Today (Saturday 13 Jan) was somewhat of a break from the preparations. Today Greenpeace New Zealand, with the aid of the crew, hosted an Open Boat for the public. Over the course of the day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 500+ visitors were given tours of the Esperanza. As well as being guided around the ship, there were a number of ‘stop’ points where they were treated to a talk, followed by questions and answers.

Before going on board most visitors were eager to participate in joining up with “the biggest crew ever”, signing petitions, giving us their email addresses, and having their photos taken to be used later in the campaign.

It’s a long, long time since I was involved in an Open Boat day. It wasn’t long today, however, before I realised just how much I missed it. It is a great way to meet supporters, to talk them through the campaign, to thank them for their encouragement, and to request greater participation from them. I am always amazed at their unashamed total support for Greenpeace. I delight in their diversity. I am sometimes excited by their ideas. But most of all I am reminded just how lucky I am that I get to spend my time working to fulfil not only my own dream, but also theirs – an end to whaling worldwide.

And tomorrow I get to experience it all again.

JohnB