Lynx to the past

Deepa Bharath

Several Newport-Mesans in early 19th century costumes gave a

vociferous welcome to the tall ship Lynx that sailed into Newport Harbor

on Friday afternoon.

The 122-foot replica of the majestic American schooner docked behind

the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum to the sound of cannon fire and loud

huzzahs.

The ship will benefit the local community immensely from an

educational point of view, said Lt. James Swinden, director of historical

programming for the Lynx.

For seven weeks, Swinden and a group of local actors will perform

several historical reenactments.

“These events and exhibits bring history to life particularly for the

children,” Swinden said.

“There is a lot to be learned” from such exhibits, Lynx Capt. Douglas

Leasure said.

“It teaches our young people leadership and team-building,” he said.

“It tells them about life in the early 1800s and how they sailed, fought

and lived. It’s not too exact, but it’s a pretty good representation.”

The Lynx is described as “an interpretation of a historical vessel,

not a replica.” The ship adheres to modern construction techniques, Coast

Guard regulations and has modern conveniences for those on board, but

also follows the dictates of history.

Members of the Lynx crew wear period costumes and operate the ship in

keeping with the maritime traditions of early 19th century America. It

also operates as a sail training vessel to serve as a classroom for the

study of historical, environmental and ecological issues.

This summer, four students -- two from Huntington Beach, one from Sage

Hill School in Newport Beach and one from South Dakota -- will embark on

such an educational voyage with the crew for six weeks.

Participating in such events instills a sense of patriotism and

national pride, said Curtis Winter, whose son Matthew, 17, and daughter Alisha, 15, will be a part of the exhibit.

Matthew will participate in the reenactments, while Alisha will give

visitors tours of the tall ship, a new one designed by marine architect

Melbourne Smith and built by Rockport Marine of Rockport, Maine.

Both said they’ve always been interested in history.

“I like the clothing, and I’m amazed at the courage these people had

to stand up and fight against Britain that was a world power at that

time,” Matthew said.

Curtis Winter said it was education and entertainment rolled into one.

“It’s a fun way of experiencing what we learned in school,” he said.

The Lynx is owned by Woods Maritime LLC of Newport Beach. It was

launched in July.

AT A GLANCE

Lynx schedule of events from May 22 to June 30

* Wednesday, Thursday, Friday morning and afternoon -- Sailing for

Students at $35 per student from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

* Friday afternoon and evening -- corporate and group charters from 1

to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Price on request.

* Saturday morning and afternoon -- Dockside tours at $5 per child and

$8 per adult from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* Saturday evening -- sunset cruise at $100 per person, includes food

and beverages, from 5 to 8 p.m.

* Sunday morning and afternoon -- dockside tours from 10 a.m. to 4

p.m., $5 per child and $8 per adult. Family cruises are also available

from 5 to 8 p.m. at $150 for a family of four.

For more information and reservations, call (949) 673-7863.

* Deepa Bharath covers public safety and courts. She may be reached at

(949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at o7 deepa.bharath@latimes.comf7 .