03:100 Strangers - Biker Andy

Probably because he is an English speaker, the "local PR" for the visiting Russian Viking boat appeared to have been left to crew member Andy, who seemed happy to chat with an endless stream of visitors to the wharf. I could have spent ages talking with him as he was a mine of interesting information.

He is an Australian who joined the boat only in Brisbane as radio operator (language again). Many of the Russian crew have undertaken previous adventure tours around the world including a motorcycle run through outback Australia. He met them at that time as he is a motorcycle enthusiast and owner of Russian bikes. That also explains how he came to be aboard the boat, and this is his first small boat voyage: what a way to start!

The boat's next port of call is Hobart, where it will participate in the Wooden Boat Festival. In reply to my question, Andy told me that the boat does have a diesel engine as reserve if needed (though there is a traditional set of oars, in best Viking style).

This picture is best viewed at Large/Original size and is 03 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page