Bluenose II steering problems won't delay 2016 sailing season

The Bluenose II's sailing season will not be delayed this year, despite problems with the vessel's steering system, says Transportation Minister Geoff MacLellan.

Last December, the province ordereda review of everything related to the steering mechanism, which became stiff towardthe end of August.

MacLellan says the consultant's report should be ready to release in a week or so. A draft of the report has been submitted and provincial officials have reviewed it.

"It seems like we're in a good place," said MacLellan, noting the report says any repair work to be done to the steering system can be completed before the vessel sails this year.

Its sailing season is set to begin at the start of June.

The engineering review is being completed byRhode Island-basedLangan Design Partners and is expected to cost at least $30,000.

Nova Scotia's sailing ambassadorhas been hit by troublesduring a multi-year, multimillion dollar refit.

In 2009, when the project was announced, the project's budget was set at $14.4 million. As of September2015, it hadgrown to more than$20 million.