Sail back in time aboard tall ship

CLAYTON — Guests are invited to share coffee and tales of the high seas with the captain of the tall ship Lynx on June 18 here.

"Coffee With the Captain" is part of Sailing Seaway Clayton to be presented June 14 to 20 by Lake Ontario Realty and Lyric Coffee House & Bistro.

The event at Lyric Coffee House & Bistro, 246 James St., begins at 8 a.m. The guest will be Capt. Jamie Trost of the Lynx.

In addition, a video of the ship will be played on a big-screen television.

Sailing Seaway Clayton kicks off at noon June 14 with the arrival of the Lynx, an interpretation of a privateer named Lynx built by Thomas Kemp in 1812 in Fell's Point, Md.

On the night of the ship's arrival, Davidson Auto Group will host soldiers from Fort Drum's Wounded Warrior program at Frink Park. The group will be invited aboard the Lynx for deck tours at the Thousand Islands Regional Dock.

Capt. Trost said he is looking forward to welcoming the Wounded Warriors.

"In teaching about the War of 1812, we talk a lot about conflict and armed struggle aboard Lynx, so being able to show our gratitude to those who have seen real action and made true sacrifice in the service of our nation is not only relevant, but a great reward," Capt. Trost said in a statement.

The original Lynx was among the first ships to defend American freedom by evading the British naval fleet blockading American ports and serving in the important privateering efforts. A privateer is a vessel belonging to a private owner but sailing under a government's commission.

Beginning June 15 and running each day through June 20, the ship will be open to the public for deck tours and sailing excursions to benefit the Lynx Educational Foundation. Deck tours are $5, with children 12 and under admitted free. Two-hour sailing excursions are $55 per person and $45 for senior citizens and members of the military. Excursions for children 12 and under are $30.

Capt. Trost, who has an extensive background in War of 1812 maritime history, began sailing small boats at an early age and has been working aboard and commanding traditional vessels for 12 years. Last year, he commanded Pride of Baltimore II for the Great Lakes Tall Ships' Challenge Series, an international four-race contest.

Pride II placed first in the series, earning her the Perry Bowl for a record-tying third time. Capt. Trost is splitting his time this year between the helm of Lynx and Pride II.

Additional events continue to be planned for the weekend of June 17 to 19 and will be announced later. Sponsorship opportunities remain for businesses interested in being a part of Sailing Seaway Clayton.

Excursions can be booked in advance by visiting www.theshipwatcher.com or during the event week by visiting the ship. Sailing excursion space is limited.

■ / /

For more information on Sailing Seaway Clayton, contact event creator and organizer Michael J. Folsom, who also operates the blog the Ship Watcher, at 374-5273.