At a time of economic strife and woe the world over, it would seem that we possess the magic pill and it worked for us in 1921 and yet again in 1963 when Bluenose and Bluenose II slid down the ways into Lunenburg harbour.
The magic of those eventful launchings exists today and must be taken advantage of and not ignored. This is evidenced in the global interest in the mystique of Bluenose and in the daily sailings of Bluenose II where thousands tread her decks every year and revel in the spirit of a small town that has accomplished so much from such humble beginnings in 1753.
To build again a Bluenose is to attract global attention, bringing tourists, sailors and aficionados alike to our shores to witness and yes, even to participate in a world-class event called "The Art and Craft of Wooden Boatbuilding, A Not-Forgotten Art Form."
Available to us is the original Smith and Rhuland Shipyard (now dormant) where both Bluenose ships were constructed 88 and 48 years ago respectively. As well, the original plans are also on record.
Although Bluenose was built in only 97 days from keel to launch, in itself an incredible feat, it is contemplated that a new Bluenose would be built over several years to tap the interest of the masses. She would be constructed largely by an army of volunteers ably led by our own shipbuilding community. Visitors from far flung corners coming to visit, to work and perhaps to stay forever as the lure of Bluenose beckons.
Oh, to live long enough to be part of such a majestic spectacle that it causes the hair to rise on my arms and neck with the thrill of it all. Picture if you will, in that tiny theatre of the mind, a truly great ship rising in the stocks, the assembly of the wood in the yard selected from far and near, the sound of the mill at work sawing the boards, the toil of the quasi-shipwrights as they fit plank to ribs and fasten it all home with 20,000 treenails (trunnels) held and locked securely forever with their oak wedges.
Imagine too, the tingle of excitement of the crowds who come to watch and celebrate as Bluenose once again takes shape using the same plans and in the same shipyard where she was originally born. It was Bluenose that brought such recognition and fame to this little fishing village on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.
As the lifespan of Bluenose II draws ever nigh our new ship would be ready at the time of retirement of Bluenose II and should be so timed. In support of this proposition reference could be made to the story of the Spirit of South Carolina (visit http://www.scmaritime.org), a 141-foot LOA schooner. It had ups and downs, who does not, but was ultimately completed largely by volunteers in an outdoor setting with a canvas rooftop in a field nearby Charleston harbour. It came in at a cost of some $7 million.
Yes, of course South Carolina is admittedly a warmer clime, some may say arguably, but recall that Bluenose was built entirely outdoors in the dead of a Nova Scotian winter. Again, what a feat. By men who go unheralded to this day.
In summation, let us agree that Lunenburg can build ships. That is the focus to take us into the future. What an opportunity as it beckons on our very own coastline, what a coup! Can it be done? Yes, yes. Yes, it really can be, but we must get to it right away for time, that essential commodity along with expertise, will not always be on our side.
Lunenburg should always have a tall ship and that tall ship must always be Bluenose. Pie in the sky you say - so was the lunar landing, but it was done.
Let us hear from you, now.
Allan Browne
Lunenburg