The mayor of Lunenburg says Bluenose II isn’t restricted to staying in the area.
Rachel Bailey responded to our newsroom after we questioned the schooner’s summer schedule.
Bluenose II left Lunenburg on June 15 and isn’t expected to return until sometime between September 2 and 11, missing most of the high traffic tourist season.
The schooner visited places like Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Bailey says it’s a benefit to have the schooner traveling to different ports.
“As she is touring, she’s building recognition of her history and legacy, and of her hometown and her home province. So, she is actually doing good work on our behalf.”
Bailey says in the short-term, she understands there is disappointment from tourists and the business community that Bluenose II was not in Lunenburg in the middle of summer.
She says the town loves when the schooner is home, but adds, people have to understand that it has other roles and obligations beyond their control.
“She’s Nova Scotia’s boat as well and she’s an ambassador for our entire province and country, in fact.”
Bailey says she hopes there has been minimal impact on local business.
She emphasizes the town lived without Bluenose II for a number of years and still has a reputation for great culinary experiences and destinations to attract many tourists to the area.
