"The greatest designer of wooden sailing vessels in Canadian history, and one of the most talented in the world..." - Canada Post, July 1998.

Mission — This web site has been established to provide a global forum to perpetuate the memory of one of the most revered talents in naval architecture, W.J. (Bill) Roué. It will feature details on his life and career including a detailed database of designs for vessels of yesteryear and for those which have withstood the test of time.

You're Invited — To supplement our collection, we encourage submissions from anyone who owns, has owned or simply admires Roué-designed vessels. These can be in the form of stories, photos of past or current Roué-designs. Please click here .

NEWS...

NEW CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCED FOR BLUENOSE SLOOP

Bluenose Sloop

DAYSPRING, NS (2007 May 3) - We are pleased to announce Snyder's Shipyards in Dayspring, Nova Scotia as the exclusive authorized builder of new construction Bluenose sloops. These classic vessels will be built to the original plans of designer W.J. Roué, including the original Roué table of offsetts.

Because Snyder's Shipyard is widely renowned and highly respected as one of the finest shipbuilders in Nova Scotia, and beyond - and in our opinion they are the finest - we have chosen them to be the first authorized commercial builder of the Bluenose sloop since 1972.

Should you wish to contact Snyder's directly regarding a new W.J. Roué Bluenose Classic Sloop, please call them at 902.543.8323.

For more information regarding the history and longevity of this great vessel, please visit our Bluenose Sloop section.

More information will be posted as available.








SNYDER'S SHIPYARD TO BUILD BLUENOSE IV
DAYSPRING, NS (2007 May 3) - Queen of the North Atlantic Enterprises (QTNA) is thrilled to announce that the construction of Bluenose IV will be heralded by the widely renowned and highly regarded Nova Scotia shipbuilders at Snyder's Shipyard in Dayspring.

The actual construction site will be on a currently undeveloped piece of land owned by Snyder's Shipyard alongside the Lahave River, just across from the beautiful, spacious, and easily accessible Municipal Activity Recreation Complex (MARC), owned and operated by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.

Queen of the North Atlantic Enterprises is further thrilled to announce an agreement in principle between the QTNA Foundation and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg that will see the MARC Grounds serve as supporting infrastructure to accommodate the large crowds expected to witness the public construction site of Bluenose IV.

Click here for the rest of the story...(you will be redirected to SchoonerBluenose.ca)

PROJECT ANNOUNCED TO BUILD BLUENOSE IV
DARTMOUTH, NS (2006 August 30) - DARTMOUTH, NS (August 30, 2006) - A project has been launched to preserve the hallowed schooner 'Bluenose' legacy, beginning with the construction of 'Bluenose IV'. The undertaking, founded by Joan Roué, great-granddaughter of 'Bluenose' designer - William James Roué, has been in its embryonic stages for several months and is now fully developed to include a comprehensive National Interactive Fundraising Campaign designed to raise the $15 million necessary to build the historic vessel.

"It is our mandate to promote, preserve and protect, into perpetuity, the legacy of the schooner 'Bluenose', said Roué, owner of the intellectual properties - including construction rights - for the plans and design of 'Bluenose', 'Bluenose II', and subsequent replicas. "The time is now to launch this project to ensure the preservation of this legacy by building 'Bluenose IV'."

Click here for the rest of the story...(you will be redirected to SchoonerBluenose.ca)

AUTHOR SIGNED EDITIONS OF A SPIRIT DEEP WITHIN SOON TO BE AVAILABLE HERE
(Rev. ed.) A biography of the designer of the "Bluenose", William James Roue, by his great-granddaughter. Much of the material comes from family anecdotes, and papers, research, and interviews. This book makes a special contribution to "Bluenose" literature. Email to be notified when the signed editions are available.

Details:
Author Roué, Joan
Number of Pages 110
Illustrated photos
Format softcover
2nd Edition Publish Date 2002

PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR BLUENOSE IPR
DARTMOUTH, NS (2005 June 13) – Joan Roué, the great-granddaughter of the designer of Bluenose and Bluenose II, has announced plans to form an entity that will administer the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for Design No. 17 and all other designs authored by the late William James Roué. Click here for the rest of the story.

BLUENOSE NAMED NO. 1 CLASSIC BOAT
(2005 February) - Last fall Classic Boat magazine invited readers to vote for their favourite classic boat of all time. Not only did our beloved Bluenose place in the Top 200 - she is No. 1! The results are in the February 2005 issue of Classic Boat, marking the British magazine's 200th issue. A beautiful black & white photograph of Bluenose, taken in 1935 (by Beken) when she was on hand for King George's Silver Jubilee, graces two pages of the magazine.

W.J. ROUÉ INDUCTED IN NOVA SCOTIA SPORT HALL OF FAME
(2004 October 29) - It was a proud night indeed, as W.J. Roué became one of the newest members of the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame. Roué was one of 11 2004 inductees; his honour was bestowed in the builder category in recognition for his contribution to the sport of recreational sailing.

View the complete induction ceremony text (W.J. Roue, only).

Visit the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame web site here.

BLUENOSE CLASS WEBSITE FINDS NEW HOME AT WJROUE.COM
(2004 February 1) - The most comprehensive web site dedicated the Bluenose Class Sloop has found a new home - fittingly at the web site dedicated to its designer, W.J. Roué. Hundreds of the vessels have been built to Design No. 161 since it left Roué's drafting table in 1945.

Bluenose Class website author and host Scott Flinn has compiled a most comprehensive website featuring the history of the class, diagrams, vessel database and photos.

To visit the Bluenose Class website click here or use the link BLUENOSE CLASS on the menu bar to the right.

2003, January/February: WILLIAM J. ROUÉ FEATURED IN WOODEN BOAT MAGAZINE Jan/Feb 2003 issue (#170) features a 10-page article titled Beyond Bluenose by Tom Gallant. Great story and many drawings.

2003, January 20: ROUÉ REGISTRY IS HERE Tell us your story...Click here.

More News Here