Bluenose II Safety/Sea Trials Expected This Month

Still lots of uncertainty surrounding the Bluenose II. Culture Minister Leonard Preyra says the vessel is expected to undergo sea trials before the end of this month, but it remains uncertain when it will be available for public tours. Preyra says it's important to ensure public health and safety standards are met before the restored schooner is open to tourists. The Bluenose II was lowered into the waters off Lunenburg with much fanfare last September, and the government had said it was expected to be ready for public sailing this summer. Thousands of spectators took in the event along the waterfront in Lunenburg. But since then work has continued on the wooden vessel. Preyra says its restoration has cost about $16 million. The federal government has contributed nearly $5 million toward the project.