Yesterday was the 100th anniversary of the launch of the original Bluenose.

In 2007 I worked on the Bluenose II as the Boatswain or Bo’sun. It was an interesting experience. But the captain and first mate weren’t exactly great people. They were racist and homophobic (1)

(2) one of the first days I was there the Captain actually kicked me in the ass when I was talking to one of my new crew mates. He yelled at me and said “we don’t pay you to talk, we pay you to work”

This was my first inclination that it will be an experience.

(3) one night the first mate pulled me aside as told me to calm down my lifestyle. Because the straight boys of the town felt threatened.

Apparently having a gay crew member wasn’t conducive to the reputation of the ship.

(4) there was a lot of micro aggressions I felt with all summer long. My race and sexuality was always an issue. I was told I was lucky to have a position aboard the ship. Especially for being an outsider (in reference to Lunenburg)

(5) one of the worst incidents was, when we were down in Connecticut, we were docked at this exclusive yacht club. Which happened to be whites only.

The captain and first mate pulled me aside and told me I wasn’t allowed to go on deck or step foot in the club.

(6) they didn’t even have the balls to stand up for me and my rights. I spent the entire time we were in that port below decks.

But they were both multi generation lunenburg folks, a town known for its exclusivity and its racism. So I wasn’t surprised they went along.

(7) I ended up leaving the ship early. Just walked off one day when we were in Halifax. I planned on working multiple seasons on that ship but just couldn’t take it.

(8) so seeing that the original Bluenose made the news yesterday, brought up a lot of old memories from when I worked on the replica.

It really helped to shape the person I am today. But it sucked i had to go through that. And continue to face racism and homophobia today.

(9) so just remember that the Bluenose II is the flagship of Nova Scotia but is far from perfect. Racism, homophobia, sexism, misogyny all need to be addressed in the Marine Industry.

It’s a wonderful industry that helped shape the person I am today. But not with its flaws.

Lastly, I remember two of my crew members from that summer. Andrew and Andreas were great shipmates and great people (the men on the right)

Thank you gentlemen for being part of my life. Your time is over on deck, now watch below. Fair winds and full sails. Safe harbours boys.