Bluenose II Promotes Nova Scotia

The Bluenose II arrived in Norfolk, VA this week for the 30th annual Norfolk Harborfest beginning today, June 9. It is one of many ports of call the schooner will make to promote Nova Scotia's marine heritage and tourism opportunities.

"The original Bluenose raced many American ships off New England's coast and the good-hearted rivalry between neighbours is part of our connection to this important tourism market," said Kelliann Dean, deputy minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "The Bluenose II helps us promote Nova Scotia's seacoast culture and experiences tourists can have here."

During the three-day event in Norfolk, the ship will open for tours and join other vessels, including numerous tall ships, in a parade of sail.

The Bluenose II sailing schedule is designed to help promote Nova Scotia in key tourism markets. The ship is carrying provincial tourism materials such as the Doers and Dreamers Guide to share with potential tourists.

"With the Bluenose II, we're bringing Nova Scotia into the New England market now so it's fresh in people's minds as they make travel plans to follow us back for a visit later in the summer and fall," said Wayne Walters, director of operations for the Lunenburg Marine Museum Society which operates the vessel. "What better way to promote the province than with a national icon."

Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador will spend June making ports of call in New England. It will return to Nova Scotia for most of the remaining season, ending in Lunenburg on Sept. 30.

Landlubbers can go online and follow the Bluenose II's adventures as it sails from port to port. The schooner's sailing schedule and Capt. Phil Watson's log are both available at http://museum.gov.ns.ca/bluenose .