Coral Ocean
Custom-built in 1994 by Lurssen Yachts, Coral Ocean is a 73m/238ft motor yacht. Bannenberg and Rowell were responsible for her beautiful interior and exterior design. This prestigious vessel was extensively and lovingly refitted in 2009. Coral Ocean has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure with a 3.25m (10.66ft) draft and a beam of 12.4m (40.68ft). This customised yacht is fully equipped with an ultra-modern stabilisation system that reduces roll motion effect. As a result, guests can expect a smoother and more enjoyable cruising experience while on board.
Since her launch 23 years ago, Coral Ocean is still a leading lady for a charter cruise vacation. Over the last couple of decades this superyacht has been much admired. Her expansive interior has remained under the radar somewhat as one of the best kept secrets in the industry. After her recent refit, Coral Ocean fully complies with today’s charter regulations.
Living areas and deck spaces
Due to the high quality Lurssen craftsmanship, Coral Ocean’s living areas and deck spaces are as they were when she was first launched. At one of the Monaco Yacht Shows, lined up in Port Hercules, this majestic superyacht shared the limelight with some of the best superyachts around. Her cream coloured hull, clean lines and stunning staircase are sights to behold. Not to be outdone by her younger counterparts, Coral Ocean cuts a striking figure on the water.
One of the first things you will notice when stepping on board is that this yacht doesn’t comply with the layout of other superyachts. What is usually an al fresco lounge on the main deck aft has been utilised as a storage area for two of the vessel’s tenders. One is a specially built 8.6m limousine while the other comprises of two jet skis. The main aft deck can quite easily hold parties for up to 80 guests when this space is cleared.
Forward of the tenders there’s an entrance hall leading into the interior. Many previous guests have commented on the fantastic design work of Bannenberg which is evident throughout. The charming living areas are decorated in wood, shells and rough marble. This is enhanced with a collection of Polynesian as well as African art which were acquired by the original owner from an auction in New York.
You won’t fail to be impressed by these colourful artwork pieces that are set alongside a neutral colour of brown wood and pale, soft furnishings. There’s almost an organic feel especially when the overall look is reminiscent of a luxury African safari lodge. As a point of note the beach house style décor is now very popular among today’s new superyacht launches.
The main saloon
Let’s move onto the main saloon. This area has a welcoming effect with walls of burl birch, tree bark and silver leaf. The main saloon makes up an aft portion of the main deck and is a great place to socialise. Comfortable sofas and chairs provide two cosy areas each having a hand-made coffee table. The tops of these tables are made from a combination of fractured and polished glass. One of Coral Ocean’s most innovative features is the awesome balcony that overlooks the sea. This particular feature has now been incorporated into many other superyachts so it just goes to show how innovative Coral Ocean is.
Sourced from New Zealand, hand-tufted virgin wool carpets depict waves breaking on the water’s surface. They are an eye-catching constant feature throughout guest areas. Style continues into the dining room forward. Here there are two round, glass-topped tables that are surrounded by white high-back chairs.
Luxurious accommodation
To ensure a relaxed, luxury yacht experience, Coral Ocean is capable of carrying up to 22 crew on board. This superyacht offers sublime accommodation for 12 guests. On most vessels, you can find the master suite on the forward section of the main deck. Not so on the Coral Ocean. The galley and crew areas spread across this section of the main deck while the master suite is located on the top deck forward. There’s an electronic adjustable bed in the middle of this full-beam cabin. This can be elevated to offer wonderful views through the wraparound windows. A large circular skylight provides lots of natural light to ensure the space is bright and airy.
The master suite has many mod cons like a widescreen TV which rises from a bureau opposite the bed. There are also two semi-circular sofas set on plinths that form comfortable snugs to port and starboard. Again, exotic, unique woods have been used in making the furniture. Check out the pearlescent shells drawer handles on bedside cabinets and the pretty feathers, from the ancient Inca period, which adorn the walls.
