Brisa

Historical Context

A. Mylne & Co., founded in 1896, produced designs across a broad spectrum during its early decades, from large ocean-going yachts to modest cruising and day-sailing vessels. Design 166, created in 1909, reflects the office's capacity to meet demand for economical, practical small craft. The pairing of Brisa and Aurora suggests a standard design approach that allowed builders such as Hilditch to construct similar vessels on speculation or commission. Hilditch operated during a period when Northern Ireland maintained active yacht-building capability, particularly around Belfast and Carrickfergus. The survival of Brisa underscores the seaworthiness of Mylne designs and their appeal to owners seeking durable, undemanding cruising yachts. Early 20th-century small cruising yachts of this type were numerous but few have survived intact; Brisa's existence provides historical evidence of Mylne's working practice beyond the larger, better-documented yachts.