There are mixed emotions about where I am in the world right now. Over 50 years can be a long time for an ole girl like me. Especially after all I have been through. They say it is for the best, that I’ll soon be good as new by the spring of 2012, after construction and inspection through Transport Canada.
I’ll trust their judgment, be patient, and comply. Those that know me intrinsically know where I would rather be right now. Don’t get me wrong. Being nurtured, coddled, and cared for by the best rests well with me. These ole bones will be restored to their former glory as Bluenose II after seven years of construction at the cost of over $24 million. It’s humbling to realize that I’m cared for that much.
Introducing Myself
Bluenose, my original name, I was launched as a fishing and racing schooner off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland on March 21, 1921, after being built in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. My designer was William Roué, and I was built by the Smith and Rhuland Shipyard. Angus Walters, my Captain, wanted me to sail at the International Fishermen’s Race in October, 1921, in Boston, where I received my first Fishermen’s Trophy and my legend began.
I became known as the “Queen of the North Atlantic.” I suppose that was because in the next 17 years of racing, I was unbeaten by neither American nor Canadian challengers who strived to take my trophy. Sorry folks.
I became a Canadian icon, speaking for the excellence of the fishing and shipbuilding industries in Nova Scotia. I also made my appearance at the Century of Progress at the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933. Canada’s dime has me proudly displayed on the coin since 1937. I was lost to sea when hitting a reef near Haiti in 1946.
Bluenose II: Reconstructed
After my construction in 1963, my day of launch, I was known as the Bluenose II with an accompanying building cost of $24 million. I was constructed by many of those who had worked on my original self in the Lunenburg shipyard. I was financed by Oland Brewery, established in 1907, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Captain Walters again set sail on my maiden voyage. I’m Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador and proud of it.
Bluenose II was not constructed exactly the same as the Bluenose, not a plank for plank replica, yet my masts, spars, rigging, and sails were used in restoration. I’m a representation of the skills of my province’s best boat builders (shipwrights).
In 1971, I was gifted to the Nova Scotia government, which speaks well of my iconic image. I now serve the tourism industry with cruises and deck tours twice a day when in port. I spend my winters in my home port of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Did I mention that I have one of the largest mainsails in the world (386 square meters)?
As a property of the province, there were thoughts of having me scuttled in 1994. Thankfully, I’m still here to carry on as “Sailing Ambassador” for the province. I should also mention that I had a small piece of an Academy Award. Two scenes were shot on board in the making of The Barbarian Invasions by Montreal film company Cinemaginaire Inc. This film won the Best Foreign Film Award in 2004. So, all that has been said about me, I will fulfill the role graciously bestowed upon me. I am a true Nova Scotia born and reared: Bluenose II and proud of it. I won’t disappoint.