EDITORIAL: Birth of Bluenose: Centenary of an iconic story

Why was Bluenose built?

It’s a fascinating tale, reflecting the toughness and pride of men who once sped across the North Atlantic in wooden schooners to fish the Grand Banks.

Speed was vital, often in tough conditions. The goal was to get to the fishing grounds and, as importantly, get back with your load of fish ahead of others — to get the best prices.

In the summer of 1920, after a long hiatus due to the First World War, the America’s Cup was held off New York.

The fishermen of the North Atlantic scoffed at the fancy sailing yachts used — and their inability to sail in heavy winds.

Let’s see a race between real schooners, they said.

Enter William H. Dennis, who owned The Halifax Herald and The Evening Mail. He offered the International Fishermen’s Trophy to the fastest fishing schooner of the North Atlantic.

That fall, however, the American challenger Esperanto defeated Nova Scotia’s champion, Delawana, and took the trophy.

That wouldn’t do, at all. A group of Nova Scotians set out to build a worthy challenger to regain the cup.

Thus was born Bluenose, launched a century ago on this day, March 26, 1921.

Her exploits, and her story, are part of Canadian history.

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