Open boat massive

(C) Greenpeace

Huge turnout for today's open boat. We're estimating a total of 1,500 people visited in six hours. But it wasn't the big turn out that made it a great open boat day - the best thing was how people here have such a thirst for information. Many also asked about how to get involved. One local teacher showed up in the morning, and spent the whole day volunteering. He said he'd been wanting for years to see this ship.

Larger photo

All day, the sun was magnifying glass scorching. Really brutal. We were passing out jugs of water to the people waiting for tours. The best moment of the day came when a school group of barefoot eight year olds came on board. The deck was so hot it was burning their feet. Thinking quick, Dillip grabbed the hose, and started spraying their feet. Lots of giggles.

But the (somewhat unwilling) star of the day was definitely Fred. The local crewmember, from a village right up the road, and the only one on the crew who speaks the language. Of course, all our guests felt most comfortable talking to him - asking tons of questions.

Our special gratitude also goes to Phillip Pupuka, who's worked on here many times in years past. In the words of Derek (captain), "Last time I saw him it was on the fastest round the world trip I've ever seen. From Moruroa [French nuclear test site in the Pacific] to a police station in France and back again in one day". These days, Phillip doesn't work for Greenpeace anymore, but has been good enough to advise us and help out.

If you live here in Honiara, tomorrow your last chance this tour to see visit the Rainbow Warrior. Come down between 10:00 and 16:00.