Imagine a small sailboat, just 30 feet long, boldly setting out to confront the world’s most powerful nuclear nations. That’s the incredible story of the1 Golden Rule. It was the first environmental and peace vessel. It aimed to stop the U.S. Government’s nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands in 19581.
Despite facing daunting challenges, including a broken gaff that forced them to turn back, the crew of the Golden Rule managed to sail from San Pedro towards the U.S. nuclear test zone at Eniwetok atoll1. They were eventually arrested, tried, and jailed in Honolulu after being twice boarded by the U.S. Coast Guard in Hawaii1. But their courageous actions would go on to have a profound impact. They influenced the 1963 Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty that emerged from global public outrage against nuclear weapons1.
The Golden Rule’s legacy lives on, with the2 Colin Archer-style ketch Phoenix of Hiroshima following in its footsteps. It successfully entered the test zone in protest against nuclear weapons1. In fact, the renowned environmental organization Greenpeace was directly inspired by the Golden Rule’s actions. A protest voyage was suggested by an activist who was moved by its story1.
Key Takeaways
- The Golden Rule was the first environmental and peace vessel to protest nuclear weapons testing in the 1950s.
- The crew’s actions influenced the 1963 Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and inspired the creation of Greenpeace.
- The Golden Rule has been restored and is now operated by Veterans For Peace to continue its anti-nuclear mission.
- The boat has a storied history of sailing to promote peace and nuclear disarmament.
- You can experience the Golden Rule’s legacy through tours, sailing opportunities, and rallies organized by its current crew.
What is the Golden Rule?
The Golden Rule is a 34-foot wooden ketch with a rich history. It played a key role in the anti-nuclear activism and peace movement3. Built in 1958, it aimed to stop U.S. nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands3.
Four Quaker activists, including George Willoughby and Albert Bigelow, wanted to sail it. But they were arrested in Honolulu and stopped3.
The Golden Rule: A Wooden Ketch Sailing for Non-Violence
Their arrest sparked global outrage. This led to the U.S. signing the Partial Test Ban Treaty in 19633. The Golden Rule’s 1958 voyage was a major event in the peace movement and anti-nuclear activism of that time3.
Now, Veterans For Peace runs the Golden Rule. It still fights for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament4.
The Golden Rule has seen a new life. It was restored in 2014 and has been on the West Coast4. In 2022, it’s on a Great Loop voyage. It’s sharing its message of peace and non-violence across the nation4.
The Storied History of the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule has a rich history. It’s known for its fight against nuclear weapons and for peace5. Launched in 1958, it has faced many challenges but never gave up6.
In 2010, it was found as a wreck in California5. Leroy Zerlang, a boatyard owner, helped restore it. Veterans For Peace led the effort for five years5.
The Golden Rule made history in 1958. Its crew sailed into a nuclear test zone, showing their bravery5. Now, it sails for peace, visiting many cities and towns5.
Its current journey aims to spread nuclear disarmament and peace5. It recently stopped in San Diego and Ensenada for events5.
The Golden Rule is a symbol of hope for peace5. Its journey inspires those who want a peaceful world5.
The Golden Rule is a 39-ft ketch7. It’s sailing around the Pacific, visiting many places7. It plans to reach Japan in August 20207.
It will return to California in 2021 after visiting the Aleutian Islands7. The Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was a big win for activists like the Golden Rule‘s crew7.
For more info on the Golden Rule, visit www.vfpgoldenrule.org or call Helen Jaccard at 206-992-63647.
What kind of boat is the Golden Rule?
A Wooden Ketch Sailing for Peace
The Golden Rule is a special 34-foot wooden ketch. It’s known for its role in fighting against nuclear weapons and for peace. Built in 1958, it led efforts to stop nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands8.
Its crew, including Skipper Albert Bigelow and First-Mate William R. Huntington, sailed in 1958. They aimed to stop nuclear tests in the Pacific8. Even after being arrested twice, they kept fighting for peace8.
In 2015, the Veterans For Peace restored the Golden Rule. Now, it’s on a journey called the “Great Loop.” It sails the Mississippi River, Gulf Coast, Eastern Seaboard, and Great Lakes9. This 34-foot wooden ketch still symbolizes peace and activism, touching hearts along the way9.
