In Episode 12 of Strait Talk, Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot interviews Captain Phil Watson of the Bluenose II during the schooner's stop in Arichat on August 16.

According to the provincial Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage, the original Bluenose was launched as a Grand Banks fishing and racing schooner on March 26, 1921, in Lunenburg. The legend of the Bluenose began in October 1921, when it claimed its first Fishermen's Trophy. Over the next 17 years, no challenger could defeat it, earning the vessel the title "Queen of the North Atlantic."

The Bluenose became a symbol of Nova Scotia's prominence in the fishing and shipbuilding industries and represented Canada globally. In 1933, it appeared at the Century of Progress World's Fair in Chicago and later sailed to England for the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935.

Since 1937, the image of the Bluenose has graced the Canadian dime, appeared on three postage stamps, and is featured on Nova Scotia's license plates.

After the Bluenose struck a reef off Isle aux Vache, Haiti, in 1946, the Bluenose II was launched in 1963. It was gifted to the Government of Nova Scotia in 1971 and continues to serve as the province's sailing ambassador.

The Bluenose II sails from Lunenburg, visiting ports across Nova Scotia and North America. It is regularly open to the public, offering cruises and onboard access. In its ambassadorial role, the Bluenose II frequently participates in trade visits and international promotions for both Nova Scotia and Canada.

The Bluenose II visited St. Peter’s on August 14 before arriving in Arichat on August 15, where it stayed for two days before returning to Lunenburg.

St. Peter’s, located between the Bras d’Or Lake and the Atlantic Ocean, has been a key point for marine traffic for centuries and remains a popular recreational boating area in Cape Breton. However, due to power lines, the Bluenose II cannot pass through the St. Peter’s Canal and instead must navigate around the Seal Island Bridge.

“St. Peter’s, that’s the gate to heaven, isn’t it?” Watson remarked. “It’s just a beautiful part of Cape Breton.”

Arichat, with a rich history as a bustling harbour, was declared a Customs House port in 1786. By 1801, the population had swelled to 1,520, with a fleet of 192 ships. In 1811, more than 60 ships were built in Arichat, and by the mid-1800s, over 400 ships were registered there, though closer to 600 operated from the port. Today, Arichat remains a vital commercial hub and a popular spot for recreational boaters.

Watson noted the warm reception they received upon entering Arichat Harbour, saying, “It’s a fantastic harbour. It’s lovely, with the yacht club and Premium Seafoods making the dock available to us—that’s really appreciated.”