Polaris Faru One - Bénéteau Oceanis 473

Highly versatile in its deck layout and interior design, the Océanis 473 was one of Beneteau’s stars between 2001 and 2008. This Finot-Conq design combines the level of comfort and good performance sought by private shipowners with the tough demands of the charter business. The Océanis 473, a Finot-Conq design, was presented to the public in 2001, replacing the Océanis 461, a Farr design introduced in 1996. The OC-473 was in the Béneteau catalogue until 2008, when it was replaced by the Océanis 46, a Berret/Racoupeau design. Three highly-regarded architects for three generations of Océanis in this important 13-14 metre length range, where models compete simultaneously in the demanding owner-owned boat segment and also in the tough charter market. The Finot-Conq tandem, an undisputed leader in Open ocean racing designs at the beginning of the 21st century, was responsible for the Océanis 473 project. The new model surprised with the large volume of its hull, with a high and powerful bow, the modern bulbous “L” keel and an imposing beam that practically reaches to the transom. From the first glance, this sailboat is easily eye-catching. Its aesthetics are timeless, adopting an attractive double flush-deck from further back from the mast, rising slightly above the saloon. The OC-473's substantial freeboard thus concealed its massive silhouette while providing a good headroom. The OC-473's rig is full mast with angled spreaders and baby-stay, with a fairly even spread of sails between the genoa and the main. The large genoa area at 150% was never to the liking of charter companies, who saw their careless clients easily deform the sail. It is not a very subtle rig in terms of settings, but it is solid and easy to handle thanks to the complete and well-arranged hardware supplied as standard. The 473's mast handling is all redirected to the cockpit, where it is handled by a battery of Spinlock XT cleats and a pair of Lewmar 40ST winches above the cockpit. The mainsheet bar, honest in its length, is also above the cockpit and the genoa winches (two Lewmar 56 or 54ST) are above the coamings, and can be handled by the helmsman or by the crew from the benches. The helmsman steers with a double wheel and his seat on the sides always has the backstay in a crow's foot position, which interferes with the rest of the back on the aft balcony. The visibility towards the bow and the support points with the heel are correct. A retractable central bench opens the way to a stern platform that, in its time, seemed unbeatable. Nowadays, accustomed to the huge folding skirts that all sailboats have, the good size of the OC-473's platform is called into question. Performance at the height The Océanis 473 can boast good performance in the entire wind range from light breezes of around 5 or 6 knots. Its heeling is also notable, especially in the 2.10 m draft version. Close-hauled in about 25 knots of wind with a reef in the main and 2/3 of the genoa deployed, the boat maintains its course effortlessly at 7.2/7.6 knots, with the cockpit dry of spray and the crew enjoying the scenery sitting on the comfortable benches in the cockpit (bravo for the support bar for the fish). The deep, well-launched bow and a certain U-shape at the bow of the hull ensure smooth passage through the wave. On tight courses, the balance of the wheel remains fairly neutral, as is usual with Finot-Conq designs, but it is best not to over-tap this hull with a large displacement. Opening the sheets at these 20/25 knots, the speed of the OC-473 rises to a good 8.5 knots on the beam, reaching 9.5/10 knots on the beam. Deploying the genoa fully with this wind on the quarter, the speed remains constant in the double digits and, although the helmsman has to be more attentive, the sensation of easy speed prevails in the program. The cockpit of the Océanis is comfortable both at anchor and underway. The bow-to-stern curve is comfortable, the helmsman's seat is pleasant and the six (or even eight) crew members that the boat can accommodate will be at ease manoeuvring or sitting on the benches. The Oceanis 473 belongs to a generation of sailboats that did not yet consider large outdoor tables - with a refrigerator and a storage box for dishes - mandatory. On the OC-473, the outdoor table is made of luxurious varnished mahogany-coloured wood and can be folded out or easily dismantled (carrying bag included), leaving only a stainless steel tubular structure visible that serves as both a handrail and a footrest when heeled over. A very practical solution. Large interiors Inside, the 473 offers versions for all sailing programmes, with two, three or four large double cabins and two bathrooms. Whatever the version, the central saloon is very spacious (3.55 x 3.92 m.), and is differentiated – depending on the version – by the “L” shaped galley next to the entrance or along the side of the saloon. The navigator’s area (which changes sides depending on the galley version) is the same as before, with a seat facing forward, drawers, shelves and lockers for small objects, plenty of space to display charts, a bevelled panel for embedding electronics and a practical front panel that allows both embedding small instruments and being used as a glove box. Assuming that chart tables are gradually losing their raison d’être inside modern sailboats, this navigator’s area can always be recycled as the owner’s ‘office’, a piece of equipment that is increasingly in demand on sailboats of this length. In terms of construction, the OC-473 took another step forward in Beneteau’s ongoing process of converting its counter-moulds into practically integral pieces from floor to ceiling. In the OC-473, the counter-mould not only forms the hull reinforcements, but also discreetly supports the bulkheads and much of the furniture, joining everything together using different types of adhesives. It is a construction system very adapted to large series, solid and durable, which Beneteau masters to perfection. The carpentry, all of it in an elegant dark mahogany tone, is elegant and pleasing to the eye. At Bénéteau they are masters when it comes to sprinkling eminently industrial carpentry with decorative details and tasteful accessories. This skill of the shipyard makes us forget that the base of the furniture is simple cabinetry with basic finishes. Also awarded is the profusion of portholes and opening lockers (19 in total), in addition to the fixed methacrylates at the bow of the cabin. Together they guarantee good ventilation and prevent the dark tones of the wood from detracting from the cheerfulness of the rooms.