Aphrodite 101: Fast daysailer with limited interior space in a used boat test
Nils Theurer
· 28.08.2024
Just recently, the Class Association of Aphrodite 101 celebrates its 40th birthday - Naturally on Lake Constance, where a large part of the scene is active. The sleek ten-metre boat has won numerous regattas there, underpinning its good reputation. The Aphrodite is also in demand as a second-hand boat.
When it comes to the denomination of the Aphrodite 101, shipyard owner Antonius Ott is certain: "It's clearly a Catholic boat." Pause. Because it runs on water? Or is it a church boat, is Aphrodite 101 even baptised with holy water? "Well," he grins, "you just have to do everything on your knees." Because it is only possible to linger while bent over, sitting or in the penitent position. One metre and thirty-six centimetres can be measured from the floorboards to the cabin ceiling.
Owner Klaus-Peter Stengele doesn't mind; he won two 101 World Cups with his 2002 boat number 471. On his boat, we first record 7.4 knots in a room wind and then pinch height like a sharp cruiser: with a speed of just under 6 knots, a turning angle of less than 80 degrees and no rudder pressure. Despite the expected heeling.
Various shipyards built Aphrodite 101
With these characteristics, the Aphrodite 101 met and still meets the exact specifications of sailing enthusiast Jörgen Juul Rasmussen († 2004). He commissioned the designer duo Jan Kjærulff and Paul Elvstrøm to create his dream boat, which sailed well and was easy to handle. The 9.50 metre Elvstrøm 95/Mungo was built in Halmstad, Sweden, in 1976. There, the shape was immediately lengthened by 60 centimetres and named 101 for the now 10.10 metre length. In order for the ship to fit into the Danish handicap rules, the extension was again reduced by 15 centimetres, but the name remained. John Macintosh's shipyard then built the first 15 units on the Isle of Wight, while the Bianca shipyard in Rudkøbing laminated many more until it went bankrupt in 1987. Bach's boatyard in Farsø, Denmark, continued production.
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In 1994, the mould and rights went to Ott Yacht in Meersburg. There the construction numbers 400 to the current 494 were created, because the 101 is still being built. With the Lake Constance production, a 150 per cent headsail became class-compliant, and backstays have made the higher forestay tension possible ever since. Klaus-Peter Stengele also uses them for his self-tacking jib, "it depends on the luff curve, some profiles need it".
The Aphrodite 101 is still under construction
Antonius Ott, on the other hand, is increasingly delivering new boats without backstays. "The püttinge are available and retrofitting is easy, but today many people don't know what they could do with them," he comments on the change he has observed over several decades. "I sell half of the ships twice, a quarter even three times," Ott explains the additional importance of his shipyard as a hub. "I assess the boats I'm selling and tell them what needs to be done to sell them. I do the work in advance and only when the overhauled boat is sold does the previous owner receive the proceeds minus refit costs and margin."
Ott has built seven new ones over the past ten years. "Of course, the 101 is a plastic bucket," Ott admits realistically, "but at least it has established itself on Lake Constance like a Dragon, a 30 or even a 45-series warping cruiser." Kjærulff had indeed designed a largely timeless crack that appeals.
Class chairman Olivier Grobet, 55, had fulfilled this longing and ordered a new one, his SUI 487 "Fantasea" from 2010. "I had always seen the 101 and I liked its elegance. I had also looked at a Dynamic 35, but it would have been too long for our berth. An X-99 would have fitted, and it would have been a space miracle compared to the 101. But I was told that she would only be easy to handle with a large crew," says Grobet, explaining his considerations.
Refurbishments and refits possible at the shipyard
He had been told that the 101 was the more good-natured ship, and that was true. Operating the boat in pairs works well, especially during harbour manoeuvres, "sailing alone would also work". However, since the water level on Lake Constance has been fluctuating more strongly over the summer, the 1.70 metre draught is proving to be an obstacle regionally. Olivier Grobet is completely satisfied with his boat, but has improved the lower deck furling jib system: "There is now a double-cardanic deck passage from Bartels. It's tight and doesn't beat too much in high winds."
