Bluenose II Work Takes Another Important Step

The restoration of Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador Bluenose II reached another milestone today, Sept. 9, as the last plank, known as the whiskey plank, was attached to the vessel's hull.

Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson was joined by local officials and employees of the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance on the Lunenburg waterfront for the event.

"The innovation and skill of our master boatbuilders is ensuring Bluenose II will keep our proud marine heritage alive for residents and visitors alike," said Mr. Wilson. "This helps the companies involved to compete for future work that can create economic opportunities for Nova Scotians."

A visitors centre is providing daily tours of the construction site on the town's waterfront. There has been a steady flow of people taking advantage of the unique opportunity to see the Nova Scotia icon being restored.

"As this project has unfolded here in Lunenburg, the world has had a front row seat to history being rebuilt," said Mr. Wilson. "Many visitors have seen the tremendous skill and pride of our skilled Nova Scoria boatbuilders as Bluenose II's legacy is renewed for decades to come."

A consortium of three Nova Scotia boatbuilders, the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance is leading the construction of the schooner.

The restoration of Bluenose II is being funded by both the provincial and federal governments.

The federal government is contributing almost $5 million through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for hull reconstruction that will be completed by Oct. 31. The work involves replacing the wood hull, frames and planking of the ship with improved laminated wood frames and conventional planking materials using traditional boat building methods.

Information about the Bluenose II restoration and links to webcams streaming images can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/cch/bluenose/.

FOR BROADCAST:

The restoration of Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador Bluenose

II reached another milestone today (September 9th) as the last

plank, known as the whiskey plank, was attached to the vessel's

hull.

The project is funded by the provincial and federal

governments and is taking place on the Lunenburg waterfront

where the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance is using rot-resistant wood

and modern techniques to restore the iconic vessel.

Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson says

the project is assuring the future of Bluenose II and helping the

companies involved compete for future work.