Mystic Seaport named Nicholas Alley to be the next captain of the schooner Brilliant.
For nearly 60 years, thanks to the generosity and foresight of Briggs Cunningham, the schooner Brilliant has served as Mystic Seaport’s primary sail training vessel, introducing thousands of young and adult sailors to the joys and lessons the experience of sailing a classic schooner provides. Launched in 1932, she was designed by legendary naval architect Olin Stephens and has been with Mystic Seaport since 1953. Each year she sails on multi-day cruises up and down the eastern seaboard furthering the Museum’s mission of creating an enduring link to America’s maritime heritage.
Brilliant was named Sail Training Ship of the year by the American Sail Training Association in 1997.
“Being captain of the Brilliant requires someone who is not just an outstanding mariner, but someone who understands the special role the schooner plays in history of Mystic Seaport,” said Mystic Seaport president Steve White. “Brilliant is a public ambassador for the Museum and everything that makes sailing special. We believe Nicholas is the right person to have at her helm.”
Alley has been a licensed captain for over 25 years, including billets on the sailing vessels Westward, Harvey Gammage, Spirit of Massachusetts, Lettie G. Howard, and Pride of Baltimore II. He brings extensive experience in sail training and education with organizations such as Outward Bound, the Sea Education Association, Ocean Classroom Foundation, New York’s South Street Seaport, and Boston’s New England Historic Seaport/Schools for Children.
Alley takes up the position effective March 5.
For more information about Brilliant and Mystic Seaport’s sail training programs, please visit mysticseaport.org/brilliant.
About Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the 1841 whaleship, Charles W. Morgan, the oldest American merchant vessel still afloat. For more information, please visit https://mysticseaport.wpengine.com/.
