Bluenose II unlikely to sail this summer due to issue with rudder
Reporter
Wednesday, June 25, 2014, 5:59 PM -
If you were hoping to catch a glimpse of Canada's most well known sailing vessel this summer, your best bet still may be the back of a dime.
Recent sea trials on the Bluenose II have revealed ongoing problems with the steering -- an issue the government says will take time and a pretty penny to repair.
The iconic Bluenose II has been undergoing restoration for years in Lunenburg. The vessel was launched into the water for the first time with its mast fully in tact back in September.
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Bluenose enthusiasts and many Nova Scotians had hoped to see it sailing by this summer, but there have been a number of setbacks -- including a new steel rudder that is too heavy to steer, weighing over 3000 kilograms.
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The government said following sea trials Tuesday that the Bluenose II would need a hydraulic system to make it possible for sailors to easily turn the heavy steel rudder. The trial was supposed to happen last month, but it was cancelled at the last minute because of missing paperwork.
The restoration project is now two years overdue and running a cost of $19 million dollars – about $5 million over the original budget.
With files from The Canadian Press
