Eight Bells: Walter Chamberlain

Walter G. Chamberlain, of Bay St. Louis, MS passed away peacefully in his home on November 20, 2013. Walter was a lifelong resident of Bay St. Louis, MS and New Orleans, LA.

He grew up racing along the Gulf Coast and Lake Pontchartrain and was a member of the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club’s first championship teams for the Jr. and Sr. Lipton’s in 1963. He went on to become a local and national authority in race administration and racing rules. He was a former Commodore of BWYC and the Gulf Yachting Association.

Walter was also a dedicated volunteer with US Sailing for more than 25 years. His service dates back to the 1980’s when he became the first Parliamentarian to the Board of Directors. In the 1990’s, he served as an Area Representative for the Yacht Racing Association Council and later chaired the Council. Walter was the first chairman of US Sailing’s House of Delegates, and recently served three years on its Board of Directors. He was also a race officer and certified judge. Walter is survived by his wife Malin and sons, Gilly and Kippy.

Walter was a renowned jazz musician, playing tenor banjo in traditional New Orleans jazz bands. His career began in the jazz clubs on Bourbon Street, notably the Red Garter and Your Father’s Mustache and continued as a long time member of The Last Straws.

Donations can be made in his name to the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club Junior Program at PO Box 3715, Bay Saint Louis, MS 39521.

Source: US Sailing, The Times-Picayune