Flashback to June 2009, Halifax, Nova Scotia. On the deck of the Bluenose II, Schooner. A gaff rigged, top sail Schooner working as a Nova Scotia Ambassador!
More about the “Bluenose II”
- Replica of a Legend: Bluenose II is a faithful replica of the original Bluenose, a famous Grand Banks fishing and racing schooner launched in 1921 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. The original was undefeated in International Fishermen’s Cup races for 17 years under Captain Angus Walters and remains a Canadian icon (featured on the dime).
- Construction: Built and launched in 1963 at the Smith and Rhuland shipyard in Lunenburg—the same yard and using the original designer William Roué’s plans as the first Bluenose. Many of the same craftsmen who worked on the original contributed, and Captain Walters consulted on the build and sailed on the maiden voyage.
- Dimensions and Specs: Sparred length approximately 181 ft (55 m); overall length 161 ft (49 m); waterline length 112 ft (34 m); beam 27 ft (8 m); draft 16 ft (5 m); sail area 1,036 m² (11,150 sq ft), including a massive mainsail of 386 m² (4,150 sq ft). It has two auxiliary diesel engines and can reach speeds up to 16 knots under sail.
- Ownership and Operation: Commissioned initially by the Oland family (brewery) as a promotional vessel; gifted to the Government of Nova Scotia in 1971 for $1. Now operated by the Lunenburg Marine Museum Society on behalf of the province; serves as Nova Scotia’s official sailing ambassador and goodwill vessel.
- Role and Activities: Promotes Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage and tourism. Home port is Lunenburg (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Offers public harbour cruises, deck tours, “Deckhand for a Day” experiences, and visits ports across Nova Scotia and North America during the sailing season (typically spring to fall). It does not race officially, honoring the original’s legacy.
- Current Status: Remains in active service as a tall ship and living history vessel. It has undergone major refits (including a full reconstruction around 2010–2013) to maintain seaworthiness. Crew typically includes officers, a cook, and deckhands; it also provides training opportunities for young Canadians.
- Unique Features: Incorporates some original elements where possible (e.g., masts from Douglas fir, ballast lead ingots). Known for its beauty and as one of the most recognizable classic schooners in the world.
Mired in Controversy!
Unfortunately the Bluenose II is also mired in controversy, thefts, nepotism, criminal acts all top the charts. If you ever go to the Halifax Library, they have a folder about 3 inches thick full of newspaper clippings and documents outlining it’s disgusting history!
I too was a victim of it’s wayward ways, but as with all things related to government it was left uninvestigated and hidden from public view. The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission was at the helm of the coverup.