11 September 2006
Jolien - Chief mate
From: The Netherlands
Why are you on this expedition?
I'm here because Greenpeace needed a Chief mate, and I know the ship. I made my first voyage with Greenpeace last year. I was part of the crew that sailed the Esperanza from Norway to South Africa for the start of the Defending our Oceans expedition. It was great, on the way we did some activities in Barents sea around overfishing and oil tankers. I found the actions really empowering and have been reading about Greenpeace activities ever since.
What does the Chief mate do?
Its like being a general manager, except I manage a ship. I report to the captain and am responsible for ensuring the crew have done their jobs. I work closely with the Bosun and Chief engineer to ensure the stores, decks, equipment and engines are well stocked and ready for action. The second and third mates report to me and it's my responsiblity to make sure they have the charts in order and safety measures in place.
How or why did you get involved with Greenpeace?
Ive been sailing all my life, in the Caribbean, the Canary islands, and I've sailed between Europe and both more than I can remember. During that time Ive seen a lot of pollution, and illegal fishing.
I had a "moment" a couple of years ago. Id been sailing round the Cape Verde islands (off the coast of Senegal); the people there are poor fishermen. They sold part of one of their islands to the Japanese, who promptly built a fish factory. The islanders were happy because they had money, but I felt really sad because I knew that in ten years time both the money and the fish would be gone. For me, this kind of behaviour has to stop.
My opportunity to do something came last year when a good friend of mine, has sailed on the [Arctic] Sunrise, called me to say there was a position on the Esperanza. I jumped at the chance.
If you were not on the Esperanza at this moment where would be instead, and what would you be doing?
Id be on a sailing ship. Recently, I've been captaining some of the tall ships that sail from Europe to the Canary Islands. Sailing ships are very special because youre intimately involved with the elements; you have to react to every shift of the wind.
Sailing the Esperanza is very different, but still special. She's very responsive and much more manoeuverable than a tall ship; you can dock her in any wind speed and you dont have four masts to worry about. I love sailing her.
What are your hopes for the campaign?
Well on the one hand, I hope we find lots of illegal fishermen; on the other, that we dont because that might mean there arent so many out here
What is your favourite place on the ship?
The bridge at night its the most beautiful place to watch the moon rise and see the stars.
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Comments
Right on Jolien, it's good to have such beautiful people like you.
Posted by: Richard at September 14, 2006 2:54 PM
Jolien, I think you are a tough cookie. keep up the good work and I can't wait to meet you.
lots of of love, Martine
Posted by: martine at September 15, 2006 11:40 PM
Jolien,
Over the moon to see you back.
Fair winds
Posted by: Penny at September 16, 2006 2:23 PM
Welcome back and greetings from Madrid.
Posted by: Marta at September 18, 2006 6:37 PM
Hi there Jolien. Good to meet again, even if it is in Cyberspcae. Well done girl!
Posted by: Corina at September 22, 2006 2:02 PM
To watch the moon rise and see the stars,...
Such a softie.
Posted by: sas at September 24, 2006 9:19 PM
Little pigeon, lots of love !
Posted by: Mieke at September 26, 2006 6:24 PM
Hé zilte zeeslet, we hebben je gisteren gemist, we hadden hier een doorzitje vanwege mijn 51-ste.
Hoe is de zee aldaar?
Warm, oplichtende zeebeestjes ?
Hier blazen de blaadjes van de bomen en is het mooi woest en zonnig herfstweer, yeah.
Zoen van Sara en le wat minder petite moi.
Posted by: Meike at October 8, 2006 10:52 PM
Hee Jolien, staat het je leuk, dat raffiarokje, of moet Hawai nog aangedaan worden? Groetjes van de land(b)lubbers. Goede reis verder.
Posted by: Connie en Dirk at November 4, 2006 8:05 PM
Hee Mamaaaaa!
Ik ben benieuwd hoe het je vergaat daar.
Liefs van Marieke.
Posted by: Marieke Smit at November 19, 2006 4:52 PM
Hi Jolien,
Sint Nicolaas is waiting for you, when are you heading back for Holland ?
Say hello to Nolan, Natasha, Bent, Miguel, Marc and all the crew from me.
Grtnx
The Green Man
Posted by: Maarten at December 2, 2006 5:14 PM
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