Elite 45 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Kirié Elite 45, or Feeling 1350, commenced production in 1986, emerging from the Kirié shipyard during an era when the French builder was at the forefront of fiberglass construction. Kirié, with roots tracing back to 1912, had embraced polyester (fiberglass) early on, allowing for the development of innovative and robust designs. The Elite 45 was a flagship model within their "Feeling" range, which was celebrated for its adaptable designs and strong sailing characteristics.

Designed by the renowned Ron Holland, the Elite 45 was conceived as a fast monohull capable of blue-water cruising. Holland, known for his high-performance yacht designs, imbued the Elite 45 with a sleek profile and a hull form geared for speed and efficiency. The model was offered with various keel configurations, including a deep fin keel drawing 7.7 feet, ideal for upwind performance, and a shoal draft keel drawing approximately 4.92 feet, providing greater access to shallow anchorages. Similarly, the Elite 45 was available with both cruising and taller racing rigs, demonstrating its versatility for different sailing ambitions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Kirié Elite 45 exhibits characteristics of a responsive and capable performance cruiser, thanks to a balanced design and carefully considered ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 23.5, she possesses a generous sail plan relative to her displacement, suggesting excellent performance in lighter air conditions while still being powerful enough for brisk passages.

Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.40 (40%) indicates a good level of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a strong breeze and maintain a comfortable angle of heel, contributing to both speed and crew comfort offshore. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 208.9 places the Elite 45 in the lighter end of moderate displacement cruisers. This combination points to a yacht that is not overly heavy, capable of agile handling and respectable speeds for her size, rather than being a heavy-displacement, ocean-slugging vessel. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Feeling 1350, as it is known in Europe, is a "fast monohull, ideal for blue water".

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom details are not provided in the primary specifications, the Kirié Elite 45 (Feeling 1350) is described as having comfortable and inviting interior fittings. Reviews suggest an attractive, though potentially sparse, accommodation layout that typically offers between four and eight berths. Many examples feature a three-cabin layout, which provides exceptional storage flexibility for extended cruising or for accommodating multiple guests. The interior is often characterized by a cozy atmosphere, featuring classic wooden elements in areas such as the bathroom. The design prioritizes comfort and practicality, making the Elite 45 a favored choice for those undertaking longer voyages or living aboard.