Frequently asked questions

Where does the Bluenose II dock?

The Bluenose II docks in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Lunenburg was designated a World Heritage Site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1995. Lunenburg and Quebec City are the only two urban sites in North America.

When was the Bluenose II launched?

July 24, 1963. Click on the video at right to watch the Bluenose II being launched.

Is the Bluenose II the same as the Bluenose?

The two ships were built from the identical plans as Bluenose, in the same shipyard of Smith and Rhuland and by some of the same men. It is identical to Bluenose in design of hull, rigging and sail plan. The ship features the largest working mainsail in the world, measuring 4,150 square feet (386 m²). Total sail area measures over 11,000 square feet (1036 m²).

Does the Bluenose II race?

Bluenose II does not race, as there is no desire to tamper with the fame and glory won by Bluenose.

What does the Bluenose II do?

Voyages to various Canadian and US ports are used to promote Nova Scotia tourism and trade development. In the summer months Bluenose II visits festivals and events at seaports around Nova Scotia, and provides unique public sailings and charters.

Where might have I seen pictures of the Bluenose?

The image of the Bluenose has graced the Canadian dime since 1937. She was the subject of a Canadian stamp in 1929, and Captain Angus J. Walters was so honored in 1988, as was W.J. Roué in 1998. Mr. Roué, the Bluenose and Captain Angus J. Walters have been inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame for their achievements in the International Fishermen's Trophy races.

Where does the name originate?

Legends about this abound. Historians say it was the name given to crewmmen aboard the schooners that carried blue-skinned potatoes grown in Nova Scotia to the Boston market in the mid 1780's onwards. Fishermen were superstitious not to wear coloured mittens. Yet, one story is that the name originated from the blue dye markings left on their noses after wiping with their homemade woollen mittens worn when they fished in dories on the cold North Atlantic.

Why isn't the schooner blue?

Bluenose II has always been black (as was Bluenose).

Who owns Bluenose II?

It was sold to the government of Nova Scotia for $1 in 1971 by the Oland family of Halifax, and represents Nova Scotia as a sailing goodwill ambassador.

Who operates the Bluenose II?

The ship is operated by the Lunenburg Marine Museum Society.

How many people sail in the Bluenose II?

A complement of 18 makes up the co-ed crew, consisting of 5 officers, a chief cook, and 12 deckhands. Instructions to the seamen and cadets in the traditional skills of seamanship is an important task of the Officers of Bluenose II.   All crew members live on board during the ship's six-month season.

What kind of wood is used?

The masts, booms, gaffs, and deck are made of Douglas Fir. The deck hatches, skylights and structures are made of mahogany and the hull is red oak, spruce and pine.

How fast can she go?

The top speed logged under sail is 16 knots.

Why does the wheel face backwards?

The wheel doesn't face backwards. The helmsman stands to one side and faces forward.

I am building a model of the Bluenose/Bluenose II. Where can I get drawings or plans to help me?

In 1970, the owners at the time commissioned noted marine artist and historic illustrator, Commander L.B. Jenson, RCN (Ret'd), and asked him if he would produce a set of plans that would record accurately all the dimensions, hull, sail plan and rigging details. After three and a half years of work the "Jensen Plans" were completed. The original portfolio of plans (32 plates) was published in 1975 as a limited edition of 1,000 copies, and has been sold out for years. In 1994, the plans were adapted and expanded to produce a table top book. The book is available in the Ship's Store.

Next: Visit the Bluenose II