Elite 446 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Elite 446 began its production run in 1988 or 1989, built by Kirié in France. Kirié, with roots dating back to 1912, became a pioneer in fiberglass construction in the late 1960s, a material utilized extensively in the Elite 446's solid fiberglass hull and deck. Overview The shipyard's "Feeling" range, to which the Elite 446 is closely related, was renowned for its innovative designs that prioritized both performance and comfort, a philosophy clearly evident in this model. Overview, 12

The design firm Harlé-Mortain, led by Philippe Harlé and Mortain & Mavrikios, penned the lines for the Elite 446. Philippe Harlé was celebrated for his prolific contributions to yacht design, with a focus on creating seaworthy and comfortable cruisers. The Elite 446 was offered in different draft configurations, including a deep draft version, allowing owners to choose between enhanced upwind performance and access to shallower anchorages. This flexibility was a hallmark of Kirié's approach, particularly with their "Feeling" line. Overview

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Elite 446 is a substantial vessel with a length overall of nearly 45 feet and a waterline length of 35 feet, designed for comfortable passage making rather than outright racing speed. Her displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 254 indicates a mid-heavy cruiser, suggesting a solid, sea-kindly motion that can handle a variety of sea states with stability. This places her firmly in the category of boats built for offshore comfort.

With a sail area-to-displacement ratio of about 13.5, the Elite 446 generally points towards a more conservative sail plan for her displacement. This suggests she might perform adequately in moderate to strong winds but could require more sail area or lighter wind conditions to achieve optimal speeds. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 23.3% is relatively low, indicating a design that, while stable, might not be as stiff under sail as some performance-oriented cruisers, meaning a tendency to heel more readily in gusts. The Elite 446 is equipped with a masthead sloop rig, known for its simplicity and ease of handling. Her fin keel and spade rudder configuration promise good maneuverability and responsiveness for a boat of her size.

Accommodations and Layout

The Kirié Elite 446, closely resembling the Feeling 446, was designed with a focus on spacious and comfortable living, characteristic of the "Feeling" range's "spacy hull design." Available in either a three-cabin owner's version or a four-cabin charter layout, the interior arrangements typically offer generous space for a yacht of its era. Common configurations include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees and a dining area, and a well-appointed galley. Many versions are noted to have two heads (bathrooms), further enhancing liveability for multiple occupants. While specific details on headroom are not consistently available, the emphasis on interior volume by the designers and builder suggests a comfortable standing height throughout much of the main cabin. The use of traditional marine materials, likely a blend of wood trim and fiberglass liners, would have provided a warm and practical finish, consistent with Kirié's robust construction standards.