2001 Beneteau Oceanis 473

Gitana is the popular Beneteau 473 with the two stateroom version that has a (brand new) easy-to-use in mast roller furler mainsail and Genoa, which won Boat of the Year when it was released! She is a very comfortable, 2 cabin/2 head version, with a large aft storage that is accessible from the cockpit or from inside.

This boat has had top of the line solar power installations, with a large capacity power bank, new energy efficient appliances, and many more upgrades. The owner has a 35 year yacht systems design company, specializing in sustainable cruising. She spent the first 16 years of her life in freshwater only.

Im writing this with some regrets because selling Gitana at this time was not our plan. We purchased her in her previous Lake Michigan location (no marine environment degradation) and brought her down to our home in the Florida Keys 6 years ago. In that time we, as did many, struggled through business and financial challenges brought on by hurricanes Irma, Ian and COVID. We did have the opportunity to cruise her many times in this region but never went into the southern Caribbean as we planned. The Oceanus design, with her flat beam aft and high aspect ratio rig allowed for high spirited sailing, especially to windward, many times over 8 knots in 15 - 18 knots apparent, with little healing (due to beam aft). After delivering throughout the Caribbean, and owning many sailing yachts over the past 40 years, this is the first design that Ive found doing domestic chores and onboard projects sailing offshore feasible, including Karens ability to bake amazing Italian dishes while beating to windward. If you experience any heal angle more than 20 degrees youre wasting hull speed by dragging weather helm because you need to reduce sail area. We are passionate about diving on the reef and enjoyed the open access, between paired steering stations to the sugar scoop transom and convenient drop down ladder designed into the transom. This is the first dual helm vessel weve owned and I really love being able to choose between windward and leew…..

Equipment: UPGRADES

Refrigeration

Air conditioning (new)

Navigation system (new)

AGM battery bank (new)

Custom solar/davit arch

Spectra RO system

Water heater - 6 gallon stainless steel (with engine heat exchanger)

Victron

3kw inverter/charger

Battery monitor

Solar charge controller (new)

720W of SunPower PV

Balmar high out-put alternator/regulator (new)

Max prop

Force 10 stove and oven (new)

In mast main sail furler (new)

Underwater lights (new)