A successful season for Nova Scotia’s sailing ambassador.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal says 5,313 people sailed Bluenose II this summer while another 54,994 toured the vessel.
The numbers remain consistent with last year’s inaugural sailing season.
On behalf of Capt. & Crew we would like to thank all who chose to visit us as well as the communities that hosted us during the 2016 season. pic.twitter.com/CHxU83PoaR
— Bluenose II (@SailBluenoseII) October 17, 2016
Minister Geoff MacLellan says more needs to be done to highlight the vessel instead of the project’s history.
“When you actually see the vessel, she’s magnificent and she stands out on any port up against any other vessel you’ll find. That’s the focus for government is to get it out of the conversation about the project and how it was managed over the last eight years.”
This season also had 27 people be a ‘Deckhand for a Day’, giving them a chance to experience being a crew member of Bluenose II.
MacLellan says he’s pleased with the final numbers.
The department is finalizing its plan to install a wooden rudder – that work is expected to begin this fall.
