The Aphrodite 101 Sailboat

The Aphrodite 101, a fractional sloop, was designed by Paul Elvstrom & Jan Kjaerulff and built in Denmark by Bianca Yachts. She is also known as the Bianca 101.

An Aphrodite 101 sailboat under full sailThe Aphrodite 101 is a lightweight and fast sailboat, if somewhat spartan below.

Published Specification for the Aphrodite 101

Underwater Profile: Fin keel with Spade Rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 32'7" / 9.94m

Waterline Length: 26'3" / 8.0m

Beam: 7'11" / 2.4m

Draft: 5'5" / 1.7m 

Rig Type: Fractional Sloop

Displacement: 6,174lb / 2,800kg

Designer: Paul Elvstrom & Jan Kjaerulff

Builder: Bianca Yachts (Denmark)

Year First Built: 1977

Number Built: 450

Owners AssociationOTT-Yacht 


Published Design Ratios for the Aphrodite 101

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 20.8

  • Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
  • 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
  • Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 57.0

  • Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
  • Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 152.4

  • Under 100: Ultralight
  • 100 to 200: Light
  • 200 to 275: Moderate
  • 275 to 350: Heavy
  • Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 21.6

  • Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
  • 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
  • 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
  • 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
  • Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.7

  • Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
  • Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

read more about these all-revealing numbers...


Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Aphrodite 101

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 20.8 suggests that, in the right hands, the Aphrodite 101 will have enough performance to leave most other sailboats of similar waterline length well astern. 

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 57.0 means that the Aphrodite 101 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 152, tells us the Aphrodite 101 is clearly a light displacement sailboat. If she's loaded with too much heavy cruising gear her performance will suffer dramatically.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 21.6 suggests that crew comfort of a Aphrodite 101 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability, which is not encouraging news for anyone prone to seasickness. 

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.7 tells us that a Aphrodite 101 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

Recent Articles

  1. Used Sailboats for Sale in the Caribbean

    Jun 07, 23 01:51 AM

    Looking for used sailboats for sale that are capable of crossing an ocean? These cruising yachts are already in the Caribbean, but what are the risks and benefits of buying out there?

    Read More

  2. 'Shindig', a 40ft Bluewater Cruising Yacht for Sale

    Jun 04, 23 08:32 AM

    If you're looking for a unique Bluewater Cruising Yacht for sale in the Caribbean, then 'Shindig' is certainly worth a look...

    Read More

  3. Used Sailing Equipment For Sale

    Jun 04, 23 06:26 AM

    Here's where people with sailing equipment for sale advertise their stuff entirely free of charge. If you're looking for used sailing gear or other used boating accessories, here's where to find it!

    Read More