Monday 21 September 2015

Sail Away, Sail Away with Me

Like most Canuckians, I've spent a lifetime looking at this image on the back of our 10 cent coin. Behold the Bluenose, Canada's most famous ship --


The Bluenose was built in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in the 1920s as a fishing and racing schooner. During the 1930s, she was the undefeated North American sailing champion. But in 1949, the Bluenose was shipwrecked off Haiti while serving as a freighter in the West Indies. A replica built in 1963 was christened Bluenose II. A couple of years ago, the Bluenose II was completely refurbished, her beauty made new once more.

So guess what was floating at the dock when My Rare One and I were in Lunenburg this summer --


Even with her sails furled, the Bluenose II is an impressive sight.




The public is allowed to go onboard (free of charge) at certain hours each day so of course we took advantage of the opportunity!




It was such a treat to explore this Canadian icon up close and personal. And yes, of course I bought a souvenir t-shirt. It was my patriotic duty.

[First photo from the internet. All other photos © Debra She Who Seeks 2015]

49 comments:

Mark said...

That's a really cool boat. I'd have definitely taken the chance to go on it too.

Anonymous said...

Neat! Although, even looking at a sailboat makes me sea sick. Also, now I'll have that song in my head for at least a week.

Martha said...

That is so cool! What a treat that was. And I love those coloured homes in the distance. Looks like a very interesting area.

A Beer for the Shower said...

That's a damn impressive vessel. I have to say vessel instead of boat, because I've been on a boat. It was like a tugboat made of rotted wood, and I don't know how it managed to sail without sinking, but it did. I assume your experience, even while docked, was a million times better than my own.

greekwitch said...

Such an awesome boat! I wish I was there!

Suzie Ridler said...

Isn't Lunenburg gorgeous? And also the Bluenose of course. Good for you for getting a t-shirt and checking the ship out. She is a beauty.

BTW, you know the Enya song, "Sail Away, Sail Away, Sail Away"? When I worked at a record store and that song was on I would sing with her, "Save the Whales, Save the Whales, Save the Whales" inadvertently filking.

Toni said...

I love, love, love the photo of the masts with sky and clouds. Inspires me to dream of amazing adventures.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

i've spent a lot of those coins and never knew the story about the boat.

Jeanne said...

This land-locked gal has had a love affair with sailing ships most of my life. (Don't ask me why...I have no idea!) When I was a kid I made a model of this schooner. So sleek and beautiful!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

It looks so majestic. And even Canadian money is prettier than US currency.
Congratulations on 7 years, Deb!

The Happy Whisk said...

Love that you got to go on there free and snap shots.

MrsDuncanMahogany said...

Isn't she a beauty? We took advantage to when we were there and climbed on board. We loved Lunenberg and the Bluenose II!

This N That said...

She's a beauty..There are several of those in Baltimore Harbor.. I have a distant cousin who was Commondeer of the USS Constitution..a very famous civil war frigate..Interesting post..Have a nice week..

Miss Val's Creations said...

Great photos. How cool to see this iconic ship in person!

DEZMOND said...

did you ring the bell?

Anonymous said...

it is a beautiful ship isn't it and so well maintained!!

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Debra, what a great opportunity. Lovely ship!! Okay, when is the T-shirt contest?

mxtodis123 said...

Love that ship. It is so well maintained. Would love to go for a sail.
Mary

Jenn said...

I would love to have seen that ship up close and personal! Great pics!

Sunnybrook Farm said...

I never knew the story of that coin that we would occasionally get in change. Do you remember when they were silver?

John M said...

I love old sailing ships.

Sunshineshelle said...

Love that big anchor and shiny bell! Also I had no knowledge of this ship before so slways like to learn something new :)

Guillaume said...

I always loved the Bluenose as a child. Don't know why.

anne marie in philly said...

impressive sailing ship. although I would never sail on it - seasickness would get the better of me. isn't it nice to see history instead of a crappy theme park?

Jim said...

Great photos, Debra! I haven't been that close to the Bluenose in years!!

Sparkless said...

Very cool.

fromsophiesview said...

Aahhh the Bluenose ~ haven't seen / touched / soaked up her beauty in a few years since the refurbishing started. Love your photos making me miss her even more !

Thanks!

Mistress Maddie said...

She really is a beauty. They don't make them like that anymore.

Adam said...

I remember the only historical ship I stepped on was a replica

Linda said...

It is beautiful!
We bought a windsock in Lunenberg!
Did you go to Mahone Bay?
Cheers!
Linda :o)

yellowdoggranny said...

oh she's a beauty,and I would love to sail on her..wow.

Fundy Blue said...

Hey, Debra! I just realized you were back! It's good to see you back blogging again. Congrats on 7 years! Wow! Loved the photo of you and your Rare One on the beach ~ LOL!

Lucky you, to see the Bluenose. My sister and I planned a trip last summer (2014) to see her in Lunenburg, but an insurance dispute over a metal rudder left her in drydock. Arrggghhhh!!!!! We had a blast exploring Lunenburg though. There is a lovely song "Bluenose" written and performed by Stan Rogers. I'm sure I've played it 100 times at least. Here's a link, if your so inclined:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo1IvV6qAWY

Take care!

DB Stewart said...

You make me long to go back.

psychelyn said...

That IS really beautiful. Now that there are many other gorgeous ships, Bluenose still outstands. Now I can imagine how impressive that was in its time.

LL Cool Joe said...

I like the bell, I bet that takes a tin full of Brasso each time it's cleaned. :D

Jono said...

She's a beauty, eh? Stan Rogers music comes into my mind when I see things like this. Especially songs like the Mary Ellen Carter.

Blogoratti said...

A wonderful piece of beauty indeed. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Great that you had the opportunity to see this ship! I once visited a similar ship here in Antwerp, it was really special.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Very cool indeed. Up close and personal. Looks like a fun outing!

Bill Lisleman said...

gotta get a T-shirt. Anyone three sheets to the wind on board?

Beatnheart said...

thanks for your visit, comment and for always telling it like it is... xxx

The Dancing Crone said...

You are a true patriot, Debra! Great photos!

Insomniac's Attic said...

Wow, look at those floors - how they shine! lol Nice to see you back, Debra!

Ol'Buzzard said...

What a grand ship. I never knew the significance of the icon on the coin.
thanks for sharing
the Ol'Buzzard

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous ship! You got some really nice shots of her.

Magaly Guerrero said...

What a stunning lady. I understand why buying a t-shirt was your patriotic duty... yes, I do.

Cal's Canadian Cave of Coolness said...

wasn't there one of those CBC commercials when the Bluenose won her last race?

CraveCute said...

Fabulous travel-log! Love your photos of this incredible ship!

Magic Love Crow said...

Very cool! Lucky you!