Schooner Brilliant Handbook for Youth Sailors

Schooner Brilliant
handbook for youth sailors
Welcome Aboard:
You are soon to join a special group of people who have had the
opportunity to sail aboard Brilliant. If you are returning for a second
or third sail, you already know it’s a great experience. One young
participant so enjoyed her sail she came back over and over again
into her adult life and set a record of 46 trips!
So you know you are in for a wonderful adventure where you will
discover what it means to go to sea in a fine old vessel. Read this
booklet carefully so you know what to bring with you. Some of
yourother questions will be answered. If there is something that
concerns you, call Shannon at 860.572.5341 or e-mail
shannon.mckenzie@mysticseaport.org.
We look forward to you having a memorable experience.
Fair winds,
Captain of Brilliant
Program Goals
The Brilliant Program is a practical sailing experience aboard a large
cruising vessel. The vessel’s performance depends directly on the
crew’s ability to work together under the leadership of the captain
and the mate. Learning aboard Brilliant is accomplished through the
performance of all necessary duties generally required in the operation
of a sailing vessel.
Age Requirements
All individuals must be 15 years old by the first day of their program.
Racing: If we offer a racing opportunity/regatta, applicants should be
experienced sailors.
Arrival and Departure
Participants should plan to arrive at the boat promptly at 9:00 a.m.
on the day their trip begins. Departure time at the end of the program
will be approximately 4:00 p.m. on the final day scheduled. Please be
advised that ten-day programs may occasionally have special times
for departure and arrival, and remote ports will require additional
information for locating the vessel. Our office will provide details.
Arrival procedure for programs starting at Mystic Seaport
Park in the South Parking Lot across from the Museum Store.
Proceed with your gear to the Visitor Center where the staff will
give you directions to Brilliant. You will be required to carry your
own gear on and off the grounds.
When you arrive at the vessel, you will meet the captain and/or the
mate. They will give you a safety briefing, a tour of the below-decks,
and a discussion of the operation of the heads and other facilities.
We will send you information about arrival for programs beginning
at other locations.
2 Brilliant
Policy for Parents/Guardians
Family members may escort you directly to and from the Brilliant and
are welcome to visit Mystic Seaport for the day at no charge.
Records
Before you arrive for your program, be sure you have received a
confirmation, which serves as a contract and should be kept by your
parents or guardian, if you are not yet 18.
Participants under the age of eighteen are required to have their
parents’ or guardians’ permission to participate. Permission and
medical forms are sent to individuals and group leaders. Parents or
guardians and physicians of each participant must fill out these forms.
Completed forms should be mailed to Mystic Seaport no later than
May 1st. You may not sail on Brilliant without submitting the following:
1. Parent permission/ medical form. This does not require your
physician’s signature.
2. Group leaders must send a typed list of participants, including
leaders, with names, addresses, and phone numbers. The name,
address, and telephone number of an “information officer” should
be included to help us relay messages promptly if Brilliant is
storm-bound or otherwise delayed.
3. Letter of Agreement signed by you and your parent or guardian.
Brilliant 3
Cancellation Policy and Statement of Responsibility
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Full payment must accompany your registration. Mystic Seaport
reserves the right to cancel the program in case of bad weather,
mechanical problems or other unforeseen circumstances. In such
cases, your payment will be returned. If you cancel 30 days prior
to sailing time, your payment, less a 25% administrative fee, will be
returned. No refund will be given if you cancel within 30 days of sailing
time. Cancellation and requests for refunds must be in writing. Please
send to: Central Reservations, Mystic Seaport/P.O.Box 6000/Mystic, CT
06355-0990 or e-mail registration.desk@mysticseaport.org
Keeping in Touch
Between the beginning and end of a program, Brilliant maintains no
regular schedule. Ports of call are entirely at the captain’s discretion.
