Designed for serious bluewater cruising, the St Francis 48 is a South African-built catamaran that has earned a strong reputation among offshore passage-makers and liveaboard sailors. Developed by the St Francis Marine yard based in the Eastern Cape, this vessel reflects decades of local design refinement shaped by the demanding conditions of the South African coastline and beyond. Built with long-distance voyaging in mind, the St Francis 48 is well regarded for its robust construction, comfortable interior volume, and capable sea-keeping behaviour. Catamarans of this lineage tend to prioritise stability, safety, and livability over raw speed, making them a popular choice for couples and families planning extended ocean passages or Caribbean cruising circuits. The design balances practical deck layout with generous accommodation below, offering the kind of space and functionality that appeals to those spending extended time aboard. St Francis Marine has cultivated a loyal following among experienced bluewater sailors, and the 48 sits comfortably within a tradition of purpose-built offshore cruising cats that prize reliability and seaworthiness. For buyers seeking a capable and well-regarded passage-maker, it warrants close consideration.
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What is the St Francis 48's sail area to displacement ratio?
The St Francis 48 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 27.45. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
How much does a St Francis 48 weigh?
The St Francis 48 has a displacement of 24,251.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 47.41 ft.
Who designed the St Francis 48?
The St Francis 48 was designed by Angelo Lavranos, first built in 2001.