Maritime Museum to Launch Restored Boat

A 60-year-old boat will sail once again after being painstakingly restored over the past year by Eamonn Doorly, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic's resident boat builder.

The 1946 S-Class Sloop, re-named Valkyrie, will be officially launched at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, from the beach in Second Peninsula, Lunenburg Co.

When Valkyrie was donated to the museum it was in poor condition. The museum gathered all the documents regarding the vessel's original materials and construction and, thanks to Mr. Doorly's expertise, completely rebuilt Valkyrie as close to its original specifications as was practical.

The 29-foot sloop was one of six identical boats designed and built by the late David Stevens of Second Peninsula, Lunenburg Co. During his career, Mr. Stevens established an international reputation for his boat designs and craftsmanship.

"He was such a prolific boat builder," said Mr. Doorly. "His designs were a perfect blend of function and beauty."

As a way of honouring this important Nova Scotian, the museum chose to launch Valkyrie from the same beach that Mr. Stevens launched it from 60 years ago.

Members of the Stevens family and the current owners of the five other S-Class vessels will join Mr. Doorly and museum staff for the launch.

The beach is located on Second Peninsula Road in Lunenburg County, about 10 kilometres southeast of Mahone Bay.