Final preparations underway for historic ship launch
It marks a new era in the storied history of the ship, which arrived in Pictou Harbour on September 15, 1773, with 189 passengers onboard from the Lochbroom and Coigach areas of North West Scotland who had boarded almost three months earlier in Ullapool.
With just over two weeks until the long-anticipated relaunch of the Ship Hector, final preparations are now underway to ready both vessel and community for what has been billed as a 'once-in-a-generation' event.
The replica is located at the Hector Heritage Quay, a heritage centre run by local volunteers, in Pictou, Nova Scotia.
Pictou is renowned as the "Birthplace of New Scotland" because it was the primary location where the first Scottish immigrants arrived in 1773.
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New era for replica of ship that transported Scots to Nova Scotia
On Saturday, July 12, the town will come alive as thousands gather to witness the iconic tall ship return to the water.
Work continues on the standing and sliding ways that will guide the ship safely back into the harbour, with crews also putting finishing touches on the ship's hull and deck.
The launch will mark a major milestone in the $4 million restoration effort, and a proud moment in Nova Scotia's shared cultural and maritime story.
The launch event will include a formal ceremony, cultural performances, heritage displays, and the highly anticipated dockside launch of the Hector into Pictou Harbour in the town of Pictou.
Vern Shea, project manager for the restoration, said: 'The side launch of the ship will be an unforgettable sight, and spectators can expect quite a show when the Hector makes her big splash.
'Seven sliding ways will be positioned under the Hector, secured, and when released, will allow the vessel to slide down the standing ways and into Pictou Harbour. Once afloat, she'll be stabilized and inspected before being secured at Pier C.'
Between the years 1770 and 1815, nearly 15,000 Scots travelled from their homeland to settle in Nova Scotia (Image: Getty)
Members of Pictou Landing First Nation will participate in the Ship Hector launch through cultural expressions and contributions to the day's program highlighting the connection between the Mi'kmaq people and early settlers.
Meanwhile, hands-on maritime activities, such as blacksmithing and knot-tying, will showcase skills that shaped seafaring life in the 18th century and genealogy experts will be on hand to help Ship Hector descendants trace their family roots, connecting past and present.
Throughout the entire launch weekend, Pictou will be alive with festivities, from free outdoor waterfront concerts and a Pictou Yacht Club regatta to a headline Launch Day concert at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre.
As phase one of the ship's restoration nears completion, the Ship Hector Society is also completing a major transformation of the Hector Heritage Quay Interpretive Centre.
Supported entirely by federal and provincial funding, the new centre will feature interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Scottish settlers' partnership with the Indigenous Mi'kmaq people of Pik'tuk.
'These new exhibits will add incredible depth to the story of the Ship Hector,' said Wes Surrett, Chair of the Ship Hector Society. 'The Interpretive Centre will open in June, so we encourage visitors to come early and experience these new displays before the big day.'
While the relaunch is a major milestone, the Ship Hector's journey isn't over. Plans are in place for the Ship Hector to evolve beyond its role as a dockside attraction. The next phase of this ambitious project will see the vessel transformed into Canada's largest fully rigged, electric-powered passenger sailing vessel, offering tours and sail training programs.
Targeting full operational status by summer 2027, the Hector will serve as both a landmark of Canadian heritage and a premier tourism destination for Nova Scotia.
With the final phase of work expected to begin after the ship is back in the water, the "Charting Our Course" capital campaign aims to raise an additional $1.8 million - £980,000 - to complete the restoration and sail the Hector into her next chapter.
'We're in the final leg,' said Surrett. 'Every donation helps bring this project to completion and ensures that the Hector's legacy will live on, allowing visitors to step back in time and, one day, sail aboard this incredible vessel.'
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