Bluenose II in Lunenburg to kick off summer sailing season

Hundreds of people made their way to the waterfront in Lunenburg Saturday morning to officially welcome an old friend back to town.

The start of the summer sailing season for Bluenose II was celebrated with a party in her honour after a long restoration.

Just after 11 a.m., Bluenose II came into Lunenburg harbour in full sail. The schooner docked and was opened to the public for tours.

A full day of activities were planned, including a street festival.

The Bluenose II restoration project has been plagued by a series of setbacks over the several years.

In 2009, when the project was announced, the project's budget was set at $14.4 million. It has since ballooned to over $20 million.

By April 2015, a checklist of engineering feats still needed to be completed before a date for sailing could be set.

The Bluenose II has been seen sailing around Lunenburg Harbour and the South Shore over the last month.

The ship has now received its full-class certification from the American Bureau of Shipping and can travel anywhere in the Atlantic region.

Rachel Bailey, Mayor of the Town of Lunenburg said they are putting the restoration woes behind them and they are moving forward to enjoy a good summer with the Bluenose II.

According to the ship's website, the Bluenose II will be sailing July 19 to July 31, Aug. 20 to Aug. 30 and Sept. 13 to Sept. 30.