Bluenose II Masts Going Back in Place

The Bluenose II has reached another important milestone, as the masts of Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador are once again being put in place.

MLA Pam Birdsall, on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra, joined Bluenose II Captain Phil Watson in Lunenburg today, Oct. 18, to kick off the placement of the schooner’s masts, a process called stepping.

“The whole world has watched as the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance used traditional skills and modern techniques to bring Bluenose II back to her glory,” said Ms. Birdsall. “I am looking forward to seeing her sail again in 2013 reminding us all that ships start here.”

“The Bluenose II is of great significance to Nova Scotians and to all Canadians as a testimony of Canadian seafaring craftsmanship,” said MP Gerald Keddy, on behalf of Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia and Minister of National Defence. “The government of Canada was pleased to participate in the restoration of this icon of our nautical history.”

Stepping the masts involves using heavy equipment to lift and insert the masts into place. In keeping with tradition, coins will be inserted in the masts as they are stepped. Each mast will have two coins, a 2012 silver dollar and a special commemorative coin made by Amos Pewter in Mahone Bay.

Placing coins under masts is believed to date from ancient Rome when it was considered good luck.

“It’s exciting to see Bluenose II come back to life as a tribute to Nova Scotia’s proud sailing and boat building traditions,” said Mr. Watson. “I’m looking forward to welcoming the world back onboard her next year.”

The masts are the same ones from before the restoration, made of Douglas fir from British Columbia. The Bluenose II will receive its rigging and sails this spring before touring Nova Scotian communities for the first time since the restoration began.

Thousands of Nova Scotians showed their pride by being on hand for the historic relaunch of the ship in Lunenburg on Sept. 29. They were joined by viewers watching online and have continued to learn about Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador at http://bluenose.novascotia.ca.

The federal government has invested up to $4,937,500 toward eligible restoration costs for Bluenose II through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The province has invested about $11 million in the restoration project.