The Oceanis 373 is a very versatile 11-meter cruiser. Easy to handle with a small crew, it is capable of sailing offshore and going the distance. Designed by Jean Berret and Olivier Racoupeau, this sailboat is an excellent choice for families who sail frequently.
The Oceanis Clipper 373 is an 11-meter cruising sailboat, built by the Beneteau shipyard and designed by the Berret-Racoupeau naval architecture firm. Launched in 2003, it successfully strikes an excellent balance between helm balance, performance, comfort, and ease of handling. It appeals to both families and sailors looking for a reliable and spacious boat for long-distance cruising. Its sleek, successful silhouette, ergonomic cockpit, and bright interior make it a sought-after sailboat on the used boat market, especially for offshore cruising.
Key Features
- Architects: Jean Berret and Olivier Racoupeau
- Length: 11.34 m
- Beam: 3.75 m
- Draft: 1.50 m (standard version) to 1.95 m (deep draft version)
- Displacement: approx. 6,850 kg
- Sail area: 65 m² (mainsail + genoa)
- Engine: Yanmar 40 HP
- Accommodation: 2 or 3 cabins, spacious salon, equipped kitchen, full bathroom
- Production: 2003 to 2006, several hundred units built
- Target audience: Family cruising, charter, coastal and offshore sailing
History of the Oceanis Clipper 373
The Oceanis Clipper 373 fully belongs to the Oceanis Clipper generation, a range of cruising sailboats developed by Beneteau to meet the growing demand for boats combining comfort, safety, and performance. The 373 is the result of a collaboration between the Vendée shipyard and the Berret-Racoupeau firm, known for its high-performance hulls and optimized interiors. It succeeded the Oceanis 371 and preceded the Oceanis 38, establishing itself as a pivotal model in the range.
The construction, in stratified polyester, is based on proven industrial processes, ensuring robustness and longevity. The 373 was designed to offer significant interior volume for its size while maintaining good seakeeping qualities. It was produced between 2003 and 2006, with several draft and interior layout versions to adapt to different uses: family cruising, charter, or sport sailing.
At the time, its main competitors were the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 379, the Dufour 385, and the Bavaria 37, with which it shared a similar philosophy: an accessible, easy-to-handle boat capable of respectable sailing performance.
Interior Layout
The Oceanis Clipper 373 stands out with a bright and well-organized interior, featuring a headroom of 2.10 m, generous portholes, and deck hatches that flood the space with natural light. The spacious and modular salon can accommodate up to 8 people around a central table. The functional kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, a double sink, and ample storage. The 2 or 3 cabin versions offer comfortable berths, with double beds and optimized storage spaces.
The finishes, in light wood or mahogany depending on the options, are carefully crafted and durable. The bathroom, complete with a separate shower, is a major asset for onboard comfort. The layout was designed to facilitate movement and maximize living space, making it an ideal boat for extended cruises or family life aboard.
Sailing Qualities
The 373 is appreciated for its secure sailing behavior and ease of handling, even with a reduced crew. Its hull, featuring a pronounced chine, ensures good stability and remarkable course-keeping. The masthead rig and aluminum mast make sail adjustments easier, while the fixed keel (or bulb keel, depending on the version) offers a good compromise between performance and safety.
When sailing, the boat proves to be responsive and maneuverable, with a comfortable cruising speed and the ability to handle various sea conditions. Owners highlight its ability to sail upwind and its stability downwind, even in rough seas. The spacious and secure cockpit is equipped with numerous handholds and non-slip surfaces, enhancing the feeling of safety on board.
Owners’ Reviews
Owner feedback is generally very positive. Many appreciate the interior comfort, brightness, and ease of handling, even in strong winds. Some emphasize the robustness of the construction and the quality of the finishes, while others highlight the boat’s versatility, capable of sailing in both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
One owner summarizes: “We reached 30 knots downwind with 2 reefs and 8 knots broad reach, with the autopilot engaged and my wife reading in the sun. Not scared at all!” Another adds: “It’s a boat that performs well from 8 knots of wind and remains very comfortable for its size.” Some, however, note that the full-batten mainsail can be a bit heavy to hoist for a small crew and recommend adding electric winches to facilitate maneuvers.
Oceanis Clipper 373 Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Length overall | 11.34 m |
| Waterline length | 10.45 m |
| Beam | 3.75 m |
| Draft (standard) | 1.50 m |
| Draft (deep) | 1.95 m |
| Displacement | 6,850 kg |
| Ballast | 1,960 kg |
| Sail area (upwind) | 65 m² |
| Mainsail | Furling or full batten |
| Genoa | Furling (~35 m²) |
| Engine | Yanmar 4JH2E, 40 HP |
| Water tank | 300 L |
| Fuel tank | 130 L |
| Headroom | 2.10 m |
| Number of cabins | 2 or 3 |
| Number of berths | 6 to 8 |
| Architects | Berret-Racoupeau |
| Shipyard | Beneteau (France) |
| Launch year | 2003 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Hull material | Stratified polyester |
| Rigging | Masthead sloop |
| Navigation category | A (offshore) |