BLUENOSE

The BLUENOSE model was crafted by Honoré Leclerc, a well-known scale model artist of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. It represents a schooner with fore-and-aft sails on each mast. The BLUENOSE was designed to be both a fishing vessel and a racing ship. It sailed from 1920 to 1930.

Do you know the origin of its name? It is the nickname that was given to Nova Scotians at the end of the 18th century. The vessel won the International Fishermen’s Race three years in a row, from 1921 to 1923. Then, the BLUENOSE renewed its racing feats in 1931 and 1938. Psst! The ship is featured on Canada’s dime! You can also find it on a stamp emitted this year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its launch.

A funny anecdote… The Governor General of the time came to drive the golden spike into the vessel meant to mark the ship’s completion. However, he was unable to do so (it is said that he had attended an earlier event where he had celebrated copiously!). So he needed some help to complete the task!