Privateer Lynx

One of the reasons we went to Nantucket last weekend was to see the Privateer Lynx.

Lynx is a replica of the 1812 square topsail schooner, and launched in 2001 in Rockport, Maine. Today she is a sailing classroom (instead of fighting the British:).

Thursday night we attended a lecture at the Whaling Museum by Donald Peacock on the history of Lynx, and on the Battle of Nantucket in 1814. Fascinating to learn about both, then stepping on Lynx the next day to go on a sail.




We had a gorgeous fall day for our two hour sail.




All passengers were put to work immediately.




The Lynx was flying three flags: the American flag, "Don't Give Up the Ship" and "Live Free or Die".




We enjoyed helping on the ship, learning about the ship, and our conversations with the crew.




Some lines had gotten tangled, so one of the sailors (first mate, I believe) climbed up to fix them. He looked very comfortable up there, but I had to hang onto my Captain's arm to take the pictures.




As we approached the shore again, the sailors fired one of the carronades at Brandt Point.

On Saturday night (10/11), the carronades were fired once a minute for 35 minutes to commemorate the Battle of Nantucket from two hundred years earlier - one of the reasons why the Lynx was on Nantucket that weekend.




We really had a wonderful experience on board the Lynx and learning about history. Thank you so much, Grandma and Grandpa! We enjoyed our whole Nantucket visit so much.




We will return again next year!




On our way back to mainland on Sunday we spotted the Lynx on a sail. What a fantastic photo opportunity! She sure is a beauty!

You can learn more about Privateer Lynx here, the history, and educational opportunities. Check out if this tall ship is coming your way, and definitely go visit. Lynx is registered at the Portsmouth, NH, port, but was headed south from Nantucket.