Hello everyone, I’m excited to share my journey building the Spanish frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes model kit. As a newcomer to this forum, I wanted to present my take on this iconic vessel. Having previously completed the Amati Nina, this is my second venture into wooden model ship building, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the intricate process of bringing the Mercedes to life. I started this project in August 2020 and it’s now nearing completion, a testament to the captivating nature of this build. I hope you find this build log engaging and inspiring.
For those unfamiliar, the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes was a distinguished frigate of the Spanish Royal Navy, launched in Havana in 1788. Equipped with 34 cannons, she was a formidable ship of her time. In 1804, she embarked on her fateful final voyage from Montevideo on August 9th, laden with a rich cargo. This treasure included gold, silver, copper, tin, vicuna wool, Peruvian bark, and cinnamon, reflecting the vast colonial wealth of Spain.
Tragedy struck on October 5, 1804, at the Battle of Cape Santa Maria. A British naval projectile tragically hit the Mercedes’ Santa Barbara powder magazine, leading to a catastrophic and rapid sinking. This event not only marked the loss of the ship but also a significant historical moment in naval warfare.
Centuries later, in May 2007, the Odyssey Marine Exploration company, utilizing advanced sonar technology, located the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes in the Gulf of Cadiz. At a depth of approximately 1,100 meters, a remotely operated underwater vehicle was deployed to recover the legendary sunken treasure of the Mercedes.
The recovered bounty was astounding: over 500,000 silver coins and gold escudos, minted in Lima, Peru in 1803. This is considered the largest haul of sunken treasure recovered to date, highlighting the immense historical and monetary value of the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. Today, a portion of this recovered patrimony is on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Cartagena, Spain, allowing the public to witness a tangible piece of maritime history.
Embarking on the construction of the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes ship model allows one to connect with this rich history in a hands-on way. The Occre model kit promises a high quality of assembling pieces, making it an enjoyable and rewarding project for model ship builders of various skill levels. Follow along as I showcase the different stages of my build.
This model of the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes is not just a hobby project; it’s a journey through history, allowing us to appreciate the craftsmanship of naval shipbuilding and the stories these ships carry. I hope this thread inspires you to explore the world of model shipbuilding and perhaps even embark on your own Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes project. Happy building!
