GLOBAL INTEREST IN BLUENOSE IV
Nov 24th, 2007 by Brian Hurlburt
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GLOBAL INTEREST IN BLUENOSE IV
DARTMOUTH, NS (November 19, 2007) - The keel for BLUENOSE IV is still months from being laid and she is already stirring global attention in her legacy, and her home.
“We continue to be most pleased with the interest in our venture,” said Joan Roué, founder of Queen of the North Atlantic Enterprises and great-granddaughter of BLUENOSE designer William James Roué. “In just the last few weeks we have heard from BLUENOSE aficionado’s in France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain; points in the U.S. stemming north to south from Maine to Florida and east to west from Virginia to California; and from all across Canada, including Nunavut.”
Queen of the North Atlantic Enterprises is engaged in the process of building - and eventual operation - of BLUENOSE IV, a second replica of the famed schooner BLUENOSE. The venture will offer significant cultural, heritage, economic and educational benefits - both regionally and nationally, during the construction phase and beyond - with education being the common thread through each and every element of the venture.
“The interest is all-encompassing,” said Roué. “We have had communication with regard to the construction process, the apprenticeship program and the sail training program; as well as historical offerings and tales of familial connections with the BLUENOSE legacy.”
One of the recent phone calls was with a gentleman from Alberta who in 1963, as a child, had visited the construction site of BLUENOSE II with his family. He recollected that, along with his brother and sister, being able to touch the vessel that day as a most memorable moment in his life. When he learned he could soon enjoy the same experience with his children and grandchildren at the public construction site of BLUENOSE IV, he was almost speechless and then declared he would plan a three-generation family vacation to Nova Scotia during the two-year build process of the 143′ schooner.
“This is typical of the emotion and enthusiasm exhibited time and time again,” continued Roué. “It is humbling to know so many share our passion for aiding in the perpetual preservation of the BLUENOSE legacy.”
Just as rewarding is the interest generated by the wooden shipbuilding apprenticeship program to be offered in conjunction with the construction of BLUENOSE IV.
“In the embryonic stages of this venture we realized the importance of building this vessel soon so that it can be done in Nova Scotia, while still maintaining the integrity of the design,” said Roué, a seventh-generation Nova Scotian. “We realized that window is closing very quickly, and the idea of building a BLUENOSE replica anywhere other than here - likely in the U.S. - was absurd to us, hence our decision to move forward post haste. Now, through our apprenticeship program, we will use the construction of BLUENOSE IV as a catalyst to help preserve an element of Nova Scotia heritage and industry with even deeper maritime roots than BLUENOSE: that of wooden shipbuilding.”
Both Queen of the North Atlantic Enterprises and Snyder’s Shipyard - builders of BLUENOSE IV - have had a steady stream of inquiries from those wishing to participate in the construction of the schooner, indeed in Building History for the Future.
“They are teenagers to grandparents - some interested in learning the trade, others in the Vacation Workshop - and from all over the world.” said Roué. “Including a fellow who has visited the Canadian Consulate in Vienna to learn the process involved in moving to Nova Scotia to allow his participation.”
In his words: “…sounds dramatic that I would leave everything behind, but it is just like that.”
And so it seems BLUENOSE and her legacy remains both mysterious and iconic in their attraction.
The keel laying ceremony for BLUENOSE IV is July 1 - Canada Day - 2008 in Dayspring, located in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg between the towns of Bridgewater and Lunenburg. Details for the celebration, expected to be weekend-long, will be announced as available.
About Snyder’s Shipyard
Snyder’s Shipyard is located on the beautiful LaHave River in Dayspring, Nova Scotia. Since the yard opened in 1876, it has produced over 200 vessels of all sizes and types of construction, and repaired countless others. Snyder’s Shipyard is a proud member of the Nova Scotia Boatbuilder’s Association, with shipwrights certified as mentors to train wooden shipbuilders for the future. To learn more about Snyder’s Shipyard please visit www.SchoonerBluenose.ca or call 902.543.8323.
About Queen of the North Atlantic Enterprises
Queen of the North Atlantic Enterprises was formed in 2006 to aid in the perpetual preservation of the BLUENOSE legacy, beginning with the construction of a second replica of the Canadian icon, to be named BLUENOSE IV. A national interactive fundraising campaign and public construction site will allow as many as possible to participate in the venture, again creating everlasting bonds to the BLUENOSE legacy in Building History for the Future. For more information please visit us online at www.SchoonerBluenose.ca or call 902.444.0703.
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For YarmouthCounty.com, this has been Brian Hurlburt, and I invite you to Make it a great day!
Sincerely,
Brian Hurlburt
customerservice@yarmouthcounty.com
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