The captain reports in daily to Mystic Seaport during the cruise, so the
vessel’s general location is known. To contact Brilliant in an emergency
you may call Security at 860.572.5310. The Museum will then make
every effort to reach the vessel.
Mail cannot reach you on the vessel; however, you may send mail or
telephone from nearly every port of call.
In general, we discourage bringing cell phones on Brilliant and prohibit
their use aboard the vessel. If circumstances require bringing a mobile
phone for your travel to or from the vessel then you should also bring a
waterproof container for it.
4 Brilliant
What to Bring
1.
Bedding– one sleeping bag and one pillow case. We provide pillows.
2. Towels– one washcloth, and one large towel.
3. Swimsuit
4. Toilet Articles– include sunblock. We recommend against spray-on
sunblock and have found it to be very messy and much less effective.
5. Comfortable Clothes– uniforms are not required; bring jeans or
khakis, shorts, shirts. (Fashionable or expensive clothing and jewelry
are best left at home).
6. Soft-soled Shoes– avoid black rubber soles and please do not bring
flip-flops.
7. Cold Weather Clothing– a heavy wool sweater or jacket, heavy socks,
warm pants. Don’t be fooled by warm weather ashore - it may be cold
on the water, even in midsummer.
8. Foul Weather Gear– two-piece outfits are best. Unless you plan to sail
often, avoid the expensive brands. A limited amount of gear is available
for loan while on board should yours prove insufficient.
9. Other Essentials– spending money, stamps, sun-glasses, hats, small
ditty bag for day stuff and for shore leave and camera.
10. Seasick Tablets– Marazine or Bonamine are successful. Marazine
is less prone to promote drowsiness. Consult your physician for
recommendations. A prescription is required for behind the
ear patches.
11. Flashlight
12. Sea or Duffel Bag- all gear (except sleeping bag) is to be packed in
one sea or duffel bag of moderate size. No suitcases are allowed, as
stowage space is limited. There simply is not room for larger bags and
extra clothing. Keep it simple.
DO NOT BRING radios, iPods, cell phones (or other electronic devices),
scuba equipment, or heavy gear. We provide a safety harness for every
crew member. Please leave your cell phones home so you truly have an
experience of being away.
Brilliant 5
A Brilliant Day
For coastal sailing we anchor at night in different harbors. Life aboard a
well-run ship follows a regular routine.
0630All hands wake up. Cook organizes galley crew, lays out
materials for breakfast. Other members of the crew are
clearing away quarters and stowing personal gear.
0700Morning chores begin with drying bright work, deck wash and
polishing brass.
0730First sitting for breakfast. Then start cleanup in galley, etc.
0800Colors. All hands busy on ship’s work. Second sitting
of breakfast
0845
Discussion of day’s plan and preparation to get under way.
0900Weigh anchor and proceed to sea. Sail may be set at the
anchorage or after the vessel is at sea, according to the
circumstances.
0930Straighten gear, secure anchor, and set watches; enjoy the sail
and learn from instruction.
1100The cook calls galley crew and instructs them on lunch
preparations.
1130
First sitting for lunch.
1200
Second sitting for lunch.
1300-1600Average afternoon sailing period. Watches continue with
instruction.
1630Enter port and drop anchor. Galley crew starts supper. Rest of
crew furl sails and straighten up decks.
Swimming call If conditions permit.
1730
First sitting for supper.
1800Second sitting for supper. Galley cleanup and crew prepare
for shore leave if appropriate.
1930
Crew embark for shore, if fitting.
2100Crew expected to be aboard. Captain and mate make final
inspection of decks and anchor, check the weather, and
discuss conditions for the night watch.
2200
6 Brilliant
Lights out. Anchor watch begins
Night Watches
A night watch is necessary for the safety of the vessel and crew. As a
member of the crew, you will stand watch for one hour, keep the log,
and awaken your relief before retiring.
Shore Leave
The captain may grant shore leave after supper if conditions permit.
