It is the year 1870. At the Italian shipyard Cantiere Argentario a schooner is completed.

It is named after a saint: San Francesco: "Patrono della gente del mare" (patron of the sailors).

Originally the ship was designed for transporting marble, but history had something else in store for her.

When the steamboat was introduced she could not longer keep up with her competitors.

She was taken out of service after years of loyal duty and fell into the hands of people who believed in "free enterprises".

In contradiction to her holy name she now spent her days on dubious voyages across the Mediterranean Sea.

With her innocent look, perfect line and enough space for goods (such as ivory, art and wine) business flourished.

As with all good things this period of "free enterprise" voyages came to an end.

The authorities decided to put a stop to these "enterprises".

The ship was confiscated and bounded. She was doomed to be lost in history.

But in 1965 San Francesco’s beauty was recognized by a wealthy Italian family.

Put back to life as a modern, comfortable sailing-yacht, she became again the queen of the Mediterranean Sea.

Although luxurious she remained the authentic ship she had always been.

Appreciated by many Italian business-people and ministers who enjoyed her hospitality more than once.

In 1995 she was modified to become a modern and comfortable ocean sailing ship, again her authenticity was beautifully maintained throughout these changes.

Three years later we, Hilda and Martin Kroes, became the new owners of the San Francesco and from that day she has sailed under the Dutch flag.

She now has left the Mediterranean Sea and, after sailing across the Atlantic Ocean and discovering the Caribbean area, she is stationed at Oranjestad Aruba.

Thanks to her magnificent look and comfortable interior the San Francesco is the perfect ship to be used for sailing trips with small groups, for diving excursions, promotional or business meetings, parties and many other occasions.

Her authentic appearance makes her unique for use in commercials and movies.

We hope this short description of the history and current activities of the San Francesco has convinced you to take the opportunity to taste life at sea on board of this nostalgic schooner.