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Accommodation
MARINER III’s fully air-conditioned interior provides accommodations for nine guests in six staterooms, all richly paneled in polished teak, plus quarters for a crew of six. Guest accommodations include two full-width master staterooms, one with a king-size bed and private, full-size bathtub, and one with a queen-size bed and private head with shower, and three single staterooms.
A gourmet chef selects and prepares all meals, wine and liquor according to MARINER III guest’s tastes and dietary requirements. Her well-appointed salon is outfitted with comfortable sofas and chairs with 1920s décor designed by architect Mitchell Turnbough, as well as an entertainment center.
Directly above, Mariner III's enormous sun deck offers the ideal spot for dinner events or for private sunbathing.
History
Mariner III was designed by Ted Geary and built by Winslow Marine Rail & Shipbuilding Company, Winslow, WA in 1926 for Captain James Griffiths of Griffiths Steamship Company. Captain Griffiths travelled to China to select the lumber for her construction. They chose 3 inch teak planking for the hull and very strong wood, called yacal, for framing. Captain Griffiths used his yacht (originally named "SueJa III") to travel up and down the West Coast.
Captain Griffiths used SueJa III for private use up until World War II when the Army commandeered her for wartime service. They ballasted down and set her out on patrol, mainly in the Aleutian Islands. After the war effort, the Army returned SueJa III to her owners. By that time Captain Griffiths had died a natural death. Without her proud owner to command the helm, SueJa III was placed into the custody of Arthur Ayers (Captain Griffiths stepson). Mr Ayers used the vessel to initiate a charter service. He sent the yacht on many charters in Alaska where she did quite well commercially.
In the early 1950's Mr Ayers sold the yacht to a Californian, O. J. Hall, who replaced her Washington Iron Works Diesel with Detroit Diesel 6-110S, a pair of engines that were in service for more than thirty years. Mr Hall used the yacht to race up and down San Diego Bay. After a few years of service she was sold to a new owner – a New Yorker who voyaged on the vessel to the Mediterranean. After a short time, she wound up in Cannes, France.
In keeping with its original 1920's design and the flavor of that era, the Kennedy Engine Co., Inc. in 1988 restored Mariner III to its old world charm with deep, rich, patterned furnishings, beautifully varnished woodwork, and polished solid brass fixtures. It took over two years with a team of 12 men. Once ready to cast off, they traveled mainly in the Gulf of Mexico with some lengthy stays in Cozumel and Belize. Today, she is well cared for and is brightly polished and maintained in the spirit to which she has lived.
Specification
Mariner III is equipped with the latest navigational, radar, communications and electronic equipment. Generators and engines were all renewed during a major refit in 1988. She has a trans-Atlantic capability and a cruising range of 3000 miles.
