Feeling 30 Information, Review, Specs

The Kirié shipyard, established in 1927, became a pioneer in fiberglass construction in the late 1960s, a move that allowed for the development of innovative designs like the "Feeling" range. Overview The Feeling 30, launched in 1999, emerged from this era of innovation, designed by the French maritime architects Gilles Vaton and Patrick Roséo. The boat's production ran until 2004, with 65 units built, reflecting a dedicated period of manufacturing.

A defining characteristic of the Feeling 30, and indeed many boats in the Feeling range, is the option of a lifting keel, alongside standard fixed and deep-lead keel versions. 1, Overview The lifting keel design, which allows the draft to vary significantly from 2.29 feet (0.7m) to 5.9 feet (1.8m), provides unparalleled flexibility for navigating shallow bays, marinas, and tidal mooring fields. This design choice aligns with Kirié's broader philosophy for the "Feeling" series, which aimed to cater to sailors desiring versatility without compromising on sailing performance. Overview The Feeling 30 also features twin rudders, a design choice by Kirié that enhances control and ensures good upwind sailing properties, even with the keel partially or fully retracted.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Feeling 30, with a length overall of just under 30 feet and a waterline length of 25.92 feet, is designed to offer a balanced blend of performance and comfortable cruising. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.52 suggests capable performance in lighter air conditions.

The boat's Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 175 indicates a relatively light and performance-oriented design for its size, suggesting it can achieve higher accelerations and respectable speeds. While its Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 32.27% is below the 40% often associated with very stiff offshore boats, owners generally find the Feeling 30 to be a stable and hard boat to upset, even in choppy conditions. The twin rudder system further contributes to its handling, maintaining steering authority across various heel angles and ensuring good upwind performance, especially in the lifting keel variant. Reports suggest upwind speeds of 4.5 to 5.1 knots can be achieved in chop, indicating a respectable sailing ability for a cruising yacht of its type.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior specifications are not extensively provided in the core data, grounded search reveals that the Feeling 30 is designed to be a great family starter cruiser, offering bright and airy accommodation for up to six people. The interior layout typically features an open-plan saloon, which amplifies the feeling of expansive volume. Kirié often incorporated elm joinery in their boats, which would be bonded directly to the hull rather than to interior mouldings, contributing to a nicely finished and robust interior.

Typical layouts would likely include a V-berth forward, a saloon with settees that can convert into berths, a galley, and a head compartment. The design emphasis on practical and light interiors would suggest good ventilation and functional storage solutions suitable for coastal cruising. The owner's manual for the Feeling 30 highlights the "AMENAGEMENT - INTERIOR LAYOUT" section, indicating the importance of a well-considered living space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Feeling 30 frequently praise its innovative lifting keel system, which significantly expands cruising grounds by allowing access to shallow anchorages and tidal berths that would be inaccessible to deeper fixed-keel boats. This versatility, combined with the assurance of solid upwind performance even with the keel retracted, is a consistent highlight. The twin rudder configuration is also appreciated for its responsive handling and control. The overall construction and the light, practical interior design are often cited as strengths, making it a comfortable and enjoyable vessel for family cruising.