Historic Hector ship set for relaunch in Nova Scotia

The rebuilt hull of the Hector is scheduled to be side-launched — eased into the water sideways — during a ceremony at the scenic harbour in Pictou, N.S.

A restored replica of the square-rigged sailing ship that sparked a wave of Scottish immigration to Nova Scotia is set for a rebirth in the harbour where the vessel first arrived more than 250 years ago.

After a restoration and public fundraising effort that began in 2019, the rebuilt hull of the Hector is scheduled to be side-launched — eased into the water sideways — during a ceremony on Saturday at the scenic harbour in Pictou, N.S.

During the traditional launch, the vessel will slide down seven ramps — known as launchways — after supporting wedges are removed, a process master shipbuilder Vern Shea said will be a sight to see.

“It’s kind of nerve-wracking,” Shea said in a recent interview. “I’ve witnessed quite a few launches in my career and you always get the hair on the back of your neck rising and the goosebumps every time you see it.”

Shea was instrumental in the original build of the Hector replica, which was not fit for sailing, and was installed in the year 2000 next to the interpretive centre and outbuildings of the Hector Heritage Quay. The wooden vessel was built from the original designs, using traditional methods and materials, Shea said.

But over the years the vessel wasn’t properly maintained and it fell into disrepair before the Ship Hector Society bought it for a few dollars in 2010 from the town of Pictou. The society has spearheaded a $4-million fundraising effort for the latest restoration, which has required an extensive rebuild to eventually transform the Hector into a fully working sailing vessel.

“It was the vision to sail it, it’s been my hope all this time,” said Shea. “It’s becoming a reality, which is very fulfilling.”

Shea, who also worked on the engineering drawings for the rebuild of Nova Scotia’s iconic schooner Bluenose II, said the latest rebuild of the Hector required all of the hull planking above the ship’s waterline to be removed and replaced because of rot. The ship was then covered in fibreglass for added protection.