Boatbuilders Association Newsletter March 2011 NovaNova ScotiaScotia BoatbuilderBoatbuilder

Bluenose II

Bluenose II schooner restoration that will last long after the schooner is Jeff Robar is a recently certified Boat sailing once again.” Builder whose grandfather was one In an impressive new clearspan of the builders of the original building on the Lunenburg Three well-known and experienced Bluenose II in the early 1960s. As waterfront, the restoration of Nova Scotia boatbuilding companies part of the team rebuilding Bluenose Bluenose II, Canada‟s sailing (all members of the NSBA) II, Jeff said that he‟s well aware of ambassador, is taking shape. Though incorporated a new joint-venture the history that‟s literally being made still in the early stages, the rebuilt company in 2010, the Lunenburg before his very eyes. keel and frame structure is now Shipyard Alliance, and that alliance clearly recognizable as being that of was awarded the contract for the famous schooner from Nova reconstructing Bluenose II. The three Scotia – a design originally from the companies are Lunenburg Industrial drawing board of William J. Roué Foundry & Engineering, Covey Island (1879-1970), the Halifax-born, self- Boatworks, and Snyder‟s Shipyard. taught naval architect who designed The Bluenose II project is the first of Bluenose, her replica Bluenose II, many that the LSA plans to undertake and numerous other sailing ships, jointly, and the combined technical yachts and vessels of all descriptions. assets and skills that the alliance offers will be extremely enticing to vessel owners when marketed around the world for refitting, repairing and converting large sailing and motor vessels. The restoration involves designers and project managers from across Nova Scotia and, Mr. Edwards said, it Bluenose II is a “great boost for the industry in Bluenose II construction site in Lunenburg, NS terms of training young people, The schooner is being restored with maintaining existing jobs, and traditional Nova Scotian care and Tim Edwards, Executive Director of creating new ones.” craftsmanship, but with new building the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Already, four apprentices from Nova approaches that will make it stronger Association, said that the restoration Scotia‟s Boat Builder Apprenticeship and safer than ever before. One of Bluenose II is a huge asset for program are working on the project example of new hull construction Nova Scotia‟s boatbuilding industry. and it‟s expected that more will be technology being used is in the hull “The Bluenose II project is a big help involved as restoration proceeds over frames. Unlike in years gone by, to our promotional efforts at home the next 18 months. These young when each frame was made from a and abroad,” he explained. “We‟ve craftspeople represent the next few large pieces of sawn lumber, the had many visitors coming to our generation of boatbuilders in Nova new frames are made by laminating booth at the recent , Scotia. veneers of angelique together with Montreal, and Halifax boat shows epoxy resin. This results in a much asking about it.” stronger structure. “The reconstruction of Bluenose II is The general public can view the the single biggest project going on in progress in person from a public Nova Scotia‟s viewing gallery located in the boat-building building. Anyone wanting to view the Special points of industry right restoration on site is asked to check interest: now,” he in at the visitors‟ centre at the  Bluenose II added, “and it construction site on the Lunenburg has brought waterfront.  Touch and Go with it benefits Apprentice working on Bluenose II restoration. www.thelsa.ca Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association, 1496 Lower Water Street, Suite 330, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 3R5 Tel: 902.423.2378 Fax: 902.423.2379 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.nsboats.com Pa ge 2 Nova Scotia Boatbuilder Ma rch 2011 Touch and Go YachtSmiths International work that is done at Tim Horton‟s motor with battery charging via a manufactures Canada Game medals Camps across the country. 24VDC flexible solar panel mounted on the bimini. The boat moves easily in Dartmouth-based boatbuilder “The thought of campers at the light airs and is stable and responsive YachtSmiths International used their Tatamagouche camp having a blast in a stiff breeze. custom sailing and rowing in an authentic boat- Lunenburg dory this summer, and for www.norseboat.com summers to come, is very exciting for building Public eagerly follows twin us.” skills to schooner build manu- The camp program at Tatamagouche, The company building two 48-foot facture emphasizes the experience of some wooden schooners on the waterfront “Maritime living and heritage.” unique at Lunenburg knows there‟s a lot of items for Camp officials felt the addition of a public interest in the project. But even the Brian Smyth & Dave Canning with the sailing dory was a great fit for their they were surprised at the stir caused Canada Canada Games medals program. “They‟re definitely an ideal by a mock up of the aft cabin. boat for young people,” says Corkum- Games, “You would not believe the people who Greek. held recently in Nova Scotia. YSI built called or stopped me on the street to four Canada Games torches, as well as say they‟d been down for a look and to 130 stainless steel "gift items" offer their opinion,” says Susan mounted on an attractive wood base Corkum-Greek, general manager of for volunteers and VIP's at the games. Dawson Moreland & Associates. YSI currently has two aluminum “It got to the point that I couldn‟t get custom yachts under construction: a up to the post office and back!,” she Pacific says. Northwest 43 designed A Lunenburg Dory under sail by the US owner “Dories are simple, they‟re safe and and EYE they‟re so versatile,” she says. Marine In fact, in addition to a great learn-to- Consultants sail platform, the 22‟ Tim‟s dory will 65’ motor yacht under construction as a live- be outfitted with four rowing stations aboard so that on windless days, up to eight yacht; and a 65 foot cruising power campers (one per oar) and a coxswain Twin schooners yacht designed by Hal Whitacre for a can enjoy pulling practice out on the Joking aside, Corkum-Greek says it‟s Canadian couple from Calgary. bay; a great team-building activity! been “wonderful” to have so many www.yachtsmiths.com www.doryshop.com people express their support and interest for the project, a private Dory Shop building sail boat for NorseBoat 21.5 Tim Horton’s camp endeavour aimed at revitalizing the The new NorseBoat 21.5 was featured boatyard in and around the town‟s For those folks fortunate enough to recently at the Miami Boat Show. historic Dory Shop. Especially welcome have grown up on the water, thoughts Trailering, have been the visits from retired of summers spent „messing about in rigging and schooner fishermen, captains and boats‟ bring back some pretty launching the shipwrights. wonderful memories. boat is easy Last summer, the company welcomed due to her And it‟s just those warm thoughts that more than 20 organized group tours, relatively light have the gang at The Dory Shop in most of which came about via Nova weight and Lunenburg so stoked as they begin Scotia residents who were organizing simple rig building a big Fortune Bay sailing dory regional or national business or with pivoting for the Tim Horton Children‟s professional conventions. Foundation Summer Camp at carbon mast. Tatamagouche this spring. Propulsion is www.twinschooners.blogspot.com provided by a NSBA Gold Associate Members “This is such a wonderful project for Torqueedo us,” says Dory Shop manager Susan 1003 electric Corkum-Greek. “As avid Tim‟s coffee NorseBoat 21.5 outboard drinkers, we‟re aware of the great

The NSBA gratefully acknowledges support for the boatbuilding industry from ACOA, NS Economic & Rural Development, NS Labour & Workforce Development and NS Fisheries & Aquaculture.