Last Chance: Privateer Lynx Comes to Martha’s Vineyard

In recognition of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the heavily armed Clipper Schooner Lynx, a 122-foot square top-sail schooner will be sailing to Martha’s Vineyard for the first time on Wednesday, May 16th and docking at the Tisbury Wharf for five days.

The 114-ton Lynx is an interpretation of a privateer schooner from the War of 1812. She is fitted with period ordnance and flies pennants and flags from the 1812 era. The Lynx crew operates the ship in keeping with the maritime traditions of early 19th Century America. Lynx represents a “letter of Marque,” considered to be among the finest privateer schooners ever built. Because of their swiftness and maneuverability, these ships were most effective as blockade runners and offensive weapons of war.

The Lynx will have its grand arrival at the Tisbury Wharf on Wednesday, May 16th at 3 pm. For the following five days, the crew will be offering public educational tours and sailing. Visit their website for a complete list of dates and times.

The and invite the community to an evening aboard the schooner on Friday, May 18th from 5 pm - 7pm while it is docked at the Wharf. Guests can tour the ship, learn about its involvement in the war from crew dressed in period clothing, hoist the sails, and help fire the cannons to salute the Island. Refreshments will be served dockside.