Captain’s log
Pictou to Lunenburg via Northern Cape Breton
Home tomorrow, the 12th of July. Sometimes it seems like we left yesterday, sometimes like we have been gone forever. By the time we return to Lunenburg we will have travelled close to 900 nautical miles and have been gone for just over three weeks. The principal mission for the trip was to complete the required inspection while the ship was out of the water. Though events, beyond our control, the yard delayed hauling us for some time and then could not get us back in the water before the long weekend.
First Transit of the Season
Well we have moved Bluenose II to Pictou in the Northumberland Straight to await our semiannual haul out. Under the regulations we must have a major haul out every five years and an intermediate haul out in between. This is common with all commercial ships and a part of modern life in the marine industry. Our ABS inspector will visit us and examine the hull and underwater appendages. Other than the general condition of the hull, the inspector will also look at the propellors and shafts, stern tube, and the through-hulls.
Sail training the crew of Bluenose II
It’s been a quiet week here on Bluenose II. That’s okay — there has been enough excitement elsewhere in the province. Last Friday our American Bureau of Shipping inspector attended the ship and watched as the mates put the crew through their drills. With the inspector pleased with the crew’s progress, we received the certificates required for our summer travels. It’s sort of like a driving test and a motor vehicle inspection all at the same time!
Inspections and Safety Training
What an incredible week in Nova Scotia history. It’s strange when you look back at disasters in Nova Scotia: the August Gales, the Westray Mine disaster, hurricanes Juan or Fiona. They all happen quickly; 24-48 hours and things are generally resolved leaving communities to pick up and somehow carry on. On a ship, we look for the wind to begin to change or the barometer to rise, showing the storm isn’t over but it is passing.
Pulling, stepping and raising masts
After some minor repairs and a good inspection, we were finally ready to re-step the foremast this week. I would have preferred to step it a week ago, but we were scheduling with Old Town Boatworks, who had a large yacht to launch. In order that we could have the crane in Lunenburg when it was best for everybody, we all compromised. Of course, spring road restrictions and the availability of the crane from Lawrence Veinotte Enterprises were the final piece of the puzzle. With our shrouds all inspected by Ironbound Rigging and all our blocks hung the mast was quickly lifted into place.