Designed by Nathanael G. "Captain Nat" Herreshoff, considered the greatest yacht and marine designer and builder in American history, SURPRISE is one of 95 one-design "S boats" built by the famed Herreshoff yard between 1919 and 1941 in Bristol, Rhode Island.  Considered an icon in the sailing world for excellence in design, the "S" Class is the oldest one-design class still actively racing and sailing in its original boats, now in their 91st season.  SURPRISE is one of only two original "S" boats not to have ever left the Narragansett Bay area, and is an active and decorated participant in many of the most important annual regattas, including first place finishes in the 1999 Herreshoff Regatta, 2007 Classic Yacht Regatta, and 2008 Newport Yacht Club Mitchell Regatta - Newport to Block Island.