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.

The trip here was a test for the new crew. We waited until Sunday morning to leave as the low passed by. I was at home as the thunder and lightning from the front passed over on Saturday night and was very glad to be tied to the wharf. We left early Sunday morning before breakfast into the fog and a moderate swell. A two-meter swell may not sound like much, but it lifts and rolls Bluenose II around enough to make living uncomfortable especially for the newer crew. Even those of us who make our lives on the ship need to refresh our skills. No longer can you place a pen on the chart table and expect it to stay, and don’t overfill your coffee!

As we moved up the eastern shore, the wind eased but the swell stayed up making the rolling even more uncomfortable. Finally, a northerly wind filled in and the sails helped stabilize the ship. As we entered the Traffic Separation Scheme near Canso, we spoke with the radio operators who cleared us in and shared commercial shipping information. As we neared Port Hawkesbury, we passed HMCS Oriole bound towards sea. A toot of the horn and a friendly wave, and we were around the bend and out of sight.

The situation was stressful for me as we approached the Canso lock. With over 25 knots across the deck as we struck sail, we knew the entrance to the lock and docking would be a challenge. With deckhand Leith at the wheel, we passed the open swing bridge and the stopped traffic, passed the big lock gates, and entered into the lock. The lock attendants were able to catch our lines and pass the time of day while the lock master cycled the lock and evened the water levels.

And once more into the fray! Again, with Leith at the wheel we navigated out of the lock and into the headwinds of St. George’s Bay. We motored for hours dead into the wind to find any angle that would help us. Finally, as the light failed, we were able to set some sail and bear off for Pictou. The crew were again challenged by a new situation as we raised sail with the ship pitching and rolling. With sails set and the off-watch sent below, we set off past Cape George and towards Pictou.

Just before noon on Tuesday, we rounded up in front of the shipyard and lowered sail, launched the boat to send some line handlers ashore and made our way to the commercial dock. Again, we were well met by the wharfinger and are happy here until the slip is ready to haul us out of the water.