News Release Archive
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM--SOCIETY TO OVERSEE TALL SHIPS VISIT
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Nova Scotia will add to its rich maritime heritage when the
largest ever fleet of international tall ships gather in the
summer of 2000 for The Race of the Century.
A board of directors has now been named to head a private
non-profit society to oversee the event.
The 12-member Tall Ships Nova Scotia Society, to be chaired by
Alan Abraham, has been appointed by the minister of economic
development and tourism, Richie Mann, in consultation with the
federal and municipal governments.
"We've selected exceptional people who have repeatedly
demonstrated their commitment to the province," Mr. Mann said
today. "I'm pleased they've accepted the challenge of organizing
this signature event, which will add to our province's
international reputation as an outstanding host and organizer."
Mr. Abraham, a former Nova Scotia lieutenant-governor, welcomed
his appointment: "I'm excited about the Tall Ships 2000 visit.
It's a thrill and an honor to be a part of it. Anyone who
participated in the 1984 Tall Ships visit knows such events are
very exciting. This one promises to be even bigger."
Joining Abraham are vice-chairs Thomas J. Hayes, president of
Halifax Enterprise Ltd., and John Jay, president of Novaport
Vaughan.
Directors are:
- John Carter, partner, Ernst and Young
- Annette Marshall, chair, Waterfront Development Corp. Ltd.
- Stewart McInnes, partner, McInnes Cooper and Roberston; former
federal cabinet minister.
- Senator Wilfred Moore, partner, Chandler Moore
- Graham Read, president, Nova Scotia Yachting Association
- Heather Robertson, chair, Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board
- Merv Russell, chair, Halifax Port Corp.
- Fred Smithers, president, Secunda Marine Services
- Robert Stapells, businessman
- Roland Thornhill, consultant; former deputy premier and
provincial cabinet minister
- Fred Were (ex officio), president, Waterfront Development Corp.
"I'm especially pleased to be working with such a distinguished
and talented group of Nova Scotians," said Abraham. "We've
gathered together a phenomenal group and I personally feel we can
accomplish anything."
Tall Ships 2000 is expected to bring together a fleet of more
than 150 square-rigged and other sail training vessels from
across Europe, South America and the United States. Thousands of
young people from around the world will participate in the
four-month transatlantic adventure. The event is being organized
by the British-based International Sail Training Association with
the American Sail Training Association for North American ports.
"We're very excited and proud to be joining other ports of call
to host an event of this magnitude," said Mr. Mann. "The impact
of the Tall Ships 2000 visit will be extremely significant from a
cultural, historic and economic point of view."
While the Tall Ships Society is principally responsible for the
year 2000 visit, it will also play a part in other tall ship
visits scheduled between now and 2000.
For example, the Matthew, a 22-metre reproduction of John Cabot's
ship, will sail Nova Scotia waters this year, Aug. 17-29. The
Matthew visit is part of a three-month journey that retraces
Cabot's voyage. Some tall ships are also expected in 1999 for
Halifax's 250th anniversary celebrations.
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Contact: Angela Poirier
Economic Development and Tourism
902-424-1593
Fred Were
Waterfront Development Corp.
902-422-6591
trp Apr. 29, 1997 - 4:20 p.m.
