Feeling 850 Information, Review, Specs

The Kirié shipyard, known for its innovation and pioneering use of fiberglass in boat building, produced the Feeling 850 between 1984 and 1988, with 313 units built. This period marked a significant era for Kirié, as they were at the forefront of marine construction, having relocated to a new facility in Château d'Olonne in the late 1960s to embrace polyester (fiberglass) construction. The builder's ethos during this time emphasized crafting robust and practical vessels that balanced performance with comfort.

The Feeling 850 was designed by Philippe Briand, a naval architect known for his philosophy that prioritizes beauty alongside other values in design. Briand's designs, including the Feeling 850, aimed for a spacious hull design, contributing to a more comfortable interior. The boat was produced with various configurations, including different keel alternatives (such as a fin keel) and at least three different rig options, encompassing both masthead and fractional sloop arrangements. It is also believed that the Feeling 850 shares a hull design or tooling with the Elite 29 and 30 models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Feeling 850 is characterized as a light-displacement cruiser-racer, indicating a design philosophy that balances speed with cruising capability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 21.98, she demonstrates strong potential for good performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions, allowing her to accelerate quickly and maintain speed. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 33.3% suggests a moderately stable boat, capable of standing up to a reasonable amount of wind, though perhaps not as stiff as heavier displacement cruisers with higher ballast ratios. The displacement to length ratio, at approximately 202.05, confirms its classification as a moderate-weight vessel, striking a balance between the agility of a lighter boat and the seakindliness of a heavier one. Owners often praise the Feeling 850's sailing performance, noting that it sails very well and is fast. She is described as stable and stiff, offering a high-performance experience.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Feeling 850 is designed to be spacious and well-suited for cruising, despite its performance-oriented hull. Reviews highlight an airy, open-plan interior, often featuring light-colored elm joinery. The typical layout includes a double aft cabin, a salon, and often five to six berths in total. The designer's choice of a significantly more spacious hull design is evident in the interior volume. This arrangement aims to provide comfortable living quarters for a boat of its size, making it suitable for extended weekends or coastal voyages. Owners have particularly appreciated the great interior layout, especially versions with an offset saloon.