Moruroa Blues

Rating:
Summary: A Staggering Achievement for Amateur Sailors
Review: In sailing terms, the 1995 small boat anti nuclear protest at Moruroa was amazing achievement.

For reasons best known to themselves, the 1995 small boat anti nuclear protest at Moruroa was largely ignored by the world's sailing press and yet in sailing terms alone it was a phenomenal achievement. Given just 6 weeks for preparations, some 36 boats attended mostly from New Zealand and were largely crewed by amateurs sailors rather than experienced nuclear protesters. The voyage itself was the distance of two trans-Atlantic crossings, held in the middle of winter and with the outward leg mainly to windward. Once at Moruroa, there were no bars or beaches for relaxing, just a hostile reception from French navy and aircraft, and yet, inspite of gear failures, crew disagreements and some appalling weather, all boats returned home safely.

From a small boat perspective, 'The Moruroa Blues' gives a fine account of day to day life in the 'Coffee Shop' - the name given to a featureless patch of ocean to the north west of the atoll entrance which was used as an informal meeting place. In an easy readable style, Lynn Pistoll's describes protest tactics and how they learnt to anticipate and manage antagonism from the French military. These events are an important part of our anti nuclear history and should be told. The 'Moruroa Blues' is a compelling read and I thoroughly recommend it.