Nova Scotia Schooner Association celebrates 50 years

by Andy Adams on 25 Mar 2011 Here is a vacation idea that keen sailors and history buffs alike will enjoy. The Nova Scotia Schooner Association (NSSA) will celebrate its 50th year with a week of events from July 31 to August 7, 2011.

Founded in 1961, the NSSA was formed to promote, and preserve the uniqueness of Nova Scotia Schooners by maintaining past and present records of schooners built in Nova Scotia and to organize annual race competitions and to further educate the public of the schooners unique and valuable part of Nova Scotia maritime history.

The first ever NSSA race was held in Hubbards Cove on July 25th, 1961. Since then the association has gone on to expand the event to a week long celebration by holding daily races and evening social events.

As part of the education mandate, the schooner fleet now sails province-wide to hold the annual race week. Races have been regularly held in Shelburne, Lunenburg, Lahave, Halifax, St. Margarets Bay and Hubbards.

2011 marks the 50th Anniversary. The NSSA fleet will return to its founding port of Hubbards, NS. The event will include a daily race schedule, an historical exhibition of the Association as well as an on-site 'live' schooner restoration project provided by the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Live music, BBQ’s and tall tales can all be experienced at this year’s events. It is expected that up to twenty Nova Scotia built Schooners will be in attendance.

The public is invited to join with us in this celebration of Nova Scotia Schooners and their rich heritage at Hubbards Cove, July 31 – August 7. Drop by the New Hubbards Cove Waterfront, to watch the fleet sail to the start line, or cheer a favorite schooner to a sometimes neck and neck race to the finish line.

For information contact Sheila Lane at NSSA website