LYNX
In 1997 Woodson K. Woods embarked on a journey to build a privateer inspired by the original historic tall ship from the War of 1812 – The Privateer Lynx. His goal was to create a living history museum to educate children and adults alike about American history through active sail training aboard a real wooden sailing ship.
What went into Lynx was not just wood, rope, brass and canvas. It was not just sweat, blood, heartache and laughter either. What went into her goes far beyond history, ambition, inspiration, determination and commitment. In 2016 Lynx was purchased from Woods Maritime LLC , by the Lynx Educational Foundation, Lynx hails out of Nantucket Island, Ma. Donald Emmons Peacock, President and captain. Our partner in education is Egan Maritime Institute in Nantucket. Lynx winters in city of St Petersburg, Florida our winter home. Since 2015, Lynx Donald E. Peacock, president, and Captain Lynx winters in St. Simons Island, GA, November through May.
On July 28, 2001 in Rockport, Maine Woods’ vision was realized. Past and present converged as Lynx was launched in a gala event ordaining a magnificent future on the high seas.
The creation of Lynx embraces eternal truths: passion, sacrifice, perseverance, honor and courage. All of these emotions gave her a soul long before she tasted her first saltwater. At sea, Lynx is the legacy of her creators: the thinkers, the designers, the builders, and most important, the dreamers…
Meet The Crew
Captain Donald E. Peacock
Captain Donald Peacock is president of the Lynx Educational Foundation, that operates the Tall Ship Lynx. Captain Peacock started sailing as a young boy in Nantucket and at camp on small New Hampshire lake. Now a Senior Captain, Don has been with the LEF as a volunteer, a Board Member and President of the Board of Directors since 2010, Captain Peacock took over full responsibility of the ship and program from Woodson Woods in 2014. Captain Peacock hails from New Hampshire and Nantucket and can date traditional sailing in his family back to 1828.
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Captain Sean Canniff
Captain Sean Canniff grew up in Marshfield, a small seaside town on the South Shore of MA. Sean got his start on Tallships as a cook on a schooner sailing from Boston to Key West at the age of 19. As a member of the crew, he found structure and sense of community, and a comfortable place where he could thrive. From there, he began his ascent up the ladder as a hawsepiper. Captain Sean has sailed on Liberty Clipper, Liberty Star, Bagheera, Wendameen, Amistad, Angelique, Roseway, Californian, Harvey Gamage, and now Lynx. He credits his time aboard these ships for transforming his life. READ MORE
LeeAnn Buse
Director of Education
LeeAnn Buse is the Director of Education for the Lynx Educational Foundation and has extensive experience in teaching diverse learners, having worked as a classroom teacher for 33 years. She holds a Master's in Learning Disabilities and a Bachelor's in K-12 Education. She has been volunteering aboard the Lynx since 2010, bringing a passion for education and sailing. Raised on the Great Lakes, she has sailed on a variety of vessels, including large brigs and schooners, for over 25 years.
Troy Ingram
Deckhand/Historian
Troy Ingram hails from Birmingham, Alabama. The Schooner Lynx was one of the first Tall Ships he ever heard of. After seeing her at a tall ships event but missing out on a chance to sail aboard, he always felt like the ship was special to him. Troy finally had the opportunity to sail on Lynx when a crewmate from his previous ship the AJ Meerwald recommended it to him. Troy's Tall Ships experience includes the Amistad, the Margaret Todd, and the Alvei among others. He dreams of sailing his own Tall Ship out of Mobil, Alabama.
Sam
Whipple
Deckhand/Bosun's Mate
Sam Whipple comes to us from Pittsburgh, CA. Sam's ancestor, William Whipple, represented NH in the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1779 and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Sam has previous Tall Ship experience from the Matthew Turner and the Schooner Seaward. He came to the Lynx with recommendations from his former crew member and Chief Mate on the Matthew Turner. He plans to utilize skills from the Schooner Lynx to achieve his maritime goals, including obtaining licensing to further his career in the Tall Ships industry and make an educational impact in the maritime community.
John
Hart
Volunteer
John Hart comes to us from Cincinnati, Ohio. He has sailed his own boat Directionally Correct for a few years now and brings a lot of sailing experience to the Schooner Lynx and her Crew. John's previous sailing experience includes Bosun's school on board the Barque Picton Castle. He is also involved in a number of other sailing adventures and hopes to continue doing so for many more years
Chuck, Kelly Todd Cole
New Hampshire Volunteers
Chuck, Kelly, and Todd Cole come to us from Portsmouth and Newmarket, New Hampshire. Chuck and Kelly spend some of the coldest winter months in Saint Simons Island, Georgia. This happens to be the winter home port of the Lynx. Both Chuck and Kelly also work/volunteer on the Gundalow Piscataqua in Portsmouth, NH during the summer months. They generously volunteer on board the Lynx sharing their experience and willingness to help with the rest of the crew.