PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Gavin Buckley
Public Information Office
160 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724 or mwstephenson@annapolis.gov
Annapolis Waterfront & Sailing Center Welcomes
Two Historic Boats, Lynx and When & If, This Fall
ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 5, 2020) – At least two historic boats are coming to Annapolis this fall, the Lynx and the When & If. These vessels will be moored at the docks at the end of Prince George Street in downtown. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources owns the docks and has given the Annapolis Waterfront & Sailing Center (AWSC) access for the purpose of bringing these ships to the City and other programming.
As part of the AWSC programming, both boats will be made available for the public to tour, for free.
The Lynx will be in Annapolis from October 6 to November 1. The Lynx is an interpretation of a privateer ship of the same name, an American Clipper Schooner built by Thomas Kemp in 1812 in Fells Point, Baltimore, Maryland. Privateers were private vessels granted “Letters of Marque” to prey upon enemy shipping, in this case British Naval Ships during the War of 1812. This interpretation was built in 2001 and is currently sailed out of Nantucket as part of an educational program. During its stay in Annapolis, residents will have the opportunity to learn about privateer ships and their work during the post-colonial period in American maritime history. Lynx has visited Annapolis in the past through AWSC to participate a History Sailing program with Bates Middle School. More info is at: tallshiplynx.com.
The When & If is a vessel that was commissioned by Gen (then Col.) George S. Patton. It is a 1939, Wiscasset, Maine-built, F.F. Pendleton-designed elite racing schooner. It will be in Annapolis from October 15 to November 1. Patton said, “when the war is over, and if I live through it, Bea and I are going to sail her around the world.” Patton unfortunately passed away in 1945. The ship stayed in the family until 1972 when it was gifted to the Landmark School in Prides Crossing, Mass., where she became the centerpiece of a sailing program for dyslexic children. Completely restored in 2012, the vessel has been cruising the coast of the United States for educational enrichment ever since. When & If has visited several times in the last 14 years for display and participate in programing. More info is at: sailwhenandif.com.
During the time that these boats are in Annapolis waters, City Recreation and Parks will organize in cooperation with AWSC physically-distanced sailing adventures for underprivileged youth. This programming for youth who would otherwise not be able to get out on the Chesapeake Bay will continue in 2021 with the assistance of AWSC.
“Annapolis is a sailor’s town,” said Mayor Gavin Buckley. “Our ability to lure these magnificent boats to Annapolis, and make them available for the public to tour, is a connector to our history, but getting our young people out on the water is now also a part of our future.”
Lee Tawney, Executive Director of the Waterfront and Sailing Center, said that he looks forward to working with the City and other organizations to provide a public gateway to the Chesapeake Bay.
In addition to the City of Annapolis other AWSC partners include: Anne Arundel County, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Brendan Sailing, Bull & Bear Sailing, Chesapeake Traditional Sailing Association, Eastport Yacht Club, Easterner Sailing Foundation, Marine Trades Association of Maryland, Port Annapolis Marina, Seafarers Yacht Club, Seafarers Yacht Club Foundation, Severn Sailing
Association, Spinsheet Magazine and the United States Naval Academy.
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