12/2008 –

Launched by Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw, Ocean Mercury is the first of a modular customseries concept from Feadship called the SL39.

Designed by De Voogt Naval Architects with an interior by Terence Disdale, Ocean Mercury has a classic Feadship look and will be primarily used in the Mediterranean. The owner worked closely with the yard to customize many aspects, creating a family yacht that makes the most of the proven engineering and options offered by the SL39 platform.

The SL 39 is genuinely unique in the custom-series market as it allows for the choice of a completely original exterior style. The only set elements are the hull infrastructure and the technical systems and equipment. Synthesizing Feadship’s decades of experience in the 40-meter (130’0”) size range, the hull design is based on a grid pattern with dedicated zones for the engine room, bridge, crew quarters and stairways.

Within these parameters, owners have a wealth of choices to make ‘outside the box’, and Ocean Mercury’s owner has thoroughly enjoyed being the first client to pioneer this approach in practice. He participated in the development to a very high degree, and has left his distinct imprimatur on many parts of the yacht.

Exterior profile

Ocean Mercury  is a full-displacement world cruiser with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. The distinctive Feadship design created by De Voogt Naval Architects is manifested in clear lines, and simple and smooth details. These features combine to create a powerful, dynamic appearance. Ocean Mercury‘s window sections are well proportioned and reinforce the overall lines of the timeless design.

The interior

The pre-existing platform underlying Ocean Mercury frees up lots of interior space compared to similar boats. Combined with a wide beam and full-width bridge deck this creates a surprising amount of room for a yacht of these dimensions.

Masterminded by the owner, the interior layout incorporates an optimal combination of indoor comfort and high service levels. The convenience and efficiency of the crew were a priority, resulting in excellent onboard logistics. Ocean Mercury is also very much a family yacht: One of the guest cabins has been outfitted as a baby room, and the four luxurious guest staterooms can be rearranged into two large VIP suites with lounges by using a clever divider installation.

A number of design cues were taken from the 50-meter Feadship High Chaparral launched in 2004. However, Ocean Mercury has a style which is all her own.

Main deck

In the main deck saloon, striking oak and light fabric panels provide the backdrop for comfy loose sitting furniture and a pivoting widescreen TV. The elegant coffee tables and sofa side tables in stained oak are provided by an architect friend of the owners. The dining room features a table for eight made of rosewood with ebony inlays and comfortable leather chairs, flanked by rosewood cabinets.

The owners’ suite forward of the atrium includes a full-beam stateroom characterized by huge windows and a wealth of pale fabric panels, giving it an especially bright feel.

Bridge deck

Uniquely on a boat of this size, Ocean Mercury’s lovely sky lounge takes up the full beam. Giant windows enhance the already impressive feeling of space, as does the furniture layout. The sky lounge opens onto the broad aft deck through a quadruple sliding door, creating one huge indoor/outdoor area with plenty of different seating spaces and options. The sheltered aft deck enhances this feeling and provides plenty of privacy while in port.

Lower deck

The guest staterooms are entered through a charming octagonal lobby, which accentuates the spaciousness of the stairwell, not least thanks to a full-length mirror on the aft wall. There are four guest rooms which can be rearranged into two large VIP suites with lounges.

Ocean Mercury houses her crew in three cabins forward, including a slightly larger one ideal for the engineer. The engine room is located amidships. It is evident that the working environment on Ocean Mercury has not been sacrificed for the sake of increasing guest volume.

Sun deck

Intended primarily for use in the Mediterranean, Ocean Mercury is crowned by an accordingly multipurpose sundeck. There are three distinct atmospheres here: A flexible aft area for sitting, which comprises mostly loose furniture, a central shaded area ideal for snacks or lunch, and a forward area devoted to sunbathing with a large whirlpool tub.

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