Quay News
Construction & Specs
On September 15, 1773 the Hector landed at Brown’s Point in Pictou Harbour. On board were 189 Scottish Highlanders who had left their homes with the promise of land and a better life in the New World.
The Hector, a three-masted cargo vessel, was the first ship to directly transport passengers from Scotland to Nova Scotia. This historic voyage marked the beginning of a massive wave of immigration that would shape the future of North America and gave Pictou the honour of being called “the birthplace of New Scotland”.
The replica Ship Hector and the Hector Quay re-tells the story of those first settlers, and pays a dramatic tribute to their proud Highland spirit.
In addition to the full size replica of the Hector, the Quay also has an Interpretation Centre telling the story of these early settlers, a blacksmith shop, a carpentry shop and the Ship Hector Company Store.
The site offers guided or self directed tours, daily events such as workshops and demonstrations, live entertainment plus so much more—something different every day. Come and enjoy!
CONSTRUCTION HISTORY
1990
The keel of the ship was laid on August 19. American white Oak was procured from Virginia and the Carolina’s for the ships’ structural components. The “Rib Raising” ceremony took place in December.
1991
A blacksmith shop and carpenter shop were re-located to the Quay site, a gift shop constructed and preparations started on the wharf.
1992
The three storey post and beam interpretation centre was opened in July.
1993
The deck beams were fitted and the ship’s longboat—used for re-enactments—was constructed.
1994
Work continued on the hull planking and the lower main mast, constructed in Lunenburg, was shipped to the site.
1995
Deck planking was started using native Nova Scotia pine.
1996
The main deck planking was completed and work started on caulking.
1997
Deck planking on the lower flat and poop deck was installed and all exposed structure painted white.
1998
Application was submitted for federal funding under the Millennium Program
1999
The decision was made to attempt a sideways launch so that the launch-ways could be modified to construct the wharf. Hull planking was completed using Nova Scotia red oak.
2000
The hull was caulked, sanded, and painted and the decks varnished. Heavy rain and lightning forced the cancellation of the launch—originally scheduled for September 16. The following day the trippers were released and the ship hector started down the ways. Twelve seconds later it was afloat in Pictou Harbour, a spectacular launch watched by over 30,000 cheering participants.
2001
Construction of the Wharf was completed and the Hector was taken over from its dry dock. In September all three of the lower masts were raised and stepped in one day and work commenced on the rigging.
2002
Top sections of masts were constructed and installed and work continued on the Captain’s Quarters
2003-07
Finishing work continued as well as major repairs following the damage after Hurricane Juan. Planking was replaced, all seams re-puttied and painted and new rigging installed.
2007-present
Ongoing maintenance continues; the Ship Hector and Hector Quay site was purchased in late 2010 by the non-profit Hector Quay Society. On December 23, 2010 The 
Hector was towed to the Aecon Fabco shipyard for dry dock, winter storage and necessary maintenance.
Ship Hector Specifications
|
Ship Dimensions |
Measurement |
|
Deck Length |
85 ft. |
|
Keel Length |
71 ft. |
|
Overall Length |
123 ft. |
|
Width |
22 ft. |
|
How Much Can She Carry? |
200 tons |
|
Draught |
8 ft |
|
Masts and Sails |
Measurements |
|
Main Mast (middle) From Keel |
93 ft. |
|
Fore Mast From Keel |
84 ft. |
|
Mizzen Mast From Keel |
62 ft. |
|
# of Square Sails |
8 |
|
# of Fore Sails and Aft Sails |
9 |