Schooner Brilliant serves as an offshore classroom for Mystic Seaport Museum and is home to one of the oldest sail training programs in the country. Built in 1932 and donated to the Museum in 1953, Brilliant has sailed the equivalent of five times around the globe, providing more than 11,000 students of all ages the chance to learn traditional sailing aboard one of the finest classic schooners ever built. WoodenBoat magazine describes Brilliant as “one of the best-maintained and sailed classic yachts in the country—if not the world,” a distinction we are proud to uphold.
The Brilliant sailing program introduces both teens and adults to life aboard a classic schooner, while voyaging throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic. We offer programs for a wide range of skill and experience levels from day sails in local waters to 10-day, overnight voyages and offshore passages. The multiday voyaging programs emphasize education in sail handling, traditional seamanship, navigation, stewardship, and teamwork.
With a professional crew as their guides, participants sail as active crew members, developing seamanship skills and experiencing the rewards of traditional sailing. On multi-day voyages, Brilliant typically anchors in a different port each night.
Brilliant is owned and operated by Mystic Seaport Museum and is regularly inspected by the US Coast Guard. While traditional in design and operation, Brilliant is equipped with modern navigation and safety systems.
Registration is open. Select dates below to register.
During our teen sailing programs, participants train and sail as active members of Brilliant‘s crew. All hands take part in the vessel’s daily operations—steering, handling and furling sails, hauling anchor, cleaning and helping in the galley, and standing watch.
For more than 70 years, going to sea aboard Brilliant has offered young people a challenging and rewarding experience that fosters teamwork, leadership, stewardship, and traditional seamanship.
Under the guidance of a US Coast Guard–licensed captain and professional crew, participants learn and grow in a dynamic, hands-on environment. Everyone aboard is expected to fully engage in all aspects of vessel operations, from line handling and steering to galley duties.
Programs are open to teens ages 14–18. Whether you’re new to sailing or eager to expand your skills, we’ll teach you everything you need to know. No prior experience is required for our five-day programs. Our 2026 nine- and ten-day voyages are best suited for sailors who have previously completed a five-day trip.
Participants must be physically fit, agile, and competent swimmers. Please review the Brilliant Youth Sailing Handbook for additional information.
Age: 14–18 years old
Teen programs board at 9:00 a.m. on the first day of the program and depart at 3:00 p.m. on the last day. Programs depart from and return to Mystic Seaport Museum unless otherwise indicated.
Most nights are spent at anchor, with occasional shore stops permitted at the discretion of the captain.
Program Dates:
5-Day Programs | Members $1,450 | Non-members $1,600
9-Day Programs (ages 15–18) | Members $2,900 | Non-members $3,250
Scholarship funding is available for schooner Brilliant for eligible applicants. Typical awards cover up to 50% of program costs, with additional funding available if required. Please apply here.
For more information or to be added to a waitlist for sold out weeks, contact our Reservations team at 860-572-5331 or reservations@mysticseaport.org.
Check back soon for registration links.
Join other adults and the professional crew aboard Brilliant for a hands-on, full-participation sailing experience. Whether you’re a novice looking to learn the ropes or an experienced sailor wanting to expand your skills, this is your chance to learn traditional seamanship aboard a classic schooner.
Raise sails, haul lines, steer, help in the galley, and immerse yourself in the art of sailing, while cruising the local waters. Cruising grounds often include Block Island Sound, Long Island Sound, Gardiner’s Bay, and Narraganset Bay with most nights spent at anchor, and occasional trips ashore available at the discretion of the captain. Brilliant carries modern safety and navigation equipment, but accommodations are true to the ship’s historic design, offering open sleeping quarters and traditional heads.
Program Options
To participate, you must be physically fit, agile, and a competent swimmer. Participants must be at least 15 years old for day sails and 18 years old for multi-day adult trips. After reserving a berth, you’ll receive a health form and the Brilliant Adult Guest Crew Handbook, which outlines what to bring and other important details.
Meals are provided on overnight trips.
Come aboard Brilliant for an unforgettable sailing adventure!
For more information or to be added to a waitlist for sold out weeks, contact our Reservations team at 860-572-5331 or reservations@mysticseaport.org.
Check back in the spring for 2026 Adult Program offerings.
Full payment is required upon registration. Mystic Seaport Museum reserves the right to cancel programs due to weather, mechanical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. In the event of a cancellation, your payment will be refunded.
To request a cancellation or refund, please send a written request to:
Central Reservations
Mystic Seaport Museum
PO Box 6000
Mystic, CT 06355-0990
Email: reservations@mysticseaport.org
Looking to charter Brilliant for your school, family, or special event? Contact Sarah Clement at sarah.clement@mysticseaport.org to customize your unique sailing experience.
