The schooner Bluenose II moves into the water during her launch in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, September 29, 2012. The 49 year old schooner has just completed a two-year restoration, according to local media. REUTERS/Paul Darrow

One of Canada's most famous schooners, Bluenose II, was relaunched in Lunenburg, N.S. Saturday.

"Bluenose II is a Canadian icon that symbolizes Nova Scotia's prominence in the fishing and shipbuilding industries," Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay said in a statement. "Our government invested in this project to spur economic growth, create jobs in Nova Scotia and preserve an important part of Canada's maritime history."

By 2013, the vessel will resume a full schedule of sailing.

“When Bluenose II is sailing again, she will be showcasing the excellence in boat building skills that have always existed here. If my grandfather were here, he would simply say ‘I am proud of you all,’” Capt. Wayne Walters, the grandson of Bluenose Capt. Angus Walters, says on the ship's website.

The image of the original Bluenose has adorned the Canadian dime since 1937 and three postage stamps, as well as the Nova Scotia license plate.