there was a friendly rivalry between fisherman of different areas to determine who was the fastest. in 1920, the first international fishermen's race was held between fishermen of gloucester, massachusetts and lunenburg, nova scotia. unfortunately, walter's schooner broke a mast and he lost the trial for the race. after that a group of halifax businessmen, wanting to give canada a better chance to win, established a racing committee. they approached william j. roue, a halifax marine architect to design a ship. walters was approached to be the captain. shipbuilders smith and rhuland were chosen to build "bluenose". on 26 march 1921, "bluenose" was launched. on 6 october 1921, the first race was held and walters led "bluenose" to victory. he was now in a position to represent canada in the second international fishermen's race. "bluenose" won and continued to win five international titles under walter's command.