A retired Suffolk County surf boat has found a new home at the Manor of St. George, where it will help tell the story of Long Island’s maritime and whaling heritage.
The vessel was donated by the Suffolk County Parks Department and recently transported to the historic Mastic estate with assistance from Tim Delaney and Suffolk County lifeguards from Smith Point.
John Scott Prudenti, a representative of the Manor of St. George, said the boat will serve as an educational exhibit connecting visitors to an important chapter of local history.
“We are very grateful to the Suffolk County Parks Department for this gift,” Prudenti said. “The surf boat is a wonderful addition to the Manor and helps tell the story of the people who lived and worked along these waters for generations.”
Prudenti explained that surf boats evolved from the whale boats used by early Long Island whalers, who depended on sturdy vessels capable of enduring rough seas and dangerous conditions.
“These boats had to withstand some of the toughest conditions imaginable,” he said. “When a whale was harpooned, the boat could be pulled through the water at tremendous speed, creating what became known as a ‘Nantucket sleigh ride.’”
While Nantucket is often associated with the American whaling industry, Prudenti noted that whaling was firmly established on Long Island long before the Massachusetts island rose to prominence.
“Whaling was prevalent in Brookhaven and Southampton well before Nantucket became the epicenter of whaling,” Prudenti said. “This history happened right here in our own backyard.”
The boat’s arrival also highlights another unique aspect of the Manor’s history. The estate’s forge, which remains operational today, produced harpoons, swords, hinges, and other metal hardware used throughout Brookhaven and western Long Island.
“Our goal is to preserve and share the history of this remarkable property,” Prudenti said. “The surf boat helps bring that history to life and gives visitors another reason to learn about the rich maritime heritage that shaped this community.”