Surprise is a custom-built wooden ketch with stable, easy motion and elegant form. Designed in 1967 by F. Spaulding Dunbar for a multi-generational family, she was built to be a comfortable and fun yacht for all ages. There was never another boat built the same, so she is truly one-of-a-kind!
Surprise's bright and spacious interior, large cockpit and copious deck space offer plenty of room to relax, socialize, and enjoy the peacefulness of being on the water.
Her shallow draft (4 feet) allows guests to access secluded beaches and harbors that most yachts this size are not able to.
Surprise has a sturdy swim ladder and hot fresh water shower on deck, providing guests with ease and comfort after taking a dip.
Below deck, the galley flows into a large, main cabin that hosts a settee and table that can convert into a double berth for up to 2 guests. Most people are surprised by how much head room there is! A forward cabin offers sleeping space for 2-3 guests, with a double and single berth. The head (bathroom) is equipped with a stand-up, hot-water shower.
The crew quarters are in the aft cabin, which is completely separated by the engine room.
The Crew
Captain Erick Tichonuk and Mate Hannah Miller
Co-Owners of East End Charters and Surprise
Photo by: Life on Phillips Lane
Erick and Hannah purchased East End Charters and Surprise in April 2020, and continue to base their charters out of Eastern Long Island.
Aside from operating charters aboard Surprise, we also live aboard full-time! We sail thousands of miles every year on Surprise, heading South to the Caribbean for the winter, and back to the Northeastern U.S. for the summers.
We are dedicated to providing you with the most enjoyable and comfortable sailing experience possible. Know that you are in good, experienced hands when you sail with us!
A little more about us...
Erick grew up in Vermont on Lake Champlain, first as scuba diver, underwater archaeologist and historian. Erick spent over 30 years of his career working with Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, where he helped create historic replica boats including the 88-foot canal schooner Lois McClure. Having achieved his USCG 100-ton Master's License in 2006, he served as first mate and master on Lois McClure since its launch in 2004, until he moved onto Surprise in 2020.
When not at the wheel, you will find Erick cooking something delicious in the galley or spearfishing the next meal!
Hannah hails from the mountains of Vermont. Her background in wilderness adventure education with Kroka Expeditions eventually led to her involvement in maritime activities. An avid world traveler and lover of languages, Hannah has spent many years studying, working, and exploring internationally. She has crewed on various vessels in North America and Europe, including a trans-Atlantic passage on a tall ship. Always ready to share a smile, Hannah makes sure that everyone who steps aboard feels at home!
East End Charters
was founded in 2012 by Pat Mundus, a retired career merchant ship's officer and native East End sailor. Over the past decade we have hosted thousands of people aboard Surprise, sharing the natural beauty of Eastern Long Island and beyond.
We Give Back
Each year we donate several charters to be auctioned off at fundraisers to support the following local organizations:
