Maritime Museum Replaces 72-foot Foremast

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic replaced the 72-foot foremast aboard the museum's historic vessel, C.S.S. Acadia, today, June 21.

Hoisted into the air by a crane and guided by museum staff, the new foremast slid through two of the ship's deck levels and, finally, was successfully rested in its step.

It has been 57-years since the last replacement and the new foremast, which was constructed by Covey Island Boat Works in Lunenburg County, is an exact historical replica of the original.

"This represents a significant investment in the Maritime Museum's stewardship of C.S.S Acadia," said Eamonn Doorly, the museum's boat builder.

Built in 1913, Acadia was the first vessel specifically designed to survey Canada's northern waters, and it has sailed from the dangerous, ice-infested waters of Hudson's Bay to Nova Scotia's South Shore.

Acadia is the only surviving ship that served the Royal Canadian Navy during both world wars, and is the only vessel still afloat to have survived the Halifax Explosion.

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