This weekend, history will make waves once more as the Ship Hector replica returns to the water in a spectacular public event dubbed The Big Splash. Two decades after the original launch in 2000 and after five years of meticulous restoration, thousands are expected to gather on the Pictou waterfront to witness this rare and emotional moment in Nova Scotia’s story.

The launch is part of the multi-year Charting Our Course campaign to restore the replica of the original Ship Hector, which brought the first Scottish immigrants to Nova Scotia in 1773. The next leg will see the ship transformed from a dockside attraction into a fully rigged, operational 18th-century sailing vessel, offering sail training and tours. While the launch marks a new chapter in Nova Scotia tourism and cultural preservation, for some, the day will also stir powerful memories.

Volunteer Anne Matheson, coordinating over 50 volunteers from her home in British Columbia, won’t be onsite this time, but she wouldn’t miss it for the world.

“Even from across the country, the excitement is contagious,” she said. “I still remember the ground shaking from the cheers 25 years ago. It was history unfolding right in front of us, and we all knew it. I’ll be watching the livestream with goosebumps.”

Sandy Mackay, emcee for launch day, will guide the crowd through the play-by-play as the Hector makes her way back into the harbour.

“Watching her hit the water 25 years ago was the single most unforgettable spectacle of my life,” Mackay said. “To be part of a generation that gets to witness it twice, that’s incredibly rare. We thought it might never happen again. It’s emotional. It’s powerful. It’s a gift.”

Vern Shea, master shipbuilder and the man behind both the original build and the current restoration of the Hector replica, calls this a career-defining moment.

Not many shipbuilders get the chance to launch the same vessel twice in their lifetime,” said Vern Shea, master shipbuilder. “Restoring her has been an honour, and knowing she’s finally on course to sail, as she was always meant to, has been the driving force behind the work.”

The July 12th festivities will kick off with a ceremonial gathering at 10 a.m., followed by the official launch at 11 a.m. Visitors can enjoy cultural demonstrations and performances, Bluenose II deck tours, live music, and waterfront activities throughout the weekend.

“Launching the Hector is more than just putting a ship in the water,” said Wes Surrett, Chair of the Ship Hector Society. “It’s about honouring the legacy of those who came before us and the shared stories that continue to shape who we are – stories of immigration, resilience, and community. The settlers who arrived on the Hector wouldn’t have survived without the help of the Mi’kmaq people, who have long stewarded the lands and waters of Piktuk. That early relationship, and the generations of perseverance that followed, laid the foundation for who we are today. This launch is about honouring all of that. It’s a moment for everyone who sees themselves in the history of the Hector.”

This milestone has been made possible through the generosity of government, corporate, and individual donors. To date, $6.2 million has been raised toward both the restoration of the ship and the newly opening Hector Heritage Quay Interpretive Centre. With just over $1.7 million left to raise, the final phase of fundraising will support the completion of the ship’s refit and its future as a fully operational sailing vessel.

For those who witnessed the first launch, this will be a powerful moment of déjà vu. For everyone else, it’s your chance to say you were there.

shiphector.ca