Sailing on a tall ship

GREEN BAY - FOX 11's Laura Smith is setting sail on a tall ship and logging her adventure for the day.

Laura's sailing on the Lynx, it's a replica of an 1812 war schooner.  She's sailing from Sturgeon Bay to Green Bay as part of the Baylake Bank Tall Ship Festival . Laura's blog is below:

2:00 Trip is going well. It's really hot on the port side of the ship, while the starboard is nicely shaded by the sails. We've been motoring the entire way due to low winds. Right now, we're on about 10% sail power, 90% engine power. Lots of people in recreational boats are passing by, snapping photos and waving at us. We have about 30 passengers on board and everyone appears to be having a good time. Thankfully, no one is seasick. We did enjoy some entertainment by the crew earlier this afternoon. Some singing and dancing was much enjoyed. Before we left port in Sturgeon Bay, I spoke with a few people who came out to see us off. Jim Krautkramer of Neenah said, "I am an avid sailor for many years and it's beautiful seeing the tall ships and just great out here, great location, beautiful weather everything is just perfect." And it is pretty darn perfect!

Noon The sun is shining but it's a little hazy on the horizon. We continue to use motor instead of sail power due to the fact there's not much wind. People sailing on the Lynx are pretty excited to be here. Some say it's a dream come true! Those on board hail from many different areas, including Wausau, St. Paul, Minn., and Peshtigo. There are several people from Sturgeon Bay - where the boat picked us up this morning. Being a native of the area, I actually know quite a few people on this tall ship. Lunch was served a short time ago - sandwiches, chips, apple and cookie. Now it's back to work. The captain and crew have been great to sail with. And along the way, we've seen some of the other tall ships taking part in the festival. We even fired our cannon at one, prompting its captain to yell, "fire in the hole!" It was pretty neat.

11:00 Two hours into the sail. Many of the other vintage vessels are sailing around us. Folks on board are pretty excited. Especially about the firing of our cannon at another tall ship. "Fire in the hole!" Yelled the other ship's captain as the cannon boomed. It's lunchtime and photo journalist Don Steffens and I are ready to eat! As far as weather conditions, some sun but hazy. Cool breeze is nice. We are about two miles west of the Door Peninsula about the same latitude as the town of Namur. Arrival in Green Bay slated for 3 p.m.

9:25 We are motoring through the Sturgeon Bay shipping canal. Hearing cannons from other tall ships going off. Our sails are not up yet, and we are headed east toward Lake Michigan. I believe we are turning around and then heading back toward the bay.

9:15 Finally we are on the Lynx! Meeting the crew and learning the rules and regulations. Expected to arrive in Green Bay about 3:00.