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Brilliant (schooner): Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 41°21′45″N 71°57′55″W / 41.36250°N 71.96528°W / 41.36250; -71.96528
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During [[World War II]], the schooner was acquired by the [[U.S. Coast Guard]] and used to patrol the [[New England]] coast for enemy submarines. During this time, two machine guns were mounted on ''Brilliant'''s deck.
During [[World War II]], the schooner was acquired by the [[U.S. Coast Guard]] and used to patrol the [[New England]] coast for enemy submarines. During this time, two machine guns were mounted on ''Brilliant'''s deck.


After the war, ''Brilliant'' was purchase by the accomplished sailor [[Briggs Cunningham]], who attempted to increase her speed by outfitting her with a larger rig. The new rig consisted of taller masts, a self-tacking forestaysail, and a Bermuda-mainsail, replacing the original [[Gaff rig|gaff]] main. During this time, Cunningham also invented the [[Cunningham (sailing)|cunningham]], a tie-down for the tack (the lower, forward corner of the mainsail) which allows the sail to maintain a more efficient shape. This makes ''Brilliant'' the first boat to have the device, now standard on racing boats of all sizes.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} Despite his modifications, Cunningham was unable to significantly improve the speed of ''Brilliant'' and he donated her to Mystic Seaport in 1957.
After the war, ''Brilliant'' was purchased by the accomplished sailor [[Briggs Cunningham]], who attempted to increase her speed by outfitting her with a larger rig. The new rig consisted of taller masts, a self-tacking forestaysail, and a Bermuda-mainsail, replacing the original [[Gaff rig|gaff]] main. During this time, Cunningham also invented the [[Cunningham (sailing)|cunningham]], a tie-down for the tack (the lower, forward corner of the mainsail) which allows the sail to maintain a more efficient shape. This makes ''Brilliant'' the first boat to have the device, now standard on racing boats of all sizes.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} Despite his modifications, Cunningham was unable to significantly improve the speed of ''Brilliant'' and he donated her to Mystic Seaport in 1957.


Mystic Seaport now uses the vessel as an offshore classroom and features it as part of their collection of watercraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mysticseaport.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=B3E3BD6A-E0AD-102D-180D4688BA70754B |title=''Brilliant'' - Auxiliary Schooner |publisher=Mystic Seaport |accessdate=June 12, 2011}}</ref>
Mystic Seaport now uses the vessel as an offshore classroom and features it as part of their collection of watercraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mysticseaport.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=B3E3BD6A-E0AD-102D-180D4688BA70754B |title=''Brilliant'' - Auxiliary Schooner |publisher=Mystic Seaport |accessdate=June 12, 2011}}</ref>

Revision as of 15:32, 9 July 2011

History
USAUnited States
NameBrilliant
OwnerMystic Seaport
BuilderHenry B. Nevins
Yard numberCity Island, Bronx
Completed1932
StatusMuseum ship
General characteristics
Tonnage30
Length61 feet 6 inches (18.75 m)
Beam14 feet 8 inches (4.47 m)
Height81 feet (25 m)
Draft9 feet (2.7 m)
Installed powerSail, Diesel Engine
PropulsionDetroit Diesel 353
Sail planSchooner
Capacity12

Brilliant is a schooner located at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut, United States. The Brilliant was built in 1932 on City Island, Bronx, by Henry B. Nevins to a design by Sparkman & Stephens for Walter Barnum. The Brilliant was built as an ocean racing yacht, and on its maiden voyage crossed the Atlantic Ocean in just over 15 days, a record for a sailing yacht of her size.

During World War II, the schooner was acquired by the U.S. Coast Guard and used to patrol the New England coast for enemy submarines. During this time, two machine guns were mounted on Brilliant's deck.

After the war, Brilliant was purchased by the accomplished sailor Briggs Cunningham, who attempted to increase her speed by outfitting her with a larger rig. The new rig consisted of taller masts, a self-tacking forestaysail, and a Bermuda-mainsail, replacing the original gaff main. During this time, Cunningham also invented the cunningham, a tie-down for the tack (the lower, forward corner of the mainsail) which allows the sail to maintain a more efficient shape. This makes Brilliant the first boat to have the device, now standard on racing boats of all sizes.[citation needed] Despite his modifications, Cunningham was unable to significantly improve the speed of Brilliant and he donated her to Mystic Seaport in 1957.

Mystic Seaport now uses the vessel as an offshore classroom and features it as part of their collection of watercraft.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Brilliant - Auxiliary Schooner". Mystic Seaport. Retrieved June 12, 2011.

41°21′45″N 71°57′55″W / 41.36250°N 71.96528°W / 41.36250; -71.96528