Eight Bells: Walter Greene

American multihull sailboat designer and builder Walter Greene passed away at 80 on July 21, 2024 after fighting during 40 years against Parkinson. He made the news in the 1976 Ostar, finishing eight from 125 starters on his tiny 35 footer trimaran Friends. Mike Birch finished second behind Eric Tabarly on a similar boat.

Two years later, Walter built A Capella with the help of his wife Joan. They won in their class the Round the British Islands race. Then, he gave the boat to Mike Birch for the first 1978 French Rum Race. “Take it, and if you win something, we will share the prize!” Surprisingly, Mike came first, 98 seconds only ahead of the Michel Malinovski favorite monohull. Since this day, multihulls exploded.

Walter is better known in France than in his home country. His participation in the single-handed race circuit and his reputation for multi-hull design and construction made him a sailing icon in France. He wore often a Scottish, wool thick shirt during work, covered with a great amount of glue, along with his glasses spotted with epoxy patches.

Dear Walter, have a safe trip in the Fiddler’s Green.