The Lynx
As An Educational Tool
The Lynx is proud to partner with the Egan Maritime Institute of Nantucket, offering a combined curriculum called "Sea of Opportunities." This partnership likely provides unique educational opportunities for students and participants, drawing on the strengths and expertise of both organizations.
Finding alternate ways to supplement in-class lessons and motivate our children to stay engaged with learning was our goal. New ways to grab a young person's attention is getting harder and hard, especially when competing in the digital age. We wanted to shake up their digital realities with something bigger, better, natural, fast, and adventurous. Our answer: a 122-foot fully rigged sailing time machine.
Our time machine, the American Clipper Schooner Lynx, is more than just an authentic living history museum. It is a world unto itself. An open door to the past that invites the curiosity of our youth and gives them a gateway into sailing on the open seas.
Dockside History Program Stations
For Students of All Ages
Hands-On Learning Aboard The Lynx
The Sea of Opportunities offers programming through the Egan Maritime Institute, available to Nantucket students throughout their career. The program is for all ages. Programs occur in 15 - 20 minute rotations, 1.5 - 2 hours. The programs strengthen the maritime workforce of tomorrow and open doors for students to access opportunities in the coastal community.
Educational Programs
The War of 1812
James Madison, the fourth U.S. President and a key figure in the War of 1812, supported the War Hawks, a group of Congressmen who pushed for war with Britain to defend American honor and expand territory. One famous privateer during the war was the schooner Lynx, which received a letter-of-marque and reprisal from Madison, allowing it to legally attack British ships and seize cargo. Unlike pirates, privateers operated with government authorization.
During the war, Britain blockaded the United States to weaken its trade and economy. This led to battles such as the defense of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where American forces repelled a British attack. The battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner. After burning Washington, D.C. in 1814, British forces marched on Baltimore but were defeated in the Battle of Baltimore. This victory, along with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, helped end the war.
Life of a Sailor in 1812
Artifacts and authentic items are handed out as students enter the station area. Topics include the punishing life of impressment, the capture of British merchant ships in privateering, pay, sailors' personal possessions, clothing, food, ditty bags, knives, spikes, and sailors’ fancy work. Age-appropriate adjustments as needed.
Corronades Defense of Ship and Sovereignty
Students line up in a loading drill and pass around authentic types of carronade ordinance as they enter the station area. Topics include Privateer carronade training, tools of the Privateer trade, and a carronade as one of the 1st scientifically designed weapon systems developed.
Introducing S.T.E.M. - energy transfer on carronade design and effectiveness in battle.
Additional Stations as Needed S.T.E.M.
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The blocks, tackle, and the mechanical advantage station includes a student tug of war on the shore near the ship. Students experience the advantages of using a 4:1 system of block and tackle, as well as the benefits of simple machines, including raising sails using block and tackle.
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Simple and compound machines.
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Flags as communication, slogans, and national pride.
With STEM programming, students will cover the basics of saling including:
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Navigation charts vs. maps
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Knot tying
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Teamwork and shanties
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Newton’s Laws and Bernoulli Effect in Sailing
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Basic piloting
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Buoyancy, ballast and ship design
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Earth Science - weather and climate
Sail Away Stations
Sailaway Stations are for students in grades 6-12. The program lasts from 2.5 - 3.5 hours, with the ship sailing in local waters. Much of the time is used to raise sails.. There is a limit of three rotating stations, including raising sails. Be sure to indicate in advance which two stations you want for your educational experience.
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In one station, Hail Away, students are divided into 2-4 teams and assist in raising sails. The captain may invite students to take the helm or other leadership duties.
In another station, War of 1812, students discuss President Madison and the War Hawks, the history of the original Lynx, and President Madison’s letter-of-marque and reprisal. They discuss differences between privateers and piracy, why the U.S was blockaded by the British at Fort McHenry, and the inspiration of the Star Spangled Banner. Also, learn about the British marching to Baltimore after Burning Washington. Materials: Portraits, Primary documents, Lynx’s Letter of Marque and Reprisal signed by President Madison, Treaty of Ghent, timeline, map of the British blockade of the U.S.
The Life of a Sailor program is the same as dockside, and Carronades is the same as dockside, though a six-pound carronade may be fired.