Boat Launchings Continue A Centuries-Old Tradition

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Nova Scotia Sea School will continue a centuries-old maritime tradition on Saturday, July 3, by hosting an official launching party for two new vessels.

The 27-foot (8.1 metres) sloop Windekilde and the 30-foot (nine metres) pulling boat Elizabeth Hall will be blessed and christened before they slide down the ways. The ceremony will take place on the museum's wharf -- between the CSS Acadia and HMCS Sackville -- at 11 a.m.

Windekilde is a replica of one of the oldest boats in the museum's collection, Marila, a Tancook sloop which dates from 1895. The Windekilde was named in tribute of the museum's founding director Niels Windekilde Jannasch, who died in 2001.

"The naming of a vessel for a greatly respected friend or a much- loved family member has been a common tradition for generations of boat-builders," said Calum Ewing, director of operations for the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. "We couldn't think of a more fitting manner in which to honour both his memory and the tremendous legacy left all Nova Scotians by Niels."

With the launch of Elizabeth Hall, the Nova Scotia Sea School will have completed its 12th boat and newest expedition vessel. "Built with teenage help and sailed by teenage crews, it will help today's youth learn the lessons the sea has taught for generations," said Crane Stookey, founder of the sea school.

The boat is named for a young woman who grew up with her captain father at sea in the 19th century. At age 20, Elizabeth took command of the ship and brought the crew home safely after her father contracted smallpox.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is located at 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax.