Harbor Readies For Visit From Historic Tall Ship

The have paved the way for a visit from The Lynx Educational Foundation next month, an organization that sails and docks a tall ship recreated in the image of one that was among the first to defend America in the War of 1812.

At their meeting Wednesday night, board members unanimously approved a request from President Robert Simonelli and Ann Marie Casey, the organization's executive director. The pair told board members that they had sent an invitation to the educational tall ship to sail into Marblehead harbor on May 18 and depart at first light on May 23.

"We look at this as a great opportunity to celebrate our maritime heritage here in Marblehead and as an opportunity to stimulate the local economy," Casey said.

Simonelli and Casey went on to assure board members that the visit wouldn't cost the town money and that a discussion with local officials about preparing for the visist had already begun.

"We already have a police detail arranged with chief Picariello and parking will be available at the Old North Church," Casey said.

Prior to the vote, board members praised the chamber for getting the ball rolling on the majority of the necessary planning and said they thought a visit from the Lynx would be a great way to draw new visitors to the town.

"It really looks like you've covered all the bases," said Chair James E. Nye.

The Lynx would be docked near the office and would offer an array of services, including dockside tours during the day and sunset sails around the harbor.

According to the organization's website, The Lynx is a square-top schooner, designed and built to interpret a privateer or naval schooner from the War of 1812.

The tall ship is mirrored after the original, which was built at Fell's Point, Md., and commissioned during the opening days of the war, "making her among the first ships to defend American freedom," according to the website.

Lynx Specifications:

Melbourne Smith,

Annapolis, Md.

Lynx Educational Foundation

Newport Beach, Calif.

Information provided by The Lynx Educational Foundation.