Cover dismantled from Bluenose II following two-year restoration

The Bluenose II undergoing a major rebuild at the Lunenburg Shipyard, in Lunenberg, N.S. (screenshot taken from novascotiawebcams.com)

LUNENBURG, N.S. -- A massive dome that has covered the Bluenose II during its rebuild on a Nova Scotia waterfront has been dismantled, signalling a major step towards relaunching the vessel.

The temporary shelter in Lunenburg has covered the schooner for the past two years during its $17-million restoration.

Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador will now need to be repositioned onto a ramp to enter the water.

Further preparations and tide conditions will be considered in determining when the vessel returns to the water.

The Nova Scotia government has said that the schooner is expected to be ready for public sailing next summer.

The government has yet to officially announce a launch date.

The Bluenose II, launched in 1963, is a replica of the original Bluenose, a Grand Banks fishing schooner that won worldwide acclaim for its graceful lines and flat-out speed.