Photo: Bluenose launch, Lunenburg, March 16, 1921 by WR MacAskill (NS Archives)
It’s a centennial anniversary for Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador.
It was 100 years ago the famed Bluenose Schooner was launched in Lunenburg. Hundreds of people descended on the town to watch the christening of the vessel at 10 a.m. on March 26, 1921.
Fast forward a century later and celebrations are planned to mark the milestone.
Bluenose 100 Anniversary Committee Chair Alan Creaser says it’s important to recognize the anniversary because so many people can relate to the schooner’s story.
“The Bluenose story is one that resonated with Nova Scotians and Canadians. It’s part of our community and it’s part of our history and culture in Nova Scotia,” said Creaser. “It’s truly a national story.”
An icon then. An icon now. This, is Bluenose 100.🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦⚓️Images: Nova Scotia Archives / Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
Posted by Bluenose 100 on Friday, March 26, 2021
The Bluenose was constructed by Smith and Rhuland in Lunenburg and was a celebrated racing ship and fishing vessel.
The original vessel had a crew of 20 and its hull was painted black. The ship was designed by William James Roué and it took 97 days for it to be built at a cost of roughly $35,000.
Adjusted for inflation that’s over $460,000 in 2021 dollars
Creaser says the committee began its work in 2019 but had to change its course with plans to celebrate the anniversary due to COVID-19 and now the anniversary is being marked with a virtual event.
“The event which will feature speeches by descendants of those who worked and sailed on the original vessel, local historians, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, national partners and dignitaries,” explained Creaser.
To celebrate @Bluenose_100 we've been learning about the history of the @SailBluenoseII all week! The students researched the schooner and Captain Angus Walters, wrote poems and painted their own schooner! @AlKreaser @ssrce_nes pic.twitter.com/Yu5NyQmfW1
— Ali Creaser (@ms_creaser) March 25, 2021
The schooner was nicknamed the “Queen of the North Atlantic” before it wrecked in 1946. It was later commemorated by a replica, Bluenose II in 1963.
The virtual celebration takes place Friday morning.
