The Tall Ship Lynx to visit St. Petersburg, student tours included

The Tall Ship Lynx, an interpretation of a Baltimore privateer, Topsail schooner used during the War of 1812, will make its annual visit to St. Petersburg when it arrives in the Harborage Marina at Bayboro on February 16 and lasting until February 20, when it sets sail for its home port in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. This is the only appearance of Lynx in Tampa Bay this year and specifically to the benefit of Admiral Farragut Academy and their students.

Working in association with Admiral Farragut Academy, the mobile museum will conduct historical educational lessons of traditional sailing skills and seamanship and tours for the student body of Farragut from February 17 to February 19 before opening up the ship to the public on February 20. The hands-on program utilizes an interactive experience designed to teach the history of America’s battle to preserve its independence and for the cadets to step back in time and learn of traditional sailing.

“The goal of Lynx’s visit is to foster a tight-knit relationship with Admiral Farragut Academy, considering its devotion to educating students in Naval Science and its appreciation to the maritime industry,” said Donald Peacock, chairman of the Lynx Educational Foundation. “The visit carries even greater significance due to the Lynx’s scheduled participation with the United States Naval Academy for an upcoming maritime program in Annapolis remembering the War of 1812 this spring.”

Designed by noted marine architect Melbourne Smith of Annapolis, Md., and built by Rockport Marine in Rockport, Maine, the replica Lynx — launched in July 28, 2001 — honors the spirit of the original vessel while meeting the current U.S. Coast Guard regulations and safety requirements. With a displacement of 94 tons, the real wooden sailing ship is 80 feet in length with a sparred length of 122 feet, a 23-foot beam and a draft of nine feet.

In addition, the vessel is fitted with period ordnance and flies pennants and flags from the 1812 era while carrying an 11-man crew that wears uniforms and behaves with the maritime traditions of the early nineteenth century America. The original Lynx, built at Fell’s Point, Maryland and commissioned during the opening days of the war, was one of the first ships used to defend American freedom. In the best of maritime tradition Lynx’s captain Alexander Peacock will receive a gift from the Admiral Farragut Academy to be presented to the United States Naval Academy on Lynx’s arrival to the Chesapeake in April.

For more information about the Lynx’s visit to St. Petersburg, please visit www.tallshiplynx.com or call 978-479-2197 or email peacock@tallshiplynx.com. In addition, information can be obtained by contacting the Advancement Department at Admiral Farragut Academy at 727-343-3678 or through email at alescarbeau@farragut.org.

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About The Tall Ship Lynx

The Tall Ship Lynx is a non-partisan, educational organization, dedicated to hands-on educational programs that teach the history of America’s struggle during the War of 1812. The maritime challenges during the the early nineteenth century are taught aboard the American Privateer Schooner Lynx utilizing a comprehensive, interactive program designed to enrich personal achievement through teamwork and the discipline of sail training. For more information about the Lynx, please visit www.tallshiplynx.com or call 978-479-2197 or email peacock@tallshiplynx.com.

About Admiral Farragut Academy​

Admiral Farragut Academy, established in 1933, is a private, college prep school serving students in grades PreK-­12 with an international boarding program for students in grades 8­-12. Farragut is world-renowned for its signature academic programs including Aviation (including Dual Enrollment with Embry-­Riddle Aeronautical University), Engineering, Naval Science, Leadership, Scuba Diving, and Marine Science. The campus for the 501(c)3 tax exempt school is located on Boca Ciega Bay in St. Petersburg. For more information about the school, call (727) 384-­5500, or visit: w​ww.farragut.org​