The Floating Classroom Lynx to Sail into Oswego for Festival of Sail Event June 25, 26 & 27

OSWEGO, New York – The Lynx tall ship will be sailing in to the Port City June 25, 26 & 27 for the Oswego Festival of Sail, and with it will be a vast educational and historical opportunity for those in attendance.

The three-day festival will include tours of the tall ships Pride of Baltimore II, Lynx, and Unicorn, as well as children’s activities, music, food vendors and sail aways on the Lynx.

The original Lynx tall ship completed only one voyage before being captured by the British in 1812. It was among the first ships to defend American freedom by evading the British naval fleet then blockading American ports and serving in the important privateering efforts. This replica was built in Rockport, Maine and sent on her maiden voyage in 2001.  Instead of fighting the British, like the original ship, this tall ship now serves as a floating classroom.

“Providing the community and visitors to the Festival of Sail event with such an educational opportunity, is a great part of this new event,” said Jonathan Daniels, Festival of Sail Committee Member and Executive Director of the Port of Oswego Authority. “Not only will visitors be able to take in the lessons and history of a tall ship, they will also get to tour and/or take a sail away on the Lynx.”

Visitors who walk the decks of the Lynx will step back in time and get a feel for what it was like being a seaman in the early 1800’s was like on this magnificent  vessel. Because it’s considered a “floating classroom,” people are able to touch and see all the parts of the ship. The crew is made up of unique individuals who work hard to maintain the vessel and who seek out adventure on the high seas.  While giving the tours, they explain the history behind Lynx and some of the challenges and adventures they face manning a tall ship.

“To get up into the Great Lakes and in to Oswego, New York where so much of the War of 1812 played out, is exciting.” “Aboard Lynx, we teach the War of 1812, and the role of what a privateer had in that period of time to the public,” said Jeffrey Woods, the Director of Operations for the Lynx Educational Foundation. “Let’s not forget those who fought and those who are fighting for our freedom we have today.”

The Lynx will be joined by two other tall ships for The Festival of Sail. The Pride of Baltimore II and Unicorn will also be docking in the Oswego Harbor.

“Visitor s taking the once in a life time opportunity to sail on this premier sailing vessel will not forget it.” Noted avid sailor and Festival of Sail Committee Ships Logistics Coordinator, Ron Wilson.

The event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day in Oswego’s Historic Maritime District, west pier and the H. Lee White Marine Museum, will cost $10 per single adult, Seniors 65 and over $8, $5 for youth ages 5 to 16, free for children under 5, and/or a flat fee of $25 for families up to six members. If you wish to participate on a sail away there is a separate fee.

According to Festival of Sail Committee Member and Port of Oswego Authority Executive Director Jonathan Daniels the weekend will include a variety of events attractive for everyone including a family treasure hunt featuring ‘Sailor Sam’.

The weekend schedule will be as follows:
Friday, June 25 – Community welcome.  Dedicated to families and our Active Duty, Reserve and Retired Military men and women. All military will be offered a 50% discount on their admission on Friday by showing their military ID. Water related youth activities will highlight the day. Along with tall ship tours, sail aways on the Lynx, tours of H. Lee White Marine Museum, and historical presentations will take place throughout the day.

Saturday, June 26^th – “Dunkin’ Donuts Day” at the Oswego Festival of Sail. Tall ship and museum tours, sail aways on the Lynx and youth activities.  The Oswego Festival of Sail Stage will feature The Cortini Brothers with Tommy Ciappa and Joanna Jewett from 3-5:30pm.  Additionally, the Oswego Station of the US Coast Guard will have their 47-foot Motor Life Boat available for tours on Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday, June 27^th – Tall ship and museum tours, sail aways on the Lynx and youth activities.  The Oswego Festival of Sail Stage will feature Doc Apple from 3-5:30pm in concert on the main stage.

The event is being sponsored by North Shore Oil Company, Dunkin Donuts, Best Western Captain’s Quarters, Step One Creative, Oswego County Department of Promotion and Tourism, City of Oswego, The Palladium Times, Pathfinder Bank, NRG, H. Lee White Marine Museum, Port of Oswego Authority, National Grid, Constellation Energy and Greater Oswego/Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the H. Lee White Marine Museum.

To book a ride/seat for a sail away on the Lynx please call 1-(866) 446-5969 or go to www.privateerlynx.org.

For more information on the Oswego Festival of Sail event or for sponsorship opportunities please call (315) 402-8802 or visit www.hleewhitemarinemuseum.com or search Oswego Festival of Sail 2010 on Facebook.

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