Bluenose II heads back to the water
Friday, September 6, 2013, 8:03 PM -
More than three years after it was hauled out of the water to be restored, the Bluenose II has headed back to the water.
Government spokesman Glenn Friel says the rebuilt replica of famous fishing schooner will then undergo lengthy sea trials to make sure it is seaworthy.
Unlike the official relaunch last September, there was little fanfare Friday morning -- but a crowd turned out to see the vessel hit the water once again.
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Friel says the last major task in the $16-million refit was to install the schooner's steel rudder.
The province initially thought the wooden model would be reused, but the American Bureau of Shipping insisted it be replaced with a steel version.
It remains unclear when the ship will resume its role as the province's sailing ambassador.
