From its humble beginnings in a small garage in Les Sables d'Olonne, France, the Kirié shipyard embarked on a remarkable journey that spanned nearly a century, evolving from a builder of traditional wooden boats to a pioneer in fiberglass construction. Renowned for its innovation, particularly the highly successful "Feeling" range, Kirie left an indelible mark on the marine industry, crafting vessels cherished by cruisers and racers alike.
The Origin Story
The story of Kirié begins in 1912 when the Kirié family established their shipyard in a modest garage on Rue de la Forêt in Les Sables d'Olonne. The founder, Auguste Kirié, set up his shipyard in 1927, initially dedicating his craft to building small wooden sailing boats. This early focus laid the foundation for a company that would later embrace new materials and designs, always with a commitment to the sea.
History and Evolution
The mid-20th century marked a period of significant transformation for Kirié. In the 1950s, the shipyard diversified its production, turning towards the growing demand for speedboats. Overview This competitive spirit was embodied by the founder's son, Claude Kirié, who participated in numerous "Six heures de Paris" races during the 1960s. Overview, 25
The late 1960s saw Kirié undergo a major expansion, relocating to Château d'Olonne, near its original home. Overview, 26 This new facility positioned Kirié at the forefront of marine construction, as it became one of the first shipyards to extensively utilize polyester (fiberglass) in boat building. Overview This technological leap allowed Kirié to introduce innovative models such as the "Anges de mer" (speed fishing boats) and the "Fifty" (sailing fishing boats or motorsailers), showcasing their versatility in both power and sail. Overview
The early 1980s heralded the launch of Kirié's most iconic line: the "Feeling" range. These habitable power cruise ships quickly gained acclaim for their innovative design, particularly their availability in both lift keel and fin keel versions, offering unparalleled flexibility for diverse cruising grounds. Overview, 2, 31 The Feeling range quickly achieved recognition; in 1986, a 13.5m Feeling won the prestigious Route du Rhum in the standard boat category. Overview The following year, in 1987, the 10.9m Feeling (specifically the Feeling 1090, designed by Philippe Harlé) was voted "Boat of the Year," solidifying its status as a highly regarded vessel. Overview, 5, 29
The 21st century brought significant corporate changes for the Kirié shipyard. In 2000, Alliaura Marine acquired the Kirié shipyard, continuing the production of the popular Feeling yachts. Overview, 2, 22 A decade later, in 2010, ownership of the "Feeling" brand transitioned to Privilège Marine. Overview, 2
Design Philosophy and Identity
Kirié cultivated a strong reputation for producing robust and practical vessels that blended performance with comfort. The introduction of polyester allowed them to experiment with innovative designs, departing from traditional wooden construction. Their "Fifty" range, for instance, became synonymous with motorsailers that offered both excellent sailing capabilities and spacious, comfortable interiors.
The "Feeling" series, however, truly defined Kirié's design philosophy. The option of a lift keel or fin keel was a game-changer, catering to sailors who desired the ability to navigate shallow waters and access otherwise inaccessible anchorages, while still offering the performance of a deeper fin keel for offshore passages. Overview, 24 Kirié collaborated with several notable naval architects throughout its history. Philippe Harlé was instrumental in the design of the highly successful Feeling 1090. Other designers associated with the Feeling line include Philippe Briand, who designed the Feeling 850, and later, under Alliaura Marine, designers such as Gilles Vaton, J&J Design, and Joubert-Nivelt contributed to the brand.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Kirié's legacy is defined by several influential boat models that captivated the French and international sailing communities:
- Anges de mer: These early speed fishing boats, such as the Ange de mer 590 and the 11.00m model, showcased Kirié's early prowess in powerboat construction and their ability to create functional yet capable vessels.
- Fifty: The "Fifty" range, including models like the Fifty 27, Fifty 33, and Fifty 40, represented Kirié's commitment to motorsailers. These boats were lauded for their unique blend of sailing performance and ample living space, making them popular choices for comfortable cruising.
- Feeling Range: The "Feeling" line stands as Kirié's most celebrated contribution to the sailing world.
- The Feeling 1090, launched in 1987, was particularly significant. Voted "Boat of the Year," it achieved widespread popularity with approximately 350 units built between 1987 and 1995, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and high-performing cruiser.
- Other notable Feeling models include the compact Feeling 850 (designed by Philippe Briand) and larger cruisers like the Feeling 326, Feeling 416, and Feeling 44 DI. The innovative design of models like the Feeling 396 DI, capable of beaching, underscored Kirié's commitment to practical and versatile yachting.
The Builder Today
As of 2010, the "Feeling" brand became part of Privilège Marine. Overview, 2 Privilège Marine, a French luxury catamaran specialist, itself underwent an acquisition in 2023 by the Czech investment group PPF, which has been strategically expanding its presence in the yachting sector, including ownership of major charter companies like Dream Yacht Charter and Navigare.
While the original Kirié shipyard as an independent, diverse boat builder no longer operates, and its former industrial site in Les Sables d'Olonne is undergoing redevelopment, the "Feeling" name continues its legacy under the Privilège Marine umbrella. Although the from 2010 indicated a Feeling range of 7 models from 32' to 55', current new production of Feeling monohulls may have ceased, with Privilège Marine primarily focusing on large cruising catamarans. However, the enduring quality and innovative design of past Kirié-built Feeling yachts ensure a strong presence on the used boat market, maintaining a community of owners who appreciate their unique characteristics.
