A Maritime milestone is slated for this summer in Pictou Harbour.

A symbol of Scottish immigration and perseverance, the Ship Hector was built in the 1990s and has been undergoing restoration for five years. On July 12th the replica 18th century “Bootship” will take to the waters.

Traditional ship launches like this are seldom seen these days. Restoration project manager Vern Shea says, “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.”

A formal ceremony, cultural performances and heritage displays are scheduled during the Big Splash. The launch weekend will also include concerts, a Pictou Yacht Club regatta, and a visit from the Bluenose II.

Visitors will be able to take deck tours in the days following the Hector’s launch. When it becomes fully operational by 2027, it will be Canada’s largest fully rigged, electric-powered passenger sailing vessel, offering tours and sail training.

According to a release, 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 to complete the restoration.

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.