Bluenose II Side Transfer Starts

Bluenose II is making another key move toward its relaunch as it begins the move to the slipway today, Aug. 23.

Over the next few days, Bluenose II will slowly travel sideways from its renovation to the marine slipway for relaunch. The temporary shelter was removed last week.

The province is expected to announce an official relaunch date soon.

"This is the first time a side transfer of this type has happened in Lunenburg," said Peter Kinley of the Lunenburg Shipbuilding Alliance.

Mr. Kinley said a number of components will be installed on Bluenose II after the move to the 12,000 tonne marine railway.

The public can watch the work from outside the construction site security fence on the Lunenburg waterfront. The visitor's centre is also open for visits.

People from around the world can also continue to watch as a webcam streams the action on the Internet. There have been more than two million visits to the cam since it went online in December 2010.

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

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