Capt. Watson

I’ve spent some time this evening looking through the hundreds of photos I have taken this summer. One of the first photos is of snow on the wharf near Bluenose II on April 4th. In some ways that seems like yesterday and then again it’s years ago. I look at the faces of the crew and the work they accomplished in those first months. Imagine joining a schooner and having no knowledge of the terminology, the work to be completed, what it's like to live and work on a Canadian icon. To take up the mantle of responsibility to be a deckhand, interpreter and caretaker. It’s a life changing experience for many of the crew as a big adventure, like a season on a ship, should be. 

During the past six months the ship has been busy. After two months of training and inspections, we sailed to Halifax and with the rest of the world marveled at the spectacle of SailGP. Racing catamarans making 80-90 km/h. Alexander Graham Bell would have been so happy to see proof of his early work in Baddeck. Capt. Angus and his crew I suppose would have been gobsmacked or maybe given the thoughts of the America's Cup yachts at the time maybe just scoffed at yet another race.  

Bluenose II also enjoyed the hospitality of other Nova Scotian ports from Yarmouth to Arichat and the crew enjoyed the time at sea learning about the ship and what it must have been like to travel on a Grand Banks fishing schooner. This is great for the crew and their ability to interpret the ship as they speak with our guests. Along with the extremes of the province we also spent some time in Halifax doing work in our ambassadorial role. We hosted the first ministers for a cruise during the Premiers conference and also the ministers of francophone affairs from across Canada. We also helped highlight the tremendous work by the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the boatbuilding school. This was a highlight for me and I do hope we can work with them in the future. 

Bluenose II also helped people mark milestones in their lives. We hosted engagements and weddings and also spread ashes to mark the end of life. We introduced guests to their first time on a boat and helped companies celebrate their successes. Most recently High Liner Foods celebrated their longevity and bright outlook for the future. 

With well over 6,000 people sailing with us and close to 60,000 walking on our decks, Bluenose II has had a successful season. Our young crew will soon be finished with us and move on. This year, the crew have been exceptional ambassadors for the province and the ship and I hope have made you proud. Despite the issues that surround us, Nova Scotia is an astounding place with exceptional people. Bluenose II helps us remember how strong our foundation is and how we can succeed in the future.