San Francesco, 1870 schooner, Clearwater, Florida, $240,000, ad expired

The Pine wood constructed schooner with Canadian Pine wood masts has a stem cabin with 2 bunks, a center which sleeps 6, 2 bathrooms, the rear galley and salon, and a stern small cabin. The staging is of stainless steel, wooden blocks, brass portholes with heavy glasspanes. The engine is from the year 1976 and is in 1999 completly overhault 6 batteries (2008) serie connected 2 for Engine 4 for interieur 24V. New water-system, PC based navigation system, Life Raft (8) (all 2008)

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. 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 a Dutch family became the new owners of the San Francesco and now She 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. Thanks to Her new owner, in September of 2007 in Aruba She got a total exterior refit, including ropes and rigs. Than in 2008 she crossed the ocean again through Jamaica, Cuba, Keywest, FL and now She stations in Clearwater, FL and waiting for Her new captain. 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.