You will return to the ship no later than 2100 (9 p.m.), except with
the captain’s permission. Brilliant’s welcome at her ports of call and
permission to use shore facilities depend on our reputation for bringing
well-behaved crews There will be anchorages that do not offer the
opportunities to go ashore.
Cleaning
Before leaving any anchorage in the morning, your bunks must be
straightened away. No clothing is to be left lying around. Heads must
be scrubbed, decks washed or swept, and brightwork wiped down.
Brass polishing is a daily chore. In good weather other cleaning and
maintenance is done as needed. The vessel may be wiped down at
the end of the day. Neatness and cleanliness are required, and a group
leader is responsible to the mate in this regard. Brilliant is a beautiful
craft, admired wherever she goes. Your efforts are vital to maintaining
this reputation.
Shipboard Life
Facilities for doing laundry or for taking a shower do not exist aboard
Brilliant. A washcloth can produce excellent results as generations of
seafarers have discovered.
Group leaders are expected to participate in the physical work of the
ship. All hands are expected to turn out to perform necessary work at
any time. In breezy weather a pull on the main sheet is a task for many
hands, and such maneuvers as gybing, tacking, or taking in sail may
require fast work by everybody aboard. The call for “ALL HANDS!”
means exactly that and INSTANTLY!
Lookouts are placed on the bow when underway and keep watch for
such objects as lobster pot buoys, logs or boats that might be in a
hazardous position. It is sometimes difficult to see these objects from
the wheel, and lookouts have a responsibility for safety of the ship and
all aboard.
Brilliant 7
Tips for Shipmates
There are certain things to bear in mind about life in the crowded confines
of a ship.
1. Show consideration for your shipmates and “pull your weight in
the boat.”
2.Long fingernails get broken, especially when furling sail. A clipped nail
is better than a torn nail.
3.Those going ashore at night are cautioned against returning with
greasy foods. Potato chips and all junk food are prohibited aboard
Brilliant. You may not bring any food or candy aboard.
4.IPods, radios and other electronic amusements including cell phones
are not allowed because we want you to hear the sea and your
shipmates. Bring books.
5.While on night watch, do not lie down or settle into a position in which
you might fall asleep.
6.Never leave your post without being properly relieved.
7. Sleeping bags and pillows are not allowed on deck.
8. Do not attempt to light the galley stove.
9. Never stand or sit in the companion ways.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
rilliant is a zero tolerance vessel. Students participating in the teen
B
programs are not allowed to use tobacco, consume alcohol, use
illegal substances, or misuse prescription drugs. These rules apply
both aboard the vessel and during shore leave. Any student caught in
possession of, or under the influence of, prohibited substances will be
required to leave the vessel as soon as is practical. The student and
his/her parents or guardians are responsible for any travel expenses
incurred by the early dismissal from the program and are not eligible
for any program refunds.
8 Brilliant
Short History
On 23 April 1932 the schooner Brilliant was launched from the yard of
Henry B. Nevins at City Island, New York. She was built for Walter Barnum,
and at his request the construction details were of the highest standard for
a possible voyage around the world. At the present time, Brilliant is in every
way fit to undergo any of the trials envisioned for her when new. She is a
tribute to her designer, builder, and to all those who have owned or cared
for her over the intervening years.
Although not primarily built for racing, Brilliant can give a good account
of herself when there is plenty of wind.
During the summer of 2000, Brilliant raced with Tall Ships 2000 from
Boston to Halifax and won First in Class and third in a fleet of over 40
vessels. She went on to win the race from Halifax to Amsterdam, First in
Class and First in Fleet. She entered the 1932 Bermuda Race soon after
being launched, and though she lost her Genoa jib on the first night out,
she was not far behind when the Highland Light broke the existing
course record.
In 1933, Brilliant set a record in elapsed time for vessels of her size when
she ran from Nantucket Lightship to Bishop Rock Light, England, in 15
days, 1 hour and 23 minutes.
