Discover Nova Scotia’s Bluenose II

The Bluenose II, Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador, is a faithful replica of her famous mother, the original Bluenose schooner that was launched in 1921. She raced undefeated in international competition for 17 years, and today appears on the Canadian dime (10-cent piece). Like her mother before her, the Bluenose II sails out of her home port and birth place, Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

Bluenose II Sailing Schedule

The Bluenose II’s sailing season runs from June 1 to September 30 each year, and she winters in her home port of Lunenburg. To plan your visit or to book your sailing cruise aboard the Bluenose II, please view the current sailing schedule for available dates and times.

History of the Bluenose

The original Bluenose was built in Lunenburg’s legendary Smith and Rhuland Shipyard to compete for the International Fisherman’s Trophy. In October 1921, the Bluenose won her first race, and for the next 17 years, she defeated all contenders. In 1928, the Bluenose defeated the Thebaud in the final race series and was named Queen of the North Atlantic fishing fleet. The Bluenose had become the pride of Nova Scotians, and in 1937, the Canadian dime was changed to include an image of the mighty ship.

In 1942, despite the efforts of Bluenose Master, Captain Angus J. Walters and others to keep the ship in Nova Scotia, the vessel was sold to the West Indian Trading Company. Four years later the Bluenose struck a Haitian reef and sank.

Building the Bluenose II

In 1963, the Bluenose II was built from the same plans as the original Bluenose. Like her mother, she was built in the Smith and Rhuland shipyard by some of the same men. The Bluenose II was sold to the government of Nova Scotia for $1 in 1971 by the Oland family of Halifax and has served as Nova Scotia’s tall ship sailing ambassador ever since. The original Bluenose and her captain, Angus J. Walters, were inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1955.