Spend 8 hours in the warm waters of Vilagarcía de Arousa

Highly versatile in its deck layout and interior distribution, the Oceanis 473 was one of Beneteau's flagship models between 2001 and 2008. This Finot-Conq design combines the comfort and performance sought by private owners with the demanding requirements of the charter business.

The Finot-Conq-designed Oceanis 473 was launched in 2001, replacing the Oceanis 461, a Farr design introduced in 1996. The OC-473 remained in the Beneteau catalog until 2008, when it was replaced by the Berret/Racoupeau-designed Oceanis 46. Three highly reputable architects contributed to three generations of Oceanis yachts in the important 13-14 meter range, where models compete simultaneously in the demanding owner-operated segment and the challenging charter market.

The Oceanis 473 was presented to the public in 2001, replacing the Oceanis 461, a Farr design originally launched in 1996. The Finot-Conq duo, undisputed leaders in Open ocean racing designs in the early 21st century, were responsible for the Océanis 473 project. The new model surprised everyone with its large hull volume, a high and powerful bow, a modern L-shaped bulb keel, and an impressive beam extending almost to the transom. From the first glance, this sailboat is visually striking. Its aesthetics are timeless, featuring an attractive double-flush deck extending slightly aft of the mast and rising slightly above the saloon. The OC-473's significant freeboard thus disguised its massive silhouette while providing ample headroom. The OC473 is rigged masthead with angled spreaders and a baby stay, with a well-balanced sail distribution between the genoa and mainsail. The large genoa surface area at 150% was never a favorite among charter companies, who found their less careful clients easily deforming the sail. It's not a particularly subtle rig in terms of adjustments, but it's solid and easy to handle thanks to the complete and well-placed deck hardware supplied as standard. All the mast lines of the 473 are led back to the cockpit, where they are handled by a battery of Spinlock XT cleats and a pair of Lewmar 40ST winches above the cabin. The mainsheet, a reasonable length, is also above the cabin, and the genoa winches (two Lewmar 56 or 54ST) are located on the coamings, allowing them to be operated by the helmsman or the crew from the benches. The helmsman uses twin wheels, and his seat on the sides always has the backstay in a crow's nest position, which interferes with resting his back on the aft deck. Visibility forward and support points when heeling are good. A retractable central bench seat opens onto a stern platform that, in its day, seemed unbeatable. Nowadays, accustomed as we are to the enormous folding skirts found on all sailboats, the ample size of the OC-473's platform is questionable. Performance to match The Oceanis 473 boasts good performance across the entire wind range, starting from light breezes of around 5 or 6 knots. Its heel resistance is also remarkable, especially in the 2.10 m draft version. Sailing close-hauled in about 25 knots with a reef in the mainsail and two-thirds of the genoa set, the boat effortlessly maintains a course of 7.2-7.6 knots, with the cockpit dry and the crew enjoying the scenery seated on the comfortable cockpit benches (kudos for the grab rail). The deep, well-raised bow, along with the slight U-shape in the forward section of the hull, ensures a smooth passage through the waves. On tighter courses, the wheel balance remains fairly neutral, as is typical of Finot-Conq designs, but it's best not to push the helm too hard to avoid losing the momentum of this large displacement hull. With the sheets eased in these 20-25 knots, the OC-473's speed increases to a respectable 8.5 knots on a beam reach, and up to 9.5-10 knots on a reach. With the genoa fully unfurled in this quarter-wind, the speed remains consistently in double digits, and although the helmsman needs to be more attentive, the feeling of effortless speed takes center stage. The Oceanis's cockpit is comfortable both at anchor and underway. The bow-to-stern movement is easy, the helmsman's seat is comfortable, and the six (or even eight) crew members the boat accommodates will find themselves at ease maneuvering or relaxing on the benches. The Oceanis 473 belongs to a generation of sailboats that didn't yet consider large exterior tables—with a refrigerator and storage chest for dishes—essential. On the OC-473, the exterior table is made of luxurious varnished mahogany and is foldable and easily removable (carrying bag included), leaving only a stainless steel tubular structure visible, which serves as both a handrail and a footrest when heeled over. A very practical solution. Spacious interiors Inside, the 473 offers versions for all sailing programs, with two, three, or four enormous double cabins and two bathrooms. Regardless of the version, the central saloon is very spacious (3.55 x 3.92 m), distinguished—depending on the version—by the L-shaped galley located either near the entrance or along the side of the saloon. The helm station (which changes position depending on the galley configuration) is a classic design, with a forward-facing seat, drawers, shelves and lockers for small items, ample space for charts, a beveled panel for mounting electronics, and a practical front panel that can be used for mounting small instruments or as a glove compartment. Given that chart tables are gradually becoming obsolete in modern sailboats, this helm station can always be repurposed as an owner's office, an increasingly popular feature on sailboats of this length.

In terms of construction, the OC-473 represents another step forward in Beneteau's ongoing process of transforming its counter-molding into virtually integral pieces, from floor to ceiling. On the OC-473, the counter-molding not only forms the hull reinforcements but also discreetly supports the bulkheads and much of the furnishings, joining everything together using various types of adhesives. It's a construction system perfectly suited to large-scale production, robust and durable, which Beneteau has mastered.

5-hour option - €500

Deposits:

Bail-in charter: €5,000 Daily charter with skipper: €500

Bail-in charter, minimum four days.