The Lynx’s arrival comes later than usual this year, and for a great reason. Captain Don Peacock and his crew spent June and early July participating in Sail250, a global gathering of tall ships and military vessels throughout the Northeast commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. As part of this once-in-a-generation event, Egan Maritime sponsored eight Nantucket student mariners to sail aboard the Lynx from the ports of Baltimore and Boston, an experience of a lifetime for these young sailors.
“It was an incredible opportunity for our students to join the Lynx for the historic Sail250 events,” said Carlisle Jensen, Executive Director. “From watching an airshow atop the Lynx‘s mast in Baltimore to sailing in the Sail Boston 2026 Parade of Sail alongside international tall ships such as the Amerigo Vespucci from Italy, Portugal’s Sagres, and, of course, the USCGC Eagle, this was an unforgettable experience for our students. More importantly, these trips pushed them beyond their comfort zones, as they were asked to work alongside the crew, welcoming visitors during public deck sails, giving interviews to the press, and acting as ambassadors for Egan Maritime.”
Now that the Lynx is home, Islanders and visitors are invited to welcome the ship as she sails into Nantucket Harbor. The public will have several opportunities to climb aboard in the weeks ahead.
Beyond public sails, the Lynx‘s return means the continuation of one of Egan Maritime’s signature initiatives: free, hands-on maritime education for Island youth. Since 2014, Egan Maritime has partnered with the Lynx to bring more than 300 local students aboard each year. This August, Egan Maritime is teaming up with the Nantucket Community School, Nantucket Boys & Girls Club, Maria Mitchell Association, and Small Friends to weave Lynx sails into local summer camp programming, ensuring that Nantucket’s year-round families continue to enjoy free access to on-the-water learning. All youth sails are offered at no cost, funded entirely by generous donors.
“Our goal is to increase access to Nantucket’s natural resources and ensure every child has the ability to sail in Nantucket’s harbor. These sails will offer local children an opportunity to do just that, and our sailing programs will emphasize teamwork and confidence-building through challenges. Skills that will benefit these children for years to come,” shares Jensen.
As a replica of an 1812 privateer schooner built by Thomas Kemp in Fell’s Point, Maryland, the Lynx serves as a floating classroom dedicated to teaching the story of America’s fight to preserve its independence during the War of 1812. The original Lynx was among the first ships to defend American freedom, evading the British blockade and serving in the young nation’s privateering efforts.
To book a sail or learn more, visit eganmaritime.org/tall-ship-Lynx. Captain Peacock also offers independent sails throughout the summer at tallshipLynx.org.