DONA FRANCISCA // Astillero Buquebus

The example for this yacht were the earlier British cutters – especially the racing cutter Mosquito from 1848 – with their vertical stemposts, narrow dark painted hull, bowsprits and above all fast and exceptionally seaworthy. As many vessels of that period were designed according to John Scott Russell‘s wave line theory there was a problem was a lack of volume forward.

Dona Francisca has a carbon hull to reduce her weight. Furthermore, she the largest yacht built in Carbon in America. The owner wants to sail in shallow waters, so it was important to have a low draft. The naval architect Javier Soto gave her a fixed keel with a draft of just 3.60 meters.

Dona Francisca‘s carbon masts and rigging is equipped with furlers for booms and forstays to reduce the crew usage.

Houses and skylights are reduced to a minimum to keep a flat and clear deck.

Her interior has a touch of a British gentleman’s club and was made in a mix of Honduras mahogany and white panels. Owner’s cabin if aft of the deckhouse, separated and independent with an adjacent fully operative office. Forward of the deckhouse is the saloon, which extends the whole width, is spacious and airy. There is a living zone on the port, and the opposite is the dining room, with a table for ten persons. Following through a corridor is an accommodation zone with three guest cabins, all with their bathrooms in suite.

Next forward is the galley and crew mess area, with a companionway entrance. Captain in on starboard, and there are two crew cabins in the forward end of the interior arrangement.

Forepeak and lazarette are bigger than typically seen on these boats; we foresee this will be much appreciated when this Schooner turns from stationary to real-life service.