Work on Bluenose II Attracts Global Audience

The restoration of Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador Bluenose II is attracting worldwide attention on the Lunenburg waterfront and work on the provincial icon is hitting high gear, the province announced today, Feb. 9.

Work to replace the vessel's hull has begun at the construction site on the Lunenburg waterfront by the consortium of Nova Scotia companies carrying out the restoration. Using modern wooden boat building methods and Angelique timber for strength, the keel and frames are being laid and the hull is expected to be substantially completed by the end of March.

"With the ingenuity and experience of these Nova Scotia boat builders, and the leadership of government, Bluenose II will carry on as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador for years to come," said Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage David Wilson. "This is raising the profile of Nova Scotia's proud shipbuilding heritage and opening our traditions to a new generation of Nova Scotians and visitors to our province."

"The Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance is honoured to have been selected for what is likely the most significant maritime restoration underway anywhere in the world. This project represents a tremendous opportunity to showcase a blend of traditional and more advanced methods of shipbuilding," said Alan Hutchinson, general manager of Covery Island Boatworks and a director with the alliance.

"One objective is to ensure the heightened activity and increased employment on Lunenburg's waterfront is sustainable. We hope to accomplish this by attracting other, similar restorations, refits or new builds to Lunenburg and our new facility."

Public access to the project is being provided by three webcams streaming non-stop video of the work to a worldwide audience. A visitor centre at the construction site offers guided tours of the project.

The webcams have attracted attention to the project from as far away as Kuwait.

"It's exciting to see Bluenose II continuing to raise awareness about Nova Scotia as the restoration project proceeds," said Wayne Walters, director of operations for the Lunenburg Marine Museum Society, which operates the boat for the province. "This is strengthening her role as our sailing ambassador and bringing positive attention to the province and the town of Lunenburg."

The province will launch a website in the coming weeks that will make it easier to learn about the project and monitor the work. It will provide access to the webcams, feature historical information about Bluenose II, and offer a blog by Mr. Walters.

"It's not very often that a traditional boat-building project of this scale takes place in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Wilson. "We want Nova Scotians and the world to be able to see this provincial and national icon take shape."

The province announced plans, valued at $14.8 million, for the restoration in May 2009. The provincial and federal governments are funding the restoration, with the $4.8-million federal contribution coming from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

The webcams broadcasting from the Lunenburg construction site can be found at www.novascotiawebcams.com/south-shore/bluenose-ii.html .