In 1936, one of the hardest Bermuda Races was run. In a heart-breaking
finish, Brilliant was becalmed almost at the finish line, and the crew
helplessly watched the Vamarie catch a breeze, come up from astern, and
cross the finish line several minutes ahead. Brilliant was thus second over
the line. Kirawan, a smaller craft, won on corrected time. Henry E. Bodman
of Detroit, Michigan, purchased Brilliant in 1940 and took her out to the
Great Lakes. There she cruised until William W. Spivy bought her in 1942.
Mr. Spivy donated her to the Coast Guard for anti-submarine patrol work.
In this service she operated out of St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, evidently
spotting at least one submarine but without mishap.
With the end of World War II, Brilliant, along with other yachts that had
been pressed into service, was auctioned off. She was purchased by Briggs
Cunningham in 1945. Mr. Cunningham rerigged her with taller masts and
increased sail area with the intention of giving her more speed in light
winds. After a poor showing in the 1946 Bermuda Race, she stayed more
or less in Long Island Sound.
Brilliant 9
In 1953, Mr. Cunningham generously donated Brilliant to Mystic Seaport
to teach young people the art of seamanship. Through program earnings
and continued donations by friends of Brilliant, this fine schooner has been
maintained to a high standard and is admired wherever she goes.
Since 1953, Brilliant has sailed the equivalent in nautical miles of five times
around the earth with more than 9,000 students setting her sails and
steering her course. Caring for this significant vessel and keeping maritime
skills alive help Mystic Seaport fulfill its mission as the Museum of America
and the Sea.
In October 2000, the American Sail Training Association voted Brilliant’s
former Captain George Moffett “Sail Trainer of the Year,” and in 2011, he
was awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Brilliant was named “Sail
Training Vessel of the Year” in 1997. She has won the famous Nantucket
Opera House Cup twice, in 1986 and 1997, and has won many other classic
boat races over the past 50 years.
10 Brilliant
Brilliant’s Specifications
Name: Brilliant
Built: 1932
Type: Auxiliary Schooner
Designer: Sparkman & Stephens, Inc.
Builder: Henry B. Nevins, Inc.
Length Overall: 61’ 6”
Length at Waterline: 49’
Beam: 14’ 8”
Draft: 8’ 10”
Designed Displacement: 42 tons
(Estimated present displacement: 47 tons)
Lead: 33,000 lbs.
Licensed Capacity: 2 crew, 10 passengers
Heads: Two
Electronic Equipment: Radar, GPS, VHF, SSB, Speed/Log, Depth Finder
Water Capacity: 200 gals. In stainless steel tanks under floor
Construction: Teak with bronze fastenings, oak frames
Sails: Dacron, Sail No. 22
Running Rigging: Dacron
Standing Rigging: Stainless Steel
Anchors: 1 Yachtsman; 1 Bruce
Life Raft: Coast Guard approved inflatable, 2 6-man
Engine: #353 G.M.C. Diesel, 1982, 97 H.P.
Cruising Speed: 6.5 knots (under power)
Stove: Force 10, Propane
Lighting: 24 volts, emergency, 12 volts
Fuel Capacity: 130 gals. In bronze tank under engine
Brilliant 11
Vessel built to highest Lloyd’s specifications under their supervision.
Vessel licensed as Sailing School Vessel (and Passenger Vessel) under
United States Coast Guard regulations and inspection. On ocean passages,
Brilliant sails as a six-passenger uninspected vessel and on coastal or inland
passages she sails as a sailing school vessel or passenger (inspected)
vessel. Captain carries Coast Guard issued license as required by law.
Brilliant is hauled every year and inspected by the USCG for the integrity of
her hull, rig and safety equipment. The two six-man life rafts are inspected
and tested every year. Radios are also tested and FCC approved.
12 Brilliant
Mystic Seaport
Brilliant Program
75 Greenmanville Avenue Mystic, CT 06355
860.572.5341
www.mysticseaport.org