Bluenose II Moves Closer to Relaunch

Nova Scotia is a step closer to welcoming back Bluenose II as sailing ambassador with the start of the removal of the temporary shelter tomorrow, June 7, at the Lunenburg construction site.

The shelter is being dismantled to allow Bluenose II to be moved to an adjacent marine slipway for relaunch later this summer. During this phase, side transfer tracks are also being installed to allow the vessel to move into position for relaunch.

"Excitement is building as Bluenose II prepares for her return to the water this summer," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra. "The fantastic work of the craftspeople restoring this Nova Scotia icon will continue to shine as the project moves closer to completion."

Safety requirements means the public can view the work outside the security fence at the construction site on the Lunenburg waterfront. The visitor's centre at the site will remain open to accommodate public visits.

Webcams providing Internet users from around the world with a view of the work have been repositioned and will continue to stream images until Bluenose II goes back in the water. There have been more than two million visits to the webcams since they began broadcasting in December 2010.

"All Nova Scotians can proudly celebrate the hard work and innovation required to restore Bluenose II. It is a stellar example of the ingenuity and continued ability of Nova Scotians to deliver on a major project," said Mr. Preyra. "This helps the companies involved to compete for future work that can create economic opportunities and good jobs for Nova Scotians."

The project is being carried out by the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance, a new company owned by Snyder's Shipyard, Lunenburg Industrial Foundry and Engineering and Covey Island Boatworks.

"The passion and dedication our team has put into the restoration of Bluenose II is unprecedented. It is certainly the crowning achievement for the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance and each of our companies," said Al Hutchinson, president of Covey Island Boatworks and a director of the alliance. "It's an experience we have shared with the world and will share with our children and grandchildren for generations."

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

Details of the relaunch for Bluenose II and a redesigned website for the sailing icon will be announced later in June.

Links to the webcams streaming images of the restoration are available at www.novascotiawebcams.com .