William James Roué (April 27, 1879 – January 14, 1970) was a naval architect best known for designing the Bluenose fishing schooner, which won the Halifax Herald International Fisherman’s competition in 1921, 1922, 1923, 1931, and 1938, and held the record for the largest fish catch ever brought into Lunenburg.
Roué received a gold watch and commemorative scroll in 1921 after Canada won the International Fisherman’s Race.
Read The Scuba News Canada article on the Bluenose
In 1998, a domestic postage stamp commemorating William J. Roué was issued, depicting his portrait and the famous Bluenose schooner he designed. Louis Hébert of Montreal designed the stamp.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax has an exhibit on Roué that includes his original design instruments and drawing board, as well as a sloop Vagabond and schooner Hebridee II designed by Roué.
In 2002, the W.J. Roué reading room was established in the Lunenburg NS library.
In addition to the 1998 Roué stamp, the Bluenose has appeared on three stamps: a 1929 50-cent issue, a 1982 60-cent stamp commemorating the International Philatelic Youth Exhibition, and a 1988 37-cent stamp honouring Bluenose skipper Angus Walters.
Since 1937, the Bluenose has appeared on the reverse of the Canadian dime.
