The Brigantine Romance started her life in 1936 in the Ring Anderson Shipyard in Svendborg, Denmark, designed for trading in the North Sea, Baltic and as far North as Iceland. In 1965 she was purchased and converted to an authentic 1840's Brigantine to be used in James Mitchener's epic film "Hawaii" starring Julie Andrews. After her stint in the movie she was laid up awaiting a new owner.

The Brigantine Romance started her life in 1936 in the Ring Anderson Shipyard in Svendborg, Denmark, designed for trading in the North Sea, Baltic and as far North as Iceland. In 1965 she was purchased and converted to an authentic 1840's Brigantine to be used in James Mitchener's epic film "Hawaii" starring Julie Andrews. After her stint in the movie she was laid up awaiting a new owner.

She was purchased by Captain Arthur and Gloria Kimberly in 1966. Over the years the 90' Romance, (110' overall) completed 2 world circumnavigations, at least 5 separate trips to the South Pacific - over 125, 000 miles. The Kimberlys spent 20 plus years carrying guests in the Virgin Islands and on down island trips. Captain Kimberly, who holds the unique distinction of dual Master's papers, Master of Sail and Master of Steam, ran a tight ship, teaching his crew the art of marlinespike seamanship and a love of square-rigged sailing ships. Many of his crew went on to become Masters in their own right, sailing aboard some of the greatest sailing ships on the sea today. He made boys into men and Masters of many of today's sailing vessels. They are his finest legacy.

The Romance was a true working vessel of the 1800's. No plastic parts or mechanized amenities. That was the way the wanted it to be - hemp and canvas, not nylon and plastic. Passengers stepped onto the deck and into a time machine that would change their lives. The Romance was comfortable and sound. She visited ports-of-call that today would be nearly impossible to visit, including repeated visits to Pitcairn Island where the Kimberlys and crew became close friend with the descendants of the Bounty.

The Kimberlys sold the Romance in 1989. The Brigantine Romance is no more. She suffered extensive structural damage from Hurricane Luis in 1996 while laid up in West End Tortola and she was scuttled.

Captain Kimberly is still involved with tall ships and spent the summer of 1997 in Lunenburg, assisting Captain Dan Moreland with his preparation for the World Cruise of the Picton.

Brigantine Romance Web Site