) have been chasing commercial whalers, industrial fishing trawlers, ships transporting toxic or radioactive materials, barges loaded with illegally harvested mahogany, and more for decades.
The RIB is one of the safest small offshore boats manufactured. Though we refer to them as "inflatables", they are far more sophisticated than they appear or their name suggest. Though they come in a great variety of sizes and configurations, they all have a few things in common: below the water is a hard fiberglass or aluminum hull (the Billy G is aluminum) that allows the boat to travel at high speeds through rough seas. A specially constructed rubber tube that runs along the bow and sides of the hull gives the boat exceptional buoyancy and stability in the water. A powerful engine makes the boat fast and maneuverable. On top of these basics, Ms. Davey wanted our new RIB to be outfitted with proper navigation and communications equipment, protect the driver and crew as much as possible, carry any equipment we may need and be built for the toughest of conditions.
My colleague Dan, our Equipment Specialist at Greenpeace USA, set about the task of searching for something suitable. We searched high and low but could not find a boat that would fit our unusual and specific needs, so eventually we decided to design and build our own. Dan worked with an outfit in Wales to design a boat especially for our purposes, designing every aspect of the boat to our specifications.
On September 27, 2003, a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Annapolis, Maryland, we officially launched the Billy Greene with members of his family. At 8 meters in length, with the extended range and payload capacities necessary to travel great distances, ability to carry up to 18 people and 100 gallons of fuel, and capacity to store fresh food and dry clothes, it is indeed what Ms. Davey wanted for us.
It was clear when we were preparing to sail for the Southern Oceans to confront the whalers that the Billy G would be needed for this campaign. The Arctic Sunrise scooped up the Billy G in Miami on her way to Cape Town after completing Project Thin Ice, a successful journey around most of Greenland to call attention to the threats and realities of global warming and climate change, and brought her to Cape Town, where she was transferred to the Esperanza. During the trip down to where we are now, we worked to fit her with the custom water pump and spray delivery system and special safety equipment that has allowed the boat to be such a successful tool for frustrating the hunter ships. With her powerful engine yet delicate steering system, I've been able to hold the boat just off the bow of the hunter at high speeds and in pack ice, aiming the water spray up onto the harpoon deck and spotters' towers, causing the hunters to lose sight of whales and miss shots. The boat is tough but also amazingly agile in the water.
As I said, I never met Hamilton Billy Greene, but everyday that I drive the boat I call in a radio check to the Esperanza bridge before we launch: "Esperanza, Esperanza: this is the Billy G, radio check?" and get the quick reply: "Billy Greene, Esperanza: loud and clear". From there after I am no longer Nathan, I am Billy G. until I'm safely back on deck. So to me, Billy Greene, the man, is down here with us, guiding this boat safely through these sublime waters and seascapes, foiling these hunter boats and running placing cover for the whales. It's an honor for me to get to put my hands on her wheel with him. Just to the left of the instruments on the console is a bronze plaque with his name and an etching of him, smiling and looking light and lively. I see it every time I take the helm and bring the boat to life.
It's folks like him and all of you who write us and send us your support, in whatever form you choose, that not only allow us to make the effort we're making, but also feel like you are here with us. Never underestimate the power of that, and the power you have, wherever you live, to play your own part in this and every struggle we're making for a better world.
Comments
Thanks for the story, Andrew. Indeed, Mrs. Davey should be proud. The Billy G. sounds like an amazing craft.
Are there any detail pics of the RIB type craft anywhere on the Greenpeace site? What happens if the tube loses pressure? Does the rigid section permit the boat continue to float- or are you in a heap of trouble?
Posted by: weezil at January 16, 2006 2:42 PM
Thank you, Andrew & Nathan, for telling this incredibly moving story. I am sure he's there with you, Hamilton Billy Greene, and you at Greenpeace and his mother have found the most beautiful way to honour his memory. And I think it's also absolutely inspiring that even after all that's been happening to you and in the constant presence of grave danger you still have the spirit and strength to tell us this story. Stay safe and thank you! Pavlos
Posted by: Pavlos at January 16, 2006 3:07 PM
Well if that isn't the nicest thing I've read in a decade Andrew... I'm sure Billy G is there with you, and his Love flowing through you. Thanks so much for that wonderful story with him along side you there, and through your open heart. Isn't it just great, ...how this miracle of Love makes you stronger every day. Isn't it really great to never have to ask anyone what kind of a person you are, or to be unsure of who you are. You rock bro...
Posted by: Grateful Child at January 16, 2006 3:55 PM
Nathan,
i think that this details, this "love details" are the ones that give Greenpeace that special mystic on real defending our planet.
Keep on Billy G.
Posted by: Hugo at January 16, 2006 3:59 PM
I'm sorry for my error Nathan... My previous reply to this article was meant for you. And of course you too Andrew. You can whip me when we meet as spirits someday if you want to. Love to you all, ...Wes
Posted by: Grateful Child at January 16, 2006 5:06 PM
What a wonderful story. I cannot imagine a better way to remember your son.
Posted by: davieska at January 16, 2006 8:45 PM
Thanks, Nathan for your information on 'Billy Green'.
I hope Greenpeace will be successful in stopping the whaling. I admire you and your crew for your dedication and effort to save the Whales.
Kristina
Posted by: Kristina at January 17, 2006 12:36 AM
Thank you very much for all
Posted by: Yerdau at January 17, 2006 1:35 AM
what a wonderful story.