The jetty neighbours Helen and Norbert Scherrer came across a berth by chance 20 years after obtaining their sailing licences and were looking for a suitable yacht. "We're definitely not good sailors," Helen is certain. "At first I also said no, I have other hobbies. But now I'm completely thrilled with our 101, it's great." They had given the privately purchased second-hand boat to Ott Yacht for a refit, which included new upholstery, a carbon main boom and a gennaker. "We unpacked it for the first time today and flew it." It's a pity that there are dog berths instead of top-accessible forecastle boxes, and that the water stands in the cockpit seat edge when the boat is in position, which can only be channelled by tacking or scooping. They took part in the class association's touring week, "very nice people," comments Norbert.
And another 101 enters the harbour, an older unit with a Treadmaster coating. The four owners are refitting it themselves, piece by piece, and that too is apparently working. Antonius Ott comments on used boats: "Bianca ships usually have osmosis. We refit them regularly, and the watertight epoxy makes them better than new ships."
The Aphrodite 101 is "not a caravan at sea"
"The year of manufacture is not so important," advises Klaus-Peter Stengele. "Biancas are a bit lighter, but often have a creepy flock coating on the inside, which is a huge mess to remove." Further tips: "The later-approved two-gear winches are worthwhile, existing spinnaker gear is good if you fancy racing." On Bianca yachts, check the front bulkhead and the arched forward hatch, for which there is no replacement. Possible leaking rudder shaft guides and soft foredecks, railing posts and foresail rails should be noted. Older boats have a permanently installed table in the saloon, which tends to get in the way, especially when the saloon is extended by two inserts to form a large double berth, which is 2.00 metres wide at the top and 1.42 metres wide at the bottom.
In its 1979 test, YACHT wrote: "The Aphrodite 101 is above all a thoroughbred sailing boat, not a 'caravan at sea'." Even on longer trips in the North Sea or Baltic Sea, you will be satisfied with it. Klaus-Peter Stengele's conclusion today: "The 101 is a very, very good boat for couples or small families on a budget."
Used boat profile of the Aphrodite 101
- Type: Aphrodite 101
- Designers: J. Kjærulff, P. Elvstrøm
- Built since: 1976 until today
- Quantity: 480
- New price (1979/2023): 66,100 DM/185,075 € incl. 19 % VAT
- Used price current: from € 15,000
As of 05/2024, how the prices shown are defined can be found here!
The measured values for testing the Aphrodite 101
The Aphrodite 101 in detail
Technical data of the Aphrodite 101
- Torso length: 9,95 m
- Width: 2,40 m
- Depth: 1,70 m
- Theoretical torso speed: 6.8 kn
- Weight: 3,25 t
- Ballast/proportion: 1,6 t/49 %
- Mainsail: 24,2 m²
- Self-tacking jib: 18,6 m²
- Genoa: 30,1 m²
- Spinnaker: 75,0 m²
Motors
- at the beginning: Yanmar 1 GM 10; 13 kW/18 hp
- later: Volvo MD 5A 110 Saildrive; 6 kW/8 hp
- current: Nanni 7 kW/10 hp
Hull and deck construction
Current isophthalic acid resin hand laminate with NGA gelcoat, earlier construction numbers often with osmosis damage, partially refurbished. Keel with stainless steel bolts
YACHT review of the Aphrodite 101
Originally designed for multi-day cruises, the Aphrodite is now mainly used for daysailing and regattas. There is no headroom, but the silhouette is quite attractive without a superstructure. Instead of cabin volume, the 101 has a slim hull and solid features. Good: There is an active class association
Design and concept
- + Timeless crack
- + Shipyard advice also for oldies
- - Not slippery
Sailing performance and trim
- + No rudder pressure
- + Crosses very well and high
- - Baking days
Living and finishing quality
- + lounge lawn optional
- - Bow berths very pointed
- - No standing height
Equipment and technology
- + companionway bracket
- + Good trimmable rig
- - Traveller very short
Class association
The class association is active - especially on Lake Constance - and organises regattas (a "World Cup" every two years) and flotilla trips. In Denmark, the 101 is still categorised as a national class. www.aphrodite101.com
The market situation
In line with the general situation, only a few Aphrodite 101s are currently for sale. Both for a private purchase and for a purchase from Ott Yacht, the ongoing production for spare parts and advice is a clear plus.
The used boat test of the Aphrodite 101 first appeared in YACHT issue 4/2022 and has been revised for this online version.
