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HISTORY
Lynx is an
interpretation of an actual privateer named Lynx built by Thomas Kemp
in 1812 in Fell's Point, Maryland. She was among the first ships to
defend American freedom by evading the British naval fleet then
blockading American ports and serving in the important privateering
efforts.
The Lynx today
The replica of the Lynx sailing
today was designed by Melbourne Smith - International Historical
Watercraft Society, based on historical data, and built by Taylor
Allen and Eric Sewell at Rockport Marine, Rockport, Maine. She was
launched on July 28, 2001 in Rockport, Maine, making her a very new
addition to the tall ship community. Her port of registry is with
Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Today, instead of fighting the British like her original counterpart,
she serves as an education vessel. She teaches seamanship and history
to those who step on her deck. Notably, the Lynx is known for her
summer program where she sails to Hawaii with students. Along the way
students learn about sail handling, navigation, seamanship, leadership
and learning to face unforeseen challenges.
Her four carronades and four swivel guns usually get their exercise
during weekends when another tallship is in port, such as the Lady
Washington, where the two tall ships engage in "Battle sail", using
actual battle tactics. While the battling tallships are using actual
black powder, they however shoot blanks. Members of the public are
able to book passages on these three-hour battles. |
