NEWPORT BEACH, CA – The 1812 Privateer Lynx is now operating from the Scout Sea Base under the auspices of the Defense of Freedom Foundation, a newly formed educational organization dedicated to the teaching of traditional American values through seamanship and maritime history. Being associated with the Boy Scouts of America, the Scout Sea Base is a natural host for Lynx, a 78-foot square topsail schooner that is an interpretation of an actual privateer that first defended American freedom during the War of 1812. Chartered by the United States Congress in 1910 as an educational institution, the Boy Scouts of America exists on the ideals of citizenship, teamwork and pride in the Star-Spangled Banner.

“An experience aboard Lynx brings these concepts to life,” says Woodson K. Woods, executive director of Woods Maritime, owner and operator of Lynx, and president of the Defense of Freedom Foundation.

“With a shared focus on youth education and value-driven programs, it makes for an obvious match,” adds Catherine Malm, executive director of the Scout Sea Base, “Lynx provides a unique, enriching and highly motivating learning experience. Lynx is such a beautiful schooner and will inspire all who sail on her. Everyone is very excited.”

Echoing these sentiments is David Janes, secretary-treasurer of the foundation and a member of the Scout Sea Base executive committee: “The Lynx curriculum gives students an opportunity to learn first-hand, not only what freedom means in American history, but also what it means for us today. Lynx inspires in young people an on-going interest in the history and life of their country.”

Alison M. Woods, director of education of the Lynx program, says, “This terrific contribution to the educational community supports the Scout Sea Base mission to serve the youth of Greater Orange County.” We couldn’t be happier with this exceptional opportunity to serve not only the youth of Greater Orange County, but also every resident of Southern California.”

The Scout Sea Base is undergoing an extensive renovation for the expressed purpose of enhancing program offerings to the community, specifically for co-ed programs for school-aged children. Lynx will be a centerpiece for these efforts as well as for educational programs involving corporations and businesses to improve management and relationship skills.

Lynx was launched in Rockport, Maine in July 2001 and operated along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States and in the Caribbean. Last March, she sailed through the Panama Canal and up the Mexican Coast to Newport Beach where she was the highlight of a seven-week Defense of Freedom program at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum. In July, Lynx began its Sea Education Program with high school students on a voyage to Hawaii. After a three-week cruise of the Hawaiian Islands, Lynx sailed to San Francisco to participate in the ASTA Challenge Series and exhibition there and in Los Angeles. Lynx was the centerpiece of the Tall Ships September 11th Tribute off Corona Del Mar and then participated in the Festival of Sail in San Diego and Dana Point before returning to Newport Beach. Logging more than 13,000 miles to date, she operates out of the Scout Sea Base for the 2002-3 school year before she again conducts educational cruises to Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest and Canada.

The Boy Scouts of America – Orange County Council – Sea Base is located at 1931 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. The Defense of Freedom Foundation will operate from the Scout Sea Base offices.

Mrs. Mulligan of the Saddleback Valley Christian School in San Juan Capistrano, CA writes:

“Dear Captain Doug, First Mate Ryan, and the rest of the crew of the Lynx,

The class, the attending parents and I enjoyed our adventure aboard the Privateer Lynx. It was informative, and the activities were well-planned and implemented.

We didn’t really know what to expect, but we were very pleased.

I was most amazed that such a ship could “house” a hundred sailors for a year!! Goodness! Life must have been rough! Also, I can’t imagine the noise with many cannons being discharged.

We are very thankful that America took a stand against Great Britain and established a more confident nation. We also hope we have learned that to stay a sovereign nation, you must always be prepared to defend yourselves against injustices and attacks on your liberties!

Thank you again for the memorable adventure. May God bless each one of you!”

The students also sent in their thanks:

“Thank you for taking us on the Lynx. It was very fun. I learned alot about the war of 1812. My favorite part was when you fired the cannon.
Your friend, Chris”

“Thank you for the trip, I had a great time. I learned some new things and went sailing for the first time. Good luck on your voyages!
Love, Emily”

“Thank you for your time to share with us how life is like on the way back in 1812. Thank you Carter for shooting off the cannon. Thank you leader of the bow watch.
Thanks again, Slayte”

“We had a lot of fun on the Lynx. We learned a lot, about the guns, the ropes, the wheel, and saw those adorable seals!
Thanks again, Abby”

“Thank you for making the trip fun. I really enjoyed it. It was awesome.
From Colly”

“Thank you for everying. It was really fun. When you fired the cannonball, it was cool.
From Eric”

“I really appreciate your kindness and helpfulness on the trip. I had a good time. I hope you enjoyed our visit. Sincerely, Jessica”

“Thank you so much for showing us around the Lynx. I enjoyed learning about the War of 1812 when the sailors were fighting. The canong thing was really cool, but a little loud. The Lynx trip was an interesting experience for me!
Yours truly, Alyssa”

“Thank you for spending the time to teach us about the Lynx and your hard work.
Thank you, Ben”

“I really enjoyed going on the Lynx. It was a great experience! I had so much fun, and I learned a lot! Thank you so much, I will always remember this adventure!
Sincerely, Samantha”

“I was very pleased to come aboard your vessel named the Lynx. I learned a lot of things aboard your ship. One of the things I learned was there is a variety of cannon balls, and the cannons are not as big as I thought they were. Some of the things I liked were firing cannons and getting more knowledge.
Thank you lots, Eric”

“I liked this trip because it was my first boat trip. Also I liked this trip because we got to watch seals, pull lines, and look at a cat of nine tails.
From Jake”

“Thank you for teaching us about the Lynx. We had a lot of fun learning. I liked how you let us raise and lower the sails. It was hard work, but I loved it! Thank you so much.
Sincerely, Jenna”

“Thank you for letting us ride on your boat and for teaching us. I am very thankful!
Sincerely, Alec”

“Thank you so much for having my mom and I. We had a blast. I wish I was always there. I learned a lot of stuff. I hope to see you guys again.
Love, Danielle and family”

“Thank you for teaching me neat things, and for taking your time to do it. I had never raised a sail before, it was very fun. You guys did a great job. I hope we can come again!
From Torrey”

“Thank you for letting us go on your ship. It was fun and interesting. I learned a lot. It must have been hard living and working on a ship in the 1812.
From Shanelle”