The USS Marpessa (SP-787) was a relatively small but notable vessel originally constructed as an "express yacht," measuring approximately 50 feet in length. Built in 1916 by the Mathis Yacht Building Company in Camden, New Jersey, she was designed by T. B. Taylor for William John Matheson of New York. The vessel was powered by two six-cylinder 175-horsepower Van Blercks gasoline engines, making her suitable for racing and recreational activities, particularly in the Miami area. As a racing yacht, Marpessa participated in the annual Miami regattas, often competing against powerboats from both northern regions and local Miami-based vessels. Her design and construction reflected her dual purpose as both a high-performance racing craft and a luxury yacht, with a hull numbered 60 and registered under official number 214285. She was involved in racing events and was known to have sustained damage when a hired captain, disregarding the owner's objections, ran her aground near Oyster Bay after striking a reef off Matinicock Point. During World War I, the U.S. Navy acquired her on August 18, 1917, for military service, and she was enrolled in the Naval Coast Defense Reserve on September 8, 1917. She was commissioned as USS Marpessa (SP-787) on October 1, 1917. During her naval service, she was assigned to the 7th Naval District and based at Marathon, Florida. Her primary role was patrolling the southern Atlantic coast of Florida, where she contributed to maritime security during the war. Following the end of her service, the Navy returned her to her owner, William Matheson, on January 7, 1919. The vessel's transition from a private racing yacht to a naval patrol boat highlights her versatility and maritime significance during the wartime effort, serving as an example of how civilian vessels were repurposed for national defense during World War I.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.