Baleinier Junior Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Kirié Baleinier Junior emerged at a transformative period for the Kirié shipyard. Founded by Auguste Kirié in 1912, the company initially focused on traditional wooden boat building, but by the late 1960s, it had become one of the pioneers in extensively utilizing polyester (fiberglass) in marine construction. Overview, 4 The Baleinier Junior, with its 1966 introduction, stands as an early example of Kirié's innovative embrace of this new material, allowing for more consistent and efficient production methods than traditional wooden boat building.

Designed by Joubert-Nivelt, the Baleinier Junior was likely intended to be a versatile and easy-to-handle small craft, leveraging the advantages of fiberglass for durability and reduced maintenance. While specific design philosophies for this particular model are not extensively documented, it aligns with Kirié's reputation for producing sturdy and seaworthy vessels suitable for a range of sailing enthusiasts. Overview

Sailing Performance and Handling

At just over 14 feet in length overall, the Kirié Baleinier Junior is a light displacement sailboat, weighing in at 820 lbs. Its design features a long keel and a fractional sloop rig, contributing to stable tracking and straightforward handling. With a maximum draft of 1.64 feet, the boat is well-suited for exploring shallower waters and accessing a variety of anchorages. The transom-hung rudder provides responsive steering, which, combined with its compact size, makes the Baleinier Junior a nimble performer in light to moderate conditions. While performance ratios are typically used for larger vessels, the Baleinier Junior's design indicates a lively and forgiving sailing experience, ideal for recreational day sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size of 14.11 feet (4.3 meters) in length overall, the Kirié Baleinier Junior is primarily configured for day sailing, with very limited interior accommodations. The design likely features an open cockpit arrangement, providing ample space for two to three crew members during a day out on the water. While there is no specific data on maximum headroom, it is reasonable to infer that any enclosed cabin space would be minimal, serving primarily as a cuddy for basic storage or perhaps very rudimentary shelter for a single person. Interior amenities would be sparse, focusing on functionality and simplicity consistent with a small, recreational sailboat of its era. There would typically be no dedicated berths, galley, or head facilities, reflecting its purpose as a spirited and accessible day sailer rather than an offshore cruiser.