172 ft. Doña Francisca
// For Sale //
Sailing Architect Yacht Marketing
The Boutique agency to support in: SuperYacht marketing - owner’s and buyer representation.
April 2024: The introduction of Doña Francisca
Sailing Architect Ltd. introduces to you on behalf of the family Lopez Mena and in support of the Central Broker Northrop & Johnson Spain, the unique in its kind 172’ ft. Sailing Yacht Doña Francisca. A full carbon built Schooner which is one of world’s most modern Sailing Super Yachts with a classic design.
The Doña Francisca has a length of 172' ft. / 52.43m, the yacht is build by Astilleros Buquebus between 2009 and 2014, is able to host 8 guests, has 4 cabins and 4 professional crew. Mainly the yacht is sailed in private use. An upgrade is needed to equip the yacht as a charter yacht.
We are delighted to share the story of Doña Francisca with you, presented by the owner Juan Carlos Lopez Mena, his son and Managing Captain Andres Lopez Mena and the Naval Architect of the yacht Javier Soto Acebal.
Doña Francisca represents more than a sailboat; it's a manifestation of a lifetime marked by passion, hard work, and adventurous spirit. Tailored for individuals with discerning tastes in both classical and modern aesthetics, as well as a deep passion for sailing and adventure, it stands as an extraordinary testament to the owner's remarkable journey.
A story by passionate sailors!
“My goal was to built the World’s most unique and top quality private sailing yacht. With the world leading experts we built the boat on the shipyard of my Company Astilleros Buquebus in Montevideo, Uruguay.”
— Juan Carlos Lopez Mena
“There are a lot of hidden stories about the Doña Francisca. It was a big project and big effort by the team to design and build the yacht. And deep down here in the South it was a big thing, not being in Holland or the States.”
— Javier Soto Acebal
“My father and I are feeling a twinge of jealousy knowing that someone else will soon enjoy all these upgrades we do during the refit. Nonetheless, these efforts have undoubtedly made Doña Francisca an even better boat than before.”
— Andres Lopez Mena
Juan Carlos Lopez Mena
Boats have always been my passion, my challenge, my life.
I’ve devoted my entire existence to innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries. Back in 1979, I started my ferry company from scratch, always striving for innovation within my financial means. As the company expanded, in 2013, I commissioned the construction of the world’s only LNG-powered ferry: the Francisco (named in honour of Pope Francis). The Francisco shattered the Guinness speed record for any vessel, reaching an impressive 58.1 knots.
Today, my latest endeavour is building the world’s largest fully electric ferryboat, designed for 2,100 passengers and 226 cars. This remarkable vessel will set sail by the end of 2025.
While I take pride in these achievements, the most significant project of my life began in 2010: crafting my SCHOONER with flawless water lines and an exceptionally durable hull, indeed the most resistant hull worldwide. Achieving this required cutting-edge technology, along with substantial time, money, and unwavering passion and effort.
In 2014, the world witnessed the birth of the only full carbon fibre schooner: Doña Francisca, named after my grandmother. I spared no expense, using the highest-quality components available in the market. The total investment for this ship amounted to USD 30 million.
Now, at 82 years old, I’ve made the decision to sell my beloved Doña Francisca. Prospective buyers must appreciate her beauty and commit to caring for my Lady—a vessel where modern and classic aesthetics seamlessly merge.
“This carbon resin infusion project was the largest in the time we build the Doña Francisca.”
— Ezequiel Cirito
Managing director Shipyard Astilleros Buquebus
The Naval Architecture
Javier Soto Acebal
“The building process demanded all our dedication and creativity, because we were very far away from the places where things are done normally. Experts needed to come over to Uruguay to work on the design & construction. And also we don’t have the tradition of these kind of yachts. How can we do it to get this kind of design?
We needed a strict discipline and respect for the past. I was already passionate for naval architecture from the past.
I am a huge admirer of Nathanael Herreshoff, John Alden, B.B. Crowninshield and of course the old British Cutters.
“As a hobby I studied Naval Architects and boats. It was very helpfull to research on these designs since I was 17 years old.”
After working together with Naval Architects like Andre Hoek, who is familiar with these yachts, I gained my experience. I was confident to design the hull lines as I worked a lot on regatta yachts. I was challenged the most by how we could make it a really esthetic boat.
The Doña Francisca is a yacht with the less deckhouse and skylights as possible and the more flat deck. It feels like the designs of Nathanael Herreshoff and B.B. Crownishield. “Less is More”.
The interior study was a specialist project on itself. We began to go to British Clubs here in Buenos Aires to see the panelling, the knots of the doors, the fine details, the showers of the clubs with the ceramics and studying high-end boats of the past. With all that we started designing and all in 3D.
2 years before the yacht was ready to sail, we finished the 3D images of the interior, which brought us a lot of knowlegde. It was a really interesting project to design, my staff did a lot of homework and became artisan and design experts.
The construction was the biggest infusion carbon project in history in the time the construction took place. To inspect the lamination we drilled holes and took samples of the carbon. With the Carbon material we can have a really rigid yacht and reduce the ballast percentage without changing the displacement.
