It's a beauty to behold, docked at Kewalo Basin, tall and sleek, wood polished and brass shining, flags and pennants fluttering in the breeze.

The Lynx, the closest most of us will ever come to a War of 1812 privateer, is at O'ahu until Aug. 9. Tours of the 122-foot, two-masted square topsail schooner can be made for a donation; three-hour sailing trips for a price ($65 adults, $35 children).

The ship, homeported in Newport Beach, Calif., operates as part of the Lynx Education Foundation, a California nonprofit.

Education officer Connie Allen, who became interested in sailing when she worked for the San Diego Maritime Museum and has crewed four tall ships, said the ship works with 70 to 100 schools a year, sailing up and down the West Coast and occasionally to Hawai'i. This is Lynx's fourth voyage to the Islands.

Capt. Craig Chipman, commander of the crew of eight, said the vessel, which arrived July 17 after competing in the Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Hawai'i, has about 18,000 to 20,000 visitors a year.

The Transpac had about 50 vessels competing and the Lynx finished last, the victim of light winds, Chipman said. "The winds favored lighter, ultra modern boats." The voyage took 17 1/2 days.

The Lynx, patterned on a privateer or naval schooner from the War of 1812, displaces 114 tons with a top speed of 11 to 12 knots. The original Lynx was built in Maryland and commissioned in the opening days of the war against the British. It was captured in 1813, taken to Nova Scotia and pressed into service in the British navy. The Lynx was considered one of the swiftest and most maneuverable vessels of its day.

The new Lynx, which Chipman calls "an interpretation, not a replica" of an 1812 privateer, was launched in Rockport, Maine, in July 2001. It can spread more than 4,600 square feet of sail and its 6-pounder guns are fit to fire.

The Lynx honors the spirit of the original vessel in its design and fittings but has been modified to meet Coast Guard regulations and safety requirements.

Chipman, who "grew up on the water" in San Diego, said it is an honor to be in charge of such a vessel. "This boat is a thoroughbred," he said proudly. What he likes most about sailing the Lynx is "the gypsy aspect," he said. "I like being a sea gypsy."

The other thing he enjoys is "working with the kids" who tour the vessel.

Most of the school classes that tour the vessel are fifth- and eighth-graders, Allen said.

After calling at Ko Olina and Kaua'i, the ship heads back to California to arrive in September when school starts.

Two visitors touring the vessel yesterday were Tom and Elaine Marshall of Makiki, both sailing enthusiasts. Tom Marshall said it was a rare pleasure to see a vessel as authentic and beautiful as the Lynx up close. He kept walking about the main deck, touching the lines and fittings. "Gorgeous," he kept saying quietly, "really gorgeous."

Chipman said anyone interested in bringing groups of students aboard the vessel was welcome.

And of course, all are invited to sign up for the three-hour sailing jaunts.

"We'll probably set out to Diamond Head where the breezes are good," he said. "Maybe fire off a gun."