More than 100,000 visitors from around the world were able to experience the Bluenose II this summer, which has completed her 2017 summer sailing season.
During the sailing season, which began on June 10, the Bluenose II welcomed 108,095 deck passengers. This is an increase from last year’s total of 54,994 visitors. The Bluenose II mobile exhibit saw 25,478 visitors.
The sailing season also included 70 harbour cruises, 65 scheduled public cruises and five specialty cruises.
“I am proud of the successful season the Bluenose II had this year,” said Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. “As one of our most important provincial icons, she was in great demand from ports across Canada and the United States, and remains a source of pride for Nova Scotians and Canadians everywhere.”
During the Canada 150 sailing season, the Bluenose II visited Boston, Lunenburg, Pictou, Gaspé, La Baie Saguenay, Quebec City, Halifax, Sydney and Digby.
The ship also led the Halifax Parade of Sail during the Rendez-Vous Tall Ships Regatta 2017, and welcomed the prime minister and his family during her visit to Quebec City.
“2017 has proven to be a wonderful year for Bluenose II and her crew,” said Phil Watson, captain of the Bluenose II. “We re-established the ships connection to New England while visiting Boston and Gloucester and strengthened our historical ties with ports along the St Lawrence River.
“We are looking forward to building on this season’s successes in the summer of 2018.”
To read more about the history of the original Bluenose and Bluenose II, visit the Nova Scotia Archives website https://archives.novascotia.ca/
Source: Release