Thank you so much for such a wonderful program and experience! It was a hot and windless day, but we still had a great time! I hope we can do it again.

Sincerely
Elizabeth Costello
Annunciation School, Stockton, CA

Lynx passed Point Cabrillo light station this month.
Light Station volunteer writes:

Good morning,
I live near the Pt. Cabrillo Light Station and had the stunning pleasure to look out my window yesterday afternoon and see the Lynx sail into view. I’m a volunteer for the Light Station and want to express my individual appreciation for all the time and patience you took posing for our Centennial poster photo. This morning, the ocean in front of me seems empty without you. I keep hoping your bow will glide into view beyond the edge of the nearby pines. While I’m no sailor, my 8th great grandfather, John Perry (of Vinalhaven, since North Haven, Maine), operated his privateer, Fly, during the Revolutionary War, running interference against loyalists supplying food and aid to the British. The Brits hunted him down on his little island home several times and once in Rockland, but he always managed to escape. They burned his house down and his wife and children had to flee. His story, like that of many other heroes of the era, is retold along those Penobscot shores. So, my utmost thanks for giving us all such beauty yesterday and me a breath of family history. Do come again. All good cheer and fair winds.
Katy Pye

Photo by Lisa D. Walker

Dear Privateer LYNX Crew,

Thank you for sharing your vessel and time with us last week during our field trip to visit you at Oxnard Harbor. In the words of my students, “This was the best field trip…Ever!!!”

We couldn’t have asked for better weather and teachers. Your kindness and understanding made the experience a positive one for many of the students who had never been near the ocean or on ship before. They left feeling very safe and hoping to have this kind of experience again. I appreciated the patience demonstrated by the ship’s mates/instructors. The students certainly learned a lot by having such an exciting, hands-on learning field trip in your classroom.

I appreciated something the captain told me during the trip that I passed on to many colleagues and parents. While talking to students who were at the ship’s wheel, he kindly asked me to refrain from talking to them. He explained to me that it was important for the students to have time to reflect and think about the day and all the experiences they were having. I agree. It is rare that students have time to quietly think and reflect about life experiences and lessons learned from others. I now plan on doing this with my students in class on a regular basis as we work together.

Again, thank you for sharing your beautiful ship and experiences with us.

Sincerely
Kevin J. McGroary
National Board Certified Teacher
Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year
Saugus Union School District Teacher of the Year
Rosedell Elementary School, Saugus, California

My class had a wonderful experience and learned a lot on the Privateer Lynx. Thank you for sharing the materials.

Sincerely
V. McGuire

Dear Cindy

We had a wonderful time today! We really appreciated the crew coming up with a new plan after us getting lost and arriving late. (Tomorrow’s group is set.) I also wanted to mention how attentive crew members were in making this an educational and memorable experience for the kids! We would certainly like to sign up for the sailing experience next year! Please let me know when schedules are available.

Sincerely,
Andrea Ackmann
Lang Ranch Elementary 2450 Whitechapel Place, Thousand Oaks, CA

Dear Cindy

We had a wonderful time, and the crew did an excellent job of explaining everything. The 8th graders learned a great deal and had a wonderful time doing it. I appreciated the crew’s positive attitude and the way they encouraged all of the students to participate. I will send pictures tomorrow. Thank you for a unique hands on learning experience.

Sue Noble
Crossroads Junior High