SV Aphrodite, St Francis 50
Built in 2005 in South Africa by St Francis Marine
4 cabins, 4 heads, 110v and 220v (2 x 3000 W inverters)
Galley down design
Designer: Angelo Lavranos
Owners: Rick and Lorraine Escher, circumnavigating with their 4 children since 2015

SV Aphrodite: Awarded Best Cruising Catamaran in 2006

In 2006, Cruising World Magazine awarded the St Francis 50 “Best Cruising Catamaran”. As part of the Boat of the Year event, SV Aphrodite was inspected, down to the screw, by marine experts, and taken for a sea trial. Boat reviews appeared in Cruising World Magazine, Sailing Magazine (South Africa) and Sailing Magazine.

In Multihulls Magazine, Neil Rusch describes taking SV Aphrodite out for a sea trial in 60-knot winds and big seas. “What this did, once again, was convince me just how seakindly the St Francis boats are – the freeboard, full bow, reserve buoyancy – are a safety feature and a security, even for the novice.”

Proven blue water excellence in 2025

In 2015, the Escher family began their circumnavigation in Florida. They have sailed to more than 35 countries. They are now in Malaysia and preparing to Sail to South Africa and beyond. SV Aphrodite is robust, maintained in Bristol condition with many upgrades to support blue water sailing.

Description of craft

Length overall	15.25 m	50’
Waterline length	14.35 m	47’
Beam (max)	8 m	26’ 3”
Draft	1.25 m	4’ 2”
Bridgedeck length	10.87 m	35’ 8”
Bridgedeck clearance	0.85 m	2’ 8”
Mast height (off deck)	19.5 m	64’
Mast height (off water)	21.48 m	70’ 6”
Standard Auxilliary (Yanmar)	4JH5E 1 x 36.4 kw (54 HP) 4JH4E 1 x 36.4 kw (54 HP)
Sail Area
Mainsail	88 sq. m	947 sq. ft
Furling genoa	56 sq. m	602 sq. ft
Asymmetrical spinnaker	170 sq. m	1830 sq. ft
Code zero	–
ISTEC Parasailor	140 m2	1506 sq. ft
Storm Jib	19 sq. m	205 sq. ft
Capacity
Staterooms	4 queen-size beds and 1 small single bed
Fuel	4 x 200 liters (total capacity of 800 liters)
Freshwater	2 x 675 liters (total capacity of 1350 liters/355 gallons)
Holding tank	2 x 300 liters (total capacity of 600 liters/160 gallons)
Payload	People: 10 (75 Kg per person), total 750 kg Baggage: 4000 kg

A detailed description of SV Aphrodite can be found below.

Download SV Aphrodite, St Francis 50 equipment list

Related post: Teak and Transformation: Refinishing SV Aphrodite’s Woodwork in Malaysia