ST Francis 460 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

St. Francis Marine, founded by Duncan Lethbridge with roots tracing back to the late 1980s, officially commenced operations in 1995. The builder has always been synonymous with quality, evident in its meticulous attention to detail and a production philosophy that prioritizes craftsmanship over volume, typically building around four boats per year. The ST Francis 460 represents the latest evolution of this ethos, benefiting from the collaboration with Du Toit Yacht Design, recognized as South Africa's leading naval architecture firm specializing in catamarans.

The design goals for the ST Francis 460 were ambitious: to create a catamaran characterized by "Grace, Space, and Pace," offering optimal performance without sacrificing luxury or comfort. Constructed with a fiberglass foam core using Vinylester glass infusion techniques and reinforced with Carbon/Kevlar, the 460 benefits from advanced materials and methods that optimize its weight and structural integrity. This modern approach ensures a robust yet efficient vessel, capable of withstanding the rigors of ocean cruising while delivering a refined sailing experience.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a catamaran, the ST Francis 460 diverges from the traditional performance metrics applied to monohulls, instead offering a unique blend of stability, speed, and comfort. With an overall length of 45.87 feet and a waterline length of 45.51 feet, combined with a substantial beam of 26.25 feet, the 460 possesses a wide and stable platform. This inherent stability is further enhanced by its twin keel design and a max draft of 4.07 feet, providing good directional stability and shallow water access.

The ST Francis 460 is rigged as a fractional sloop, featuring a reported sail area of 1250.77 square feet, which, coupled with its lightweight construction, contributes to its designation as a "Fast Cruising Catamaran." [2, The design is intended to deliver spirited performance across a range of conditions. Anecdotal evidence from early voyages suggests the 460 is well-equipped to handle challenging weather, with one instance noting the vessel's capability to cope with heavy seas during a delivery, implying a robust and seaworthy nature. The vessel is also available with a hybrid electric/diesel engine configuration, offering efficient auxiliary power options.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the ST Francis 460 is designed to epitomize the builder's philosophy of ergonomic luxury and spacious living. While specific headroom dimensions are not provided in the primary specifications, St. Francis Marine is renowned for creating interiors that maximize comfort and livability, including features like "sitz bath/shower with laundry bin" and the elimination of sharp corners for enhanced safety and flow. The general design philosophy emphasizes 360-degree vision from the saloon, a crucial element for enhancing the cruising experience and connection to the surroundings.

The ST Francis 460 is offered in both 3-cabin and 4-cabin versions, providing flexibility to suit different owner preferences and cruising needs. Detailed interior layouts, accessible through the builder's resources, showcase thoughtfully arranged galleys, comfortable saloon areas, and well-appointed cabins, all finished to a high standard. With generous fuel capacity of 185 gallons and water capacity of 211 gallons, the 460 is well-provisioned for extended periods away from shore, aligning perfectly with its blue water cruising aspirations.