Bluenose

File:Bluenose vs. Gertrude L. Thebaud, Wallace R. MacAskill, 26 October, 1938.webm

Canada bluenose 1928 issue-50c

Bluenose sloop, Armdale Yacht Club, Nova Scotia

Bluenose was a fishing and racing gaff-rigged schooner from Nova Scotia, Canada, and is one of the most famous ships in Canadian history. The vessel was launched in 1921 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, built by Smith and Rhuland for the cod fishery and also to compete in the International Fishermen's Trophy. This competition was an annual racing event that pitted fishing vessels from the United States and Canada against each other, promoting camaraderie and competition among the North Atlantic fishermen.

Design and Construction

The Bluenose was designed by William J. Roué and commissioned by the Halifax businessman and senator, William Dennis, in response to the defeat of the Nova Scotian schooner Delawana by the American vessel Esperanto in 1920. The design of Bluenose was intended to create a vessel that was both a capable fishing schooner and a swift racer. Measuring 143 feet in length and with a beam of 27 feet, her sleek lines and large sail area were key to her success both as a fishing vessel and in races.

Racing Career

Bluenose's racing career began in 1921, shortly after her launch. She won her first race in the International Fishermen's Trophy that same year, marking the beginning of a legendary racing career. Under the command of Captain Angus Walters, Bluenose went on to dominate the racing scene for the next 17 years, undefeated in the International Fishermen's Trophy competitions. Her victories and prowess on the water made her an enduring symbol of Nova Scotian and Canadian pride.

Fishing Career

Aside from her racing accolades, Bluenose was also a highly efficient fishing vessel. She was used in the Grand Banks of Newfoundland for cod fishing, where her speed and handling made her an excellent platform for dory fishing. Despite the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic, Bluenose proved to be a reliable and sturdy vessel, embodying the spirit and resilience of the maritime community.

Legacy

The legacy of Bluenose endures well beyond her active years. She was commemorated on the 1929 Canadian dime and has remained there ever since, becoming an iconic symbol of Canada. Moreover, her image has appeared on postage stamps and other memorabilia, celebrating her importance in Canadian maritime history. The Bluenose II, a replica of the original vessel, was launched in 1963 and serves as a floating ambassador for Nova Scotia and a reminder of the province's rich maritime heritage.

In 1938, after a storied career, the original Bluenose was sold to the West Indies and repurposed as a freighter. Tragically, she struck a coral reef off Haiti in 1946 and was irreparably damaged. Despite this unfortunate end, the spirit of Bluenose lives on, symbolizing the ingenuity, determination, and skill of the North Atlantic fishing and maritime communities.

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