The Golden Rule has 580 square feet of sail and four sleeping berths. It shows the power of activism and how one sailing vessel can change the world9. Its crew’s bravery and commitment to peace are unforgettable, like the Civil Rights Movement10.
The Golden Rule’s Revival by Veterans For Peace
In 2015, Veterans For Peace started sailing the Golden Rule again11. This group fights against nuclear weapons and works for peace. The Golden Rule first tried to stop nuclear tests in 1958. It was fixed up for five years after being found in 201011.
The Golden Rule sailed for three years, visiting places like Hawaii and Japan11. Veterans For Peace aimed to get more people to support the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons12.
The Golden Rule’s mission is timely, with nuclear threats in Ukraine and the “Oppenheimer” movie1211. Veterans For Peace knows their work is crucial in a world with nuclear dangers.
People can track the Golden Rule’s journey at https://share.delorme.com/goldenrule11. There’s also a “Against the Wind” festival from October 14-1911.
The Golden Rule’s revival by Veterans For Peace shows their dedication to disarmament and peace1211. This sailboat is a beacon of hope and a call to action for the peace movement.
The Golden Rule’s Current Voyage
The historic Golden Rule is a vessel run by13 Veterans For Peace. It’s on a 15-month, 100-port journey called the “Great Loop.”13 This 34-foot wooden ketch was found as a wreck in 201013. Now, it’s sailing the Mississippi River, Gulf Coast, Eastern Seaboard, and Great Lakes. It aims to promote anti-nuclear activism and the peace movement13.
The Golden Rule’s main goal is to get the U.S. to join the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons13. With nuclear threats in Ukraine and the “Oppenheimer” film, Veterans For Peace sees this voyage as crucial13.
In the Midwest, the Golden Rule will stop in Detroit, Port Huron, Mackinaw City, and St. Joseph/Kalamazoo. The crew will host events like a Flotilla for Peace, movie screenings, ship tours, and a Rally for Peace. Speakers include Gerry Condon, Helen Jaccard, and Kevin Kamps13.
In Traverse City, there will be a free double feature screening of documentaries. “Making Waves: The Rebirth of the Golden Rule” and “Phoenix of Hiroshima – An Odyssey Interrupted” will be shown. A Q&A session will follow13. Visitors can also tour the vessel at Clinch Park Marina and attend the Rally for Peace at Open Space13.
The Golden Rule’s journey shows Veterans For Peace’s dedication to non-violence and nuclear peace13. As it travels, it symbolizes the peace movement’s fight for a world without nuclear threats13.
Experience the Golden Rule’s Mission
The Golden Rule peace boat is on a journey to promote peace and stop nuclear weapons14. It started in 1958 to protest nuclear arms1415. After being fixed up in 201514, it keeps spreading the message of peace.
Tours, Sailing Opportunities and Rallies
The Golden Rule visits many places, inviting people to learn about its mission14. You can take tours of the boat14 or sail with the crew14. They also hold rallies to talk about nuclear weapons and support peace treaties1415.
People interested in peace, history, or activism can join the Golden Rule’s mission1415.
The Golden Rule will travel about 11,000 miles, stopping at over 100 places15. It will go down the Mississippi River and explore the Great Lakes14. With a crew of volunteers and a budget of $60,000 to $80,000 a year14, it’s a symbol of hope for peace1415.
Conclusion
The Golden Rule, a historic1617 peace vessel, has finished its 11,000-mile journey. It has made a big impact on the communities it visited. The crew worked hard for 12 months16 to highlight the danger of nuclear weapons.
This cause has been the Golden Rule’s focus since 195817. The boat’s “Great Loop” journey reached thousands of Americans. It encouraged them to support non-violence and nuclear disarmament16.
The Golden Rule’s visits started important talks. They also helped people support the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons17.
Now, the Golden Rule project is getting ready for its last events in Chicago. It shows the strength of grassroots activism. It also shows the dedication of groups like Veterans For Peace to a peaceful world16.
The boat’s journey has raised awareness and inspired people. It has encouraged them to work for a future without nuclear weapons17.