CLASSIC BOAT NEWS

Quarterly Newsletter
All the scuttle from the foredeck

There is much that goes on behind the scenes in producing the Mahone Bay Classic Boat Festival. Stay informed with our festival newsletter.

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Special Launchings in 2006

Valkyrie Visits the Festival After Re-launch

On Saturday August 5th 2006 at 4:00 p.m. the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic launched Valkyrie off Bachman's Beach (Sandy Cove) at Second Peninsula near the site of David Stevens' boatyard. This was a traditional tidal launch with a few words of welcome prior to the tide being just right. After the launch she was sailed around to Mahone Bay for the remainder of the festival.

Valkyrie and Bluenose II
Bluenose II salutes Valkyrie, August 5, 2006

Valkyrie was built by David Stevens during the winter of 1946 as part of group of 6 boats which were built for local doctors and businessmen. These boats came to be known as S-class sloops and their launching was greatly anticipated since they represented the return to recreational activities after the war. Over the past two winters the museum has undertaken an extensive restoration of Valkyrie and returned it to its original 1946 condition.

Birch Bark Canoe Launch

Throughout the festival Todd Labrador, a native Mi'kmaq, worked on a birch bark canoe in the traditional Mi'kmaq manner. The birch bark canoe is significant because it represents the first boats built in Nova Scotia.

Traditional Mi'kmaq canoe, August 5, 2006

Upon completion, the canoe was launched on the festival grounds on Sunday, August 6 at 1:30 p.m., following a Mi'kmaq tribal sweet grass ceremony.