Please select your home edition
Edition
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - LEADERBOARD

Bluenose II, a Canadian icon returns to the water

by Nova Scotia News on 30 Sep 2012
Bluenose II is winched into the water during the relaunch Saturday in Lunenburg Nova Scotia News
Thousands of Nova Scotians and visitors from across Canada were in Lunenburg today to celebrate the relaunch of the Bluenose II. Taking advantage of morning tides, the schooner was slowly winched into the water, link-by-link, from the 1,200-tonne marine railway at the Lunenburg Shipyard.


'The return of Bluenose II to water is a significant milestone in preserving Canada's and Nova Scotia's proud maritime history and a testament to the shipbuilding history of our great province,' said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Regional Minister for Nova Scotia. 'Our government is a proud partner in the restoration of this historic vessel as we focus on creating local jobs, boosting tourism and spurring economic growth in Nova Scotia for years to come.'

'Seeing the Bluenose II return to the water where she belongs marks a proud day for Lunenburg residents, Nova Scotians, and all Canadians,' said Premier Darrell Dexter. 'The Bluenose II restoration has captured Nova Scotians' pride in our province's shipbuilding tradition and has boosted tourism and provided good, local jobs. Dozens of people have clocked countless hours to return the Bluenose II to the water, reminding us all that ships start here.'

The original Bluenose was an international racing and fishing champion schooner designed by William J. Roué and launched in 1921. Oland Brewery built the Bluenose II in 1963 and sold it to the province in 1971 for one dollar, paid with 10 Canadian dimes. Since then, the schooner has received many upgrades, but none matching the latest restoration, which included the complete rebuilding of the vessel's hull. The restoration was carried out by the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance, a company owned by Snyder's Shipyard, Lunenburg Industrial Foundry and Engineering and Covey Island Boatworks.


Over the coming weeks and months, the schooner will receive its masts, rigging and sails, as well as new mechanical and electrical systems. The Bluenose II will sail again in spring 2013, with many visits to Nova Scotia communities.

The Government of Canada has invested up to $4,937,500 toward eligible restoration costs through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Province of Nova Scotia has invested about $11 million in the restoration project.

The Government of Canada has engaged provinces, territories, municipalities and key stakeholders in a series of roundtables to guide the development of a new long-term infrastructure plan that will support job creation, economic growth and prosperity. To improve infrastructure across Canada and leverage new investment, the Government of Canada's new long-term plan will encourage greater use of public-private partnerships, while respecting the capacity of Canadian taxpayers.

Allen Dynamic 40 FooterSwitch One DesignBoat Books Australia FOOTER

Related Articles

Expanding horizons with West System Epoxy
Working on D-Class boats over the years sparked Jonathan Minnebo's love of sailing Returning to his roots, Jonathan Minnebo has broadened his sights from solely shipwright work to creating bespoke furniture and staircase design and installation.
Posted today at 6:54 am
2025 Santa Maria Cup in Annapolis, USA Day 2
Final four skippers emerge from a competitive qualifying double-round robin stage A thrilling second day of racing at the 2025 Santa Maria Cup saw the final four skippers emerge from a competitive qualifying double-round robin stage.
Posted today at 4:47 am
SailGP to Kick Off Summer in New York
With this Weekend's Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix An unforgettable weekend of high-speed, close-to-shore racing and world-class entertainment will take place this weekend when the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix takes place in front of the most famous skyline in the world.
Posted on 5 Jun
Scandinavian Gold Cup at Sopot, Poland Day 1
A slow start with very little wind The Scandinavian Gold Cup opened Thursday in Sopot, Poland, with seven 5.5 Metres competing for this historic and iconic trophy that dates back to 1922. Unfortunately, there was not enough wind to even complete one race.
Posted on 5 Jun
49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 Europeans Day 3
A six-hour bake on the water Veteran and multi-Olympic race officer Sulis was clear at the morning briefing, "Our priority is to get three races for the 49er so they can progress to the gold fleet."
Posted on 5 Jun
Galicia 52 Super Series Royal Cup Day 3
Platoon Aviation turn up the heat but don't dent American Magic Quantum Racing's lead After a disappointing first regatta of the season when they finished in an uncharacteristic last position in Saint-Tropez, the fortunes of the German flagged 2023 52 SUPER SERIES overall champions Platoon Aviation seem to have turned for the better.
Posted on 5 Jun
Diverse international fleet for 5th AEGEAN 600
The race start is a little over 1 month away In a sign that this newest of the world's 600-mile classic offshore races has reached maturity, organizers from the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club are pleased to announce yet another large international fleet will be assembled for the 2025 AEGEAN 600.
Posted on 5 Jun
America's Cup: Another sponsor signs for Italians
Luna Rossa has announced that Unipol has renewed its trust in the team Luna Rossa has announced that Unipol has renewed its trust in the team and will accompany it as an official sponsor for the duration of the 38th America's Cup.
Posted on 5 Jun
SailGP: Media Conference concludes in New York
The media conference ahead of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix has concluded, without any speci The media conference ahead of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix has concluded, without any special points being revealed, save for Brazil lending a crew member to Germany.
Posted on 5 Jun
A decade of pushing the boundaries at A+T
Celebrating 10 years of the world's best yacht instruments 2025 marks a decade of pushing the boundaries of quality and customer service in the global yachting industry for A+T Instruments.
Posted on 5 Jun