A his and hers bathroom completes this suite along with a spacious dressing room. Private access to a suite below can be used which serves as a separate VIP suite or an extension to the master suite.
Next is the VIP state room. This has an en suite and a dressing room to port with sleeping quarters to starboard. There’s also a private study, ideal to keep in touch with family, friends or work colleagues. The awesome U-shaped sofa and wide-screen TV also make this space a very comfortable saloon.
Along the starboard side of the suite are floor to ceiling windows. These offer majestic ocean views as well as plenty of natural light. The light helps to highlight the masterly use of artworks and wood. One of the favourites is the two kissing heads on a plinth situated at the end of the double bed. The bed frame is made from burr birch and compliments the oak parquet flooring. What could be better than hand-made mahogany chairs paired with a glass-topped desk?
The rest of the cabins are off a circular central lobby on the lower deck. Again, light filters through a skylight above so you can admire the tiered fountain made from pearlescent shell and precious stones. There are two more cabins situated forward with two twin cabins aft. Each enjoy their own individuality due to the use of different artworks from the exciting onboard collection.
Main deck entrance hall
Take the corridor which leads off the central lobby to a staircase. This goes up to the main deck entrance hall. An aft corridor gives guests access to the gym and spa. You’ll have plenty of time on board to work out or relax. Superyacht gyms and spa complexes can be found on almost every superyacht. Back in 1994 these facilities were considered to be somewhat of a sensation on a yacht.
There’s even a steam room that is decorated in turquoise tiles. This area leads further aft to a large swim platform via a few steps.
The sky lounge shares the deck with the VIP suite. Aft of the main staircase, is the saloon. It’s a little more informal than the saloon below and certainly brighter because of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Two semi-circular white sofas and scatter cushions provide a mirror image to starboard and port. The granite tables made with driftwood and concrete are ideal to stand drinks on while watching the wide-screen TV.
Walk through the sliding glass doors to the huge deck area. Here there are three separate seating areas that can be connected to form one large dining table, suitable for up to 12 guests. To protect the deck from windy weather, side windows can be slid into place.
To get to the top deck, take a short walk up the exterior staircase. While the deck below is more suitable for formal dining, the top deck is ideal for casual get-togethers. A central island is surrounded by twelve bar stools, so sit back and relax enjoying a cocktail or two. Feeling a little peckish? A friendly crew member can provide freshly grilled snacks from the barbecue.
Top up your tan
Two protruding aft sections to starboard and port offer large sun pads. There’s a good selection of deck chairs too offering everyone the chance to socialise with small groups of family or friends. It’s also a spot where you can take some time out for yourself, unwind and think about the day ahead.
The sun deck above is a popular day time hub. It can be accessed via an interior entry way. Another feature on board Coral Ocean can be found in the lobby, an old slot machine with specially made coins. It won’t take you long to find the private patio area just aft of the master suite. There’s even a porthole in the sun deck’s recessed swimming pool so you can look out to sea. A beautiful stairway curves its way around the turquoise tiled pool, the views from the top are sensational.
After taking a dip, dry off in the small al fresco lounge area under the radar arch. The pool is submerged below the deck so views here are unobstructed. The remainder of the deck is uncluttered so there’s lots of space to walk around and stretch those legs.
Newer superyachts are often equipped with bigger swimming pools than Coral Ocean. This vessel however was one of the first yachts to have an on-board pool and today still provides a lovely setting to take a dip.
Discover the world in glorious surroundings
Coral Ocean is certainly a remarkable superyacht with her timeless interior, magnificent exterior and breath-taking style. She is proof that a yacht of this calibre can keep her value even after so many years. The superb craftsmanship, interior and exterior design are what makes Coral Ocean so defining as a charismatic yacht charter vessel.
Her elegance, sophistication and imitable looks are what sets Coral Ocean aside from the rest. Ground breaking features like the removable side shell in the main saloon, spa complex, gym and sun deck swimming pool all help to provide the “wow” factor. Coral Ocean is a true classic and the perfect charter to discover the world in glorious surroundings!
