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FIRST WINNERS OF "SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE" AWARDS ANNOUNCED AT LAUNCHING OF 'LYNX'

ROCKPORT, MAINE (Saturday, July 28, 2001) At the launching ceremonies of the American clipper schooner Lynx today, the first five winners of the "Spirit of Excellence" awards were announced by Woodson K. Woods, executive director of Woods Maritime LLC, owner and operator of Lynx.

Created by Mr. Woods, the awards feature bronze heads of a Lynx on a mahogany board and are evolved from the motto of the 1812 privateer schooner, "Be excellent to each other and to your ship."

During his address at the launching, Mr. Woods acknowledged the achievements of five men associated with the creation and construction of Lynx:

Melbourne Smith, designer, of Annapolis, Maryland;
Victor Suthren, director of historical programming, of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada;
Nathaniel Wilson, sailmaker and rigger, of East Boothbay Harbor, Maine;
Eric Sewell, Rockport Marine Project Manager on Lynx, of Warren, Maine; and
Taylor Allen of Rockport Marine, builder and shipwright, of Rockport, Maine.

Plans call for future awards to be based on educational programs involving the ship and will be presented as the occasion warrants. It is hoped that the spirit of excellence associated with Lynx will spread its influence beyond the ship into the larger community. Eventually, "Spirit of Excellence" awards could be presented for exceptional personal achievements and examples of character based on the mission of Lynx as specified in her dedication today: "To those who cherish the blessings of America."

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