Ship that trained 'Pirates' to sail into Toledo

The 122-foot square top sail schooner Lynx, which was used to train cast and crew for the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie, is scheduled to visit the Port of Toledo for tours and rides July 23-25.

History buffs, sailing enthusiasts, and fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies all will have a reason to come downtown next month when the Privateer Lynx sails into the Port of Toledo.

The Lynx, a 122-foot square top sail "tall ship" modeled after schooners from the War of 1812, will be in town and open for tours and rides July 23-25.

Jeffrey Woods, director of operations for the Lynx Educational Foundation, said the cast and crew for the first pirates movie, Pirates of Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, got their sea legs on the Lynx, which was launched in 2001.

"We basically were hired to train the cast and crew," Mr. Woods said. "They came on board Lynx and they would climb the rig and we'd teach them how to coil down lines. … We had this whole group on board. They were awesome. They looked like pirates and they didn't even have makeup on."

He conceded that the movie's star, Johnny Depp, "did not step aboard the Lynx," although he's seen numerous Johnny Depp look-

alikes - Capt. Jack Sparrow look-

alikes, that is - board the Lynx as the ship has traveled around North America.

After sailing to the East Coast from Hawaii, the Lynx is to be on the East Coast for five years to help mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812, Mr. Woods said.

In Toledo, the ship is to arrive in the port about 3 p.m. July 23. The Lynx will be moored in front of the Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship, which will be open for tours for $3 during the visit of the Lynx.

Public tours of the Lynx, available for a donation, will be from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. July 23 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 24 and 25. Visitors also may book a trip on an interactive public adventure sail offered from 2 to 5 p.m. July 24 and 25. Adult tickets are $65; those for children 12 and under are $35.

Paul LaMarre, executive director of the Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship, said he expects the Lynx will stir up interest in the Boyer, a retired lake freighter.

"We think it will bring an increased opportunity for attendance and collaboration, especially with it being the weekend of the Dragon Boat Festival," Mr. LaMarre said. "We think there will be a great deal of activity at International Park."

To make reservations for the public adventure sail, call 866-446-5969 or go to privateerlynx.org. Reservations are not required for tours.

Contact Jennifer Feehan at:

jfeehan@theblade.com

or 419-724-6129.