Elite 64 Information, Review, Specs

While often overshadowed by the later Feeling 226 and Feeling 646, the Elite 64 shares a nearly identical hull form and philosophy with these successors. The design was aimed at the family day-sailer who desired the ability to weekend in coastal bays or transport the boat to various cruising grounds. It was offered primarily in a lifting keel (dériveur intégral) configuration, a hallmark of Kirié’s engineering, which allowed the vessel to be beached on tide-flats or easily winched onto a trailer.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Elite 64 is defined by its light displacement and responsive helm, making it an ideal platform for sailors transitioning from dinghies to keelboats. Its sail-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that is lively in light airs, though its relatively narrow beam compared to modern wide-stern designs means it requires early reefing as the breeze freshens. According to technical documentation from the Club Feeling owner's association, the hull was designed to provide a stable platform for coastal cruising while maintaining enough agility for club racing.

Under sail, the boat tracks reasonably well for its size, though like most short-waterline vessels, it can be sensitive to weight distribution. The lifting keel version provides the distinct advantage of reducing drag when sailing downwind, though it sacrifices a small amount of upwind pointing ability compared to the rarer fixed-keel variant. The fractional rig is manageable for a solo sailor or a small crew, and the cockpit is ergonomically laid out to allow the helmsman easy access to the mainsheet and traveler.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 21-foot vessel, the Elite 64 offers a surprisingly functional interior that maximizes every centimeter of available volume. The layout typically features a classic V-berth forward, which is open to the main salon to create a sense of airiness, and two narrow quarter berths extending aft under the cockpit seats. This "four-berth" configuration is optimistic for four adults but serves a small family or a couple quite well for overnight trips.

The materials used in the Elite 64 reflect Kirié’s commitment to quality during the 1980s, featuring more wood trim and heavier fiberglass layups than many modern entry-level boats. While headroom is limited—as is standard for a trailer-sailer—the boat includes a small slide-out galley area and space for a chemical toilet. Sibling models, such as the later Feeling 646, refined this interior with more modern plastics and brighter liners, but the core structural layout remained largely unchanged from the Elite 64's original blueprint.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Elite 64 should focus their inspection on the specific mechanical and structural areas common to 1980s French composites:

• Lifting Keel Mechanism: As the defining feature of many Kirié models, the lifting keel pivot bolt and the lifting wire/winch must be inspected. Corrosion in the keel trunk or a seized pivot bolt can be expensive to repair and often requires the boat to be suspended in a specialized cradle.
• Deck Core Integrity: While Kirié hulls are generally solid, the decks utilized a balsa or foam core that can suffer from delamination if deck hardware—such as stanchion bases or cleats—has not been re-bedded over the decades. Check for "spongy" sections underfoot.
• Rudder Bearings: The transom-mounted or spade rudders on these smaller models often develop play in the bushings. While not a structural failure, it can lead to a vibrating or "clunky" helm sensation that detracts from the sailing experience.
• Rigging Age: Many Elite 64s on the market still carry their original or second-generation standing rigging. Given the age of the model, a thorough shroud and swage inspection is mandatory before any offshore use.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Elite 64 benefit from a dedicated community through the Club Feeling, which provides a wealth of technical drawings, restoration blogs, and historical data for all Kirié-built yachts, including the Elite and Feeling lines. Because the Elite 64 shares so many components with the Feeling 226 and 646, technical support is more accessible than for many other "orphan" brands of the same era.

The Verdict

The Elite 64 remains a stout, capable, and highly portable entry point into the world of cruising. While it lacks the interior volume of modern "wide-body" pocket cruisers, its build quality and beaching capabilities make it a versatile choice for exploring shallow estuaries and coastal islands.

Pros:

• Trailerability: Easy to transport and store, significantly reducing annual slip fees.
• Beachable: The lifting keel allows for "drying out" in tidal areas or anchoring in very shallow water.
• Build Quality: Heavier construction than many contemporary competitors, providing a sense of security in a seaway.

Cons:

• Limited Headroom: The low profile necessary for trailering results in a "crawling" interior.
• Aging Hardware: Original 1980s blocks and winches often require replacement for modern performance.
• Narrow Beam: More prone to heeling in gusts compared to modern, wide-stern designs.