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. Participants become part of the crew and are expected to fully engage in all aspects of vessel operations, including hauling lines, steering, and helping in the galley.
Guided by a professional crew—including a captain, mate, and cook—participants sail hundreds of miles, developing seamanship skills and experiencing the rewards of traditional sailing. On multi-day voyages, the schooner anchors most nights in different ports.
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.
During our youth sailing programs, participants are trained and become part of the crew of Brilliant, with all hands participating in the vessel’s daily operations, including steering, sail handling, furling, hauling up the anchor, cleaning, and standing watch.
Going to sea aboard Brilliant is both challenging and rewarding, and for more than 70 years, the program has helped young people develop skills in 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.
These programs are open to teens ages 15–18, and no prior sailing experience is required. Whether you’re new to sailing or looking to expand your skills, we’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Participants must be physically fit, agile, and competent swimmers. Please review the Brilliant Youth Sailing Handbook for additional information.
Age: 15 years old–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. All programs depart from and return to Mystic Seaport Museum.
Most nights are spent at anchor, with occasional shore stops permitted at the discretion of the captain.
Program Dates:
Registration is now open.
5-Day Trips:
10-Day Trip:
Cost:
Scholarship funding is available for schooner Brilliant for eligible applicants ages 15–18. 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.
Register through the links in each description below.
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!
Day Sails:
Enjoy a day on the water aboard Brilliant in Fishers Island Sound, and learn the basics of schooner sailing or simply take in the sights. This relaxed day sail is ideal for those new to sailing as well as experienced sailors. Drinks and snacks will be provided on board, but participants should bring their own lunch.
REGISTER for Friday, September 19, 2025
REGISTERfor Saturday, September 20, 2025
Brilliant will participate in the Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous Parade, joining a beautiful fleet of classic vessels as they make their way down Mystic River. Following the parade, Brilliant will set sail and explore Fishers Island Sound.
REGISTER for Sunday, September 21, 2025
Join us for one of the most adventurous transits of the season as we sail non-stop from Mystic, Connecticut, to Baltimore, Maryland. Participants will be assigned watch duties and must be prepared to be on deck at any time, day or night. The route will either follow an inside passage through Long Island Sound and New York City or take an offshore course via Montauk and along the coast, continuing through the Delaware River, Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, and the upper Chesapeake Bay.
This trip is best suited for physically fit, experienced sailors, or those eager for a challenge.
REGISTER for Wednesday, October 8–Sunday, October 12, 2025
Be part of one of the largest schooner gatherings on the East Coast aboard schooner Brilliant! Dozens of schooners both large and small, will compete in a 126-mile race from Annapolis, Maryland, to Norfolk, Virginia. Participants will sail through the night, taking watch duties and actively contributing to the race. Boarding takes place the afternoon before the race, allowing time for preparation and participation in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race Parade of Sail through Baltimore Harbor.
This trip is best suited for physically fit, experienced sailors, or those ready for an adventure.
REGISTER for Wednesday, October 15–Sunday, October 19, 2025
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.
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.
75 Greenmanville Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
860-572-0711
info@mysticseaport.org
Copyright © 2021 Mystic Seaport Museum
