Billy Greene

The Billy Greene is a rare example of an exceptional act of love, kindness and support following a tragedy.

Origin

In September 2003, we christened a new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that was donated to Greenpeace by Partner in Action Robin Davey to commemorate the life of her son, Hamilton Billy Greene.

History of Inflatable Boats

Activists in inflatable boats confronting environmental wrongdoers at sea may be the most recognizable image of Greenpeace around the world. We have been chasing commercial whalers, industrial fishing trawlers, ships transporting toxic or radioactive materials, barges loaded with illegally harvested mahogany, and more for decades. Billy's name, which appears on the side of the RIB, will live on in forceful images published in newspapers around the globe as testimony to the power each individual has to change the world.

The RIB is one of the safest small offshore boats manufactured. Often-called "rubber dinghy," it is more sophisticated than it appears. Below the water is a hard fiberglass hull that allows the boat to travel at high speeds through rough seas. A specially constructed rubber tube above the hull gives the boat exceptional buoyancy and stability in the water. A powerful engine makes the boat fast and maneuverable. All these qualities are key to keeping up and drawing attention to whalers and others who destroy our planet.

The Billy Greene is our largest RIB, measuring eight meters (26 feet). It has the extended range and payload capacities necessary to travel great distances, carry up to 18 people and 100 gallons of fuel, and is able to store fresh food and dry clothes. 

In Memory of Hamilton Billy Greene

Billy Greene was a promising young filmmaker and animator who was shot and killed in Emeryville, California, on September 9, 2001, during an apparent robbery attempt. Born March 19, 1968, Billy had a remarkably sunny and generous personality. His art reflected his acute perceptiveness, gentleness, and subtle sense of humor. Billy's last work, the independently produced short animated film "Thought Bubble," premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. It has since been exhibited at film festivals worldwide and continues to win significant awards.

Billy cherished all aspects of the natural world and took every opportunity to spend time in it: he was a backpacker, a snowboarder, swimmer, and a conscientious bicyclist. He always treated the Earth and everything on it with respect and love. Although he was a peace-loving person, he knew when more forceful, confrontational efforts needed to be made, and he greatly admired Greenpeace's work. It is fitting that "his" boat carry those who continue to seek to make the world a better place.

The "Billy G" in Action >> Find out how the Billy Greene helped stop Japanese Whalers in the Southern Ocean during a 2005-2006 oceans campaign.

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