Lynx: America's Privateer Docks at FMB

All law-abiding, loyal and landlubbing citizens are urged to be steadfast in heading to Snug Harbor's pier to view heavily armed, 122-foot clipper Schooner Lynx in port for a short time before heading due north.

The Clipper Schooner will be available for tours and trips through Jan. 24 when it heads off to its next port, St. Petersburg. It's available for private charters, team building, receptions and school educational programs.

Upon arrival on Jan.3, she fired a salute from her main battery of six-pound carronades upon her grand entrance, celebrating 200 years since the War of 1812.

"We are very excited to visit Fort Myers Beach for the first time, and want to wholeheartedly thank Rob DeGennaro with Nervous Nellie's Waterfront Eatery for hosting our visit," said Jeffrey Woods, executive director of Lynx Educational Foundation. "It is through his generous support that area residents will have the chance to walk the decks and step back in time aboard Lynx, America's Privateer, our National Treasure."

Lynx is an interpretation of an actual privateer named Lynx build by Thomas Kemp in 1812 in Fell's Point, Md. She was among the first ships to defend freedom by evading the British naval fleet then blockading American ports and serving in the important privateering efforts.

Although captured early in the war, the original Lynx design was recognized as superior. With her rakish profile and superior sailing abilities, she served as an inspiration to those shops that would follow.

The Privateer and 1812-styled war ship Lynx was hired to train the cast and crew of the hit movie Pirates of the Caribbean.

"Lynx 'America's Privateer' has arrived on the east coast, from Hawaii and California, and scheduled for a five-year mission along the East Coast of the U.S., The Gulf Coast, The Great Lakes and Canada, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner," Woods said. "Climb aboard and step back in time as you relive history and feel the adventure. Join the crew and hoist the sails, steer the ship, fire the main batter of six-pounder carronades and experience first hand life aboard a traditional, square topsail schooner. On decks, and below Lynx evokes the life, spirit, and atmosphere of a vanished age of sail."

Woods said all proceeds help support the educational programs taught aboard Lynx.

Boarding takes place at Nervous Nellie's Waterfront Eatery at Snug Harbor Marina, 1131 First St., Fort Myers Beach.

If interested in getting your water wings and sailing with captain and crew to its next stop St. Pete, Woods said that's entirely possible.

"Sail with us on a Port to Port overnight passage. Be a part of the experience, from Fort Myers Beach to St. Petersburg. Visit PrivateerLynx.org or call 866-446-5969," he said.

For more information visit PrivateerLynx.org or call 866-446-5969.

Island Reporter (January 11, 2013)