Posted by: john regan at January 17, 2006 2:08 AM
There are several whale-meat restaurants in Tokyo and I'm surprised none of them have yet been targeted.
One is located in the middle of the Shibuya district and carries the name "Kujira-ya" (Transl. The Whale Restaurant).
I don't think any private persons are buying whale meat, as I have never seen it in any supermarkets. But restaurants are the buyers, and I think those establishments should be targeted as well.
Not any easy task maybe, but I just get furious every time I walk past that restaurant in Shibuya. It's located in the best possible spot, and almost "brags" about being a whale meat restaurant.
Alex
Posted by: Alex at January 17, 2006 3:03 AM
Thank you for sharing about Billy G. - you all are awesome. glad you got a possible bit of rest.
I was at the store today, picked up an item. saw it was made in Japan and my immediate reaction was (outloud) "I won't buy that, it's from Japan." Be safe, there's lots of people keeping you in their thoughts.
Posted by: jeanne at January 17, 2006 4:44 AM
thank you for that story! it reminded me of a saying i heard a while ago when doing fundraising for greenpeace; it takes 1 good person to overcome 100 baddies......... something like that anyway. so, to all you guys out there; keep shining for you are truly amazing for what you are doing, you make me believe in the beauty of mankind, i love you!
and to alex in tokyo: why don't you print out some photos of dying whales and plaster the entrance of this restaurant with them? sounds like the people in tokyo might need some education........
Posted by: pernille at January 17, 2006 4:58 AM
What a wonderful gift from Robin, and a wonderful Memorial to her son Hamilton, a Memorial not etched in some stone but an active, working one, riding the seas to help protect those magnificent mammals. Very inspiring! May there soon be a fleet of "Billy G" model inflatables, several for each harpoon-ship, to thwart the commercial Japanese whalers' despicable goal of killing. Perhaps one day soon, these inflatables will only be needed in helping people OBSERVE whales, no longer needed for putting brave activists in between mammals and flying bombs. Thank you Nathan for sharing this saga, & for your commitment and energy, keep up the great work.
Posted by: Eric at January 17, 2006 8:36 AM
Extremely interesting reading re the Billy G.Am also relieved to note just how well built the boat is,for the images reaching us from the Southern Ocean surely highlight just how dangerous the work is that you do,and just how cruel the entire business is.That whaling fleet,whose members happen to be Japanese,I believe do so much harm to their country, and oh what a price they ask of their people,surely they will not continue to permit the wholesale slaughter of the creatures that share this planet with all of us.Arohanui to you all...
Posted by: Celia at January 17, 2006 11:54 AM
Right, certainly a wonderful way to remember one's child. As for the Japanese, there's a hard-core conservative element that will slaughter whales out of spite for losing the war 60 years ago. Younger Japanese tend to be almost entirely apolitical, so the more you can get through to them the better. If you could fund it here's what I'd do: get some cartoonists to put the anti-whale message into so-called manga (comic) form. Even better, make a computer game out of it: "Help Greenpeace Beat the Whalers and Save the Whales." Anyway, keep it up!
[Editor's note: You can play a computer game with whales in it HERE]
Posted by: Peter at January 17, 2006 12:22 PM
With what effortless grace, Nathan, you illuminate that concert of heart, head, and hand, the debilitation of which has brought our planet to her knees! Expressing the radiant communion, you show us all to what we are called. Perhaps Greenpeace' greatest strength is your refusal to let any fracturing of this natural fusion occur, so that every act springs from deep heart, upheld by the strong bones of solid thinking, adorned with rich emotion, and executed with athletic mastery! It is not hard to envision a simple extension of this holism to spirit, doubtless the most essential source of creative might; nor, therefore, to see Billy Greene's love like a tall, brilliant angel, bucking the waves along with you, fierce in his joy, certain of the sanctity of that which you so nobly defend. May such creatures surround you, enfold you, and blind the peering probes of evil-- that have harpooned our Japanese brothers as so much unprotected prey-- with invincible, invisible light! Make no mistake: in conserving such unity of attributes, you share territory with no enemies. Every single person, group, or force that comes against you straddles the shambles of a shattered base. Your oneness across the scope of human influence, hard to protect, harder still to recover, is the engine that thrusts your witness across a stunned and wounded world.
Posted by: Arianne at January 17, 2006 3:57 PM
We did wonder about the name. Thank you for telling it so beautifully.
A fit story for the use being made of the boat. May it long continue.
Bobby and Cogs
Posted by: Bobby and Cogs at January 17, 2006 6:36 PM
Dear Nathan - Thank you so much for sharing the history of the Billy G with everyone, and for your generosity and care in doing so. I am blown away and filled with gratitude. Robin
(my computer has been on the fritz which is why I only just today saw this story)
Posted by: Robin Davey at January 27, 2006 6:46 PM
All updates from the Southern Ocean whaling 2007 leg »
All updates from the Pacific transit »
All updates from the Mexico leg »
All updates from the Hawaii leg »
All updates from the Pacific leg »
All updates from the Philippines leg »
All updates from the India leg »
All updates from the Red Sea leg »
All updates from the Mediterranean leg »
All updates from the Azores leg »
All updates from the Pirate Fishing/Africa leg »
All updates from the Southern Ocean »
Avast ye land lubbers! The ocean critters need your help!
Take action today!