The deckhouse and skylights are completely done in wood by Italian woodworkers and are connected to the carbon frame. All the fittings and most deck hardware are made in bronze, to fit the classis design.”
Sailing & Refit
Andres Lopez Mena
“Regarding the building process of Doña Francisca, it marked a significant period in my life as a young adult. Accustomed to seeing my father always involved in big projects, this one particularly caught my attention.
He consistently expressed that this would be his masterpiece, his final sailing boat, and thus, it had to be perfect. In fact, I recall that initially, it was intended to be shorter in length, but driven by a fear of it not being grand enough, he urged the designers to extend it.
Moreover, he ensured that the designers considered the unique challenge of Doña Francisca needing to sail on the ‘Rio de la Plata’, known for its shallow depth. Consequently, another challenge was to limit the draft to 3.5 meters.
We can affirm that Doña Francisca is the realization of a lifetime of dreaming and sailing. Being a part of it now feels surreal.
“Delivering Doña Francisca to Spain from Uruguay, it was a pleasant surprise.”
We knew the boat sailed well on the Rio de la Plata, but seeing her handle the ocean so effortlessly was a real treat. We were grateful to the designers.
The northbound route along Brazil's coastline from Uruguay is usually tough for sailors due to the Brazilian current and southbound winds. But we expected it. What surprised us was how smooth the ride was on Doña Francisca. It hardly felt like we were sailing at times.
We stopped in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, and Funchal, Madeira, for supplies. In Brazil, we had to refuel in a tiny bay crowded with small sailing boats around a floating fuel station. Doña Francisca's maneuverability in such tight spaces was impressive. I gotta mention, there's nothing worse than a boat that doesn't respond well due to poor propulsion distribution, but that wasn't a problem with her.
The rest of the trip was just chill. We enjoyed amazing meals cooked by a friend who's a great cook. Some family members joined us for the ride.
Can't wait to see her sailing the world, spreading joy like she did for us.
Doña Francisca, certified by the Naval Italian Registry (RINA), was due for a hull re-inspection, a protocol procedure necessary to maintain the boat in prime condition. We saw this as an opportunity to assemble a team of experts to restore the exterior deck furniture to its original glory. I wanted the next owner to experience the same pride my father felt when the boat first left the shipyard. The deck layout consists mostly of wood and Italian bronze, known for its resilience to corrosion in marine environments but requiring extra care to keep it gleaming as we prefer.
Over a six-month period, a team of carpenters worked tirelessly to recondition the deck, restoring its appearance to its prime. Additionally, major maintenance tasks were undertaken in other areas: new lines and ropes were installed, rudder bearings replaced, thrusters fully maintained and painted, and hydraulic pumps upgraded.
New sails are scheduled for July 2024, and the hull, mast, boom, and rigging received fresh paint. New rigging fittings from Carbolink were installed, and ultrasound inspections were conducted on all systems as part of protocol measures, among other detailed improvements that we look forward to tell the new owner about”
Doña Francisca
Andres and the team of Doña Francisca sailed the yacht from Uruguay to Spain in summer 2023. Since then Andres is leading the refit and preparing the boat to relaunch early April 2024 and be present at the Palma International Boat Show end of April 2024.
Setting sail with Doña Francisca from Uruguay to Spain in July 2023
Arrival of Doña Francisca at the Varadero Valencia Shipyard 2023
2024
If you have a request to visit the Doña Francisca in fall, please contact us at willemjan@willand.nl for a private showing.
Fabi Renner a local Mallorca Filmmaker created this video during the Palma International Boatshow.
Contact us.
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Willem Jan Landman
willemjan@willand.nl / + 31 6 24 66 95 49
Ivo van Baal
Joachim Kieft
Pablo Bottacchi
Amsterdam - Valencia - Mallorca - Buenos Aires
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Introducing an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a 52-meter sailing vessel crafted from premium full carbon material. With only 1000 motoring hours and a first Atlantic Crossing! This exquisite vessel represents the pinnacle of maritime engineering, offering unrivaled performance, durability, and elegance.
**Superior Craftsmanship**
Meticulously designed and constructed from top-grade full carbon, ensuring unmatched strength and lightness for optimal sailing performance.
**Timeless Design**
Seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with timeless aesthetics, this vessel exudes sophistication and luxury on the open seas.
**Cost and Time Efficiency**
Purchasing a new to build vessel of this caliber would entail double the investment and a lengthy wait of at least 5 years.
This exclusive opportunity allows you to acquire a pristine vessel without the prolonged lead time or exorbitant costs.
Enabling you to embark on your maritime adventures without delay.
**Investment Value**
Acquiring this vessel presents a unique sailing experience and a savvy investment opportunity. Its rarity and superior construction ensure enduring value appreciation over time.
**Living the Maritime dream**
Seize this exceptional opportunity to own a 52-meter sailing masterpiece at a fraction of the cost and time required for a new build.
Contact us for scheduling a private viewing during the Palma Boatshow.
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Read all about the Dona Francisca here in 'The Islander Magazine' of July/August 2024.