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A(nother) day in the life of the radio operator
By Cees, radio operator. 14 March. The morning is like
a morning. Download, prepare paperwork for the authorities
in Genova.
During lunch Helen was asking who wants to do the big boat
training. I have never driven one of the big boats on the
Rainbow Warrior so I thought this might be my chance and
Helen agreed with it.
At 1:30 I was standing with a small group of Greenpeace
people at the stern of the Avon (one of our large inflatable
boats) and waiting for Phil. Lucky us it was very beautiful
Mediterranean weather and it was no problem to wait 20 minutes
and sit in the sun. Then Phil explained everything about
propellers and engines and what to do and also what you
better not do. After the Avon Frank showed us the Piglet.
At 3:00 practise!!! Two small Noveranias and the Piglet
were dropped in the water. I am in the group with the Piglet
and together with Janine, Frank and Dima we sailed away.
Frank gave instructions. He asked me to drive the Piglet
as the first person. Because I have driven an inflatable
once before I was a bit careful. After me was Janine and
she has done this before. I am learning from her.
Then it was Dima's turn. We were dry till now. He drove
like he does everything, with full speed or no speed at
all. So we were smashed around and we had some short flying
lessons. It took awhile before he understood that there
is some speed between full speed and stop.
After Dima it was my turn again. I felt much more comfortable
behind the wheel and I did some nice landings alongside
the Warrior. I picked up Christian and returned him dry
to the Rainbow Warrior. Janine and Dima did the same. We
were sailing between some islands along the France coast.
Christian took over the wheel and we got some professional
flying lessons. We did very well because the waves were
getting higher and higher. After Christian it was my turn.
Did some bad jumps and did some nice jumps, followed one
of the Novis, and played around with the waves.
Maybe a boat driver will be my next job, this is really
cool and I know I need more practise but it is fun to do
and it is part of being with Greenpeace. That evening I
was very tired and went to my bunk early for a nice deep
sleep.
Cheers,
Cees
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