Another “Brilliant” Sailing Season After Significant Restoration
Image Russell Kaye
But first a little history-
The schooner Brilliant was designed by the famed naval architecture firm Sparkman & Stephens in 1932, and built at Henry B. Nevins Shipyard in New York. Commissioned by publishing magnate Walter Barnum, Brilliant was intended to be one of the fastest ocean-going sailing yachts of her time.
At 61 feet on the waterline and 72 feet overall, constructed from mahogany planking over steel frames, she exemplified top-tier craftsmanship and innovation in yacht design.
Shortly after her launch, Brilliant participated in offshore races, proving her speed. However, her competitive career was cut short by World War II. During the war, she was requisitioned by the U.S. Coast Guard and used as a patrol and training vessel along the East Coast, helping in anti-submarine efforts.
After the war, she changed hands a few times before being donated in 1953 to Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut by her then-owner Jakob Isbrandtsen, a shipping magnate.
At Mystic Seaport, Brilliant was repurposed as an offshore sail training vessel, a role she continues to fulfill today. She has introduced thousands of young people and adults to traditional seamanship, offshore sailing, and navigation.
Rockport, Maine: June 24, 2025—Rockport Marine is pleased to announce the relaunching of the iconic schooner Brilliant after completing significant restoration work on behalf of its owner, Mystic Seaport Museum. After sea trials in Maine, Brilliant has sailed home to Mystic, Connecticut, in time for the 2025 sailing season and a public appearance at the WoodenBoat Show, June 27–29.
Image Russell Kaye
Described by WoodenBoat magazine as “one of the best-maintained and sailed classic yachts in the country—if not the world,” the 93-year-old Sparkman & Stephens design came to Rockport Marine last year to capitalize on the company’s traditional wooden-boat building skills to replace aging frame ends, floor timbers, some planking, and driveline. The company has previously restored the likes of Adventuress, a 1924 William Fife III schooner, and the 1949 Sparkman & Stephen’s classic yawl, Bolero.
“It would be an ordinary piece of work for us,” said Sam Temple, President of Rockport Marine, “but for the fact that Brilliant has such extraordinary qualities and history. It was a privilege to work on such a well-built vessel and in partnership with the Museum.”
Built at the Nevins Yard on City Island in 1932 for Walter Barnum, Brilliant set a trans-Atlantic record in 1933 of 15 days, 1 hour and 23 minutes. She was subsequently owned by Briggs Cunningham, who donated her to Mystic Seaport Museum in 1953 for youth sail training and educational programs. Since then, Brilliant has sailed more than 100,000 nautical miles and provided more than 11,000 students of all ages with the chance to learn traditional sailing aboard a fine classic schooner.
Image - Billy Black
For those able to get to Mystic Seaport Museum from June 27-29, Brilliant will be a highlight among more than 100 fine examples of wooden boatbuilding on display at the WoodenBoat Show. Brilliant will be available for viewing during the show.
Also on display at the show will be another recent Rockport Marine restoration, the beautiful L. Francis Herreshoff design Narwhal (63 feet length on deck). Her elegant and freshly painted black hull and varnished spars will make her a showstopper. Repair work at the Rockport yard last year included major structural, systems and interior work.
Visit the Wooden Boat Show for ticket information and the Mystic Seaport Museum page on Brilliant for more on the famous schooner. Visit the Rockport website, to learn more about the company’s restoration and new-build capabilities.