Design & Construction
The hull is a modern, mainstream fiberglass/GRP structure built around a fin keel and spade rudder configuration, but the defining feature is the iron lifting keel. This mechanism allows the draft to be reduced to a mere 70 centimeters with the keel raised, a figure that dramatically expands the cruising grounds available to a 39-footer. With the keel fully down, maximum draft extends to 2 meters, providing the necessary lateral plane for upwind work. The deck arrangement is centered around a Mediterranean cockpit, a layout well-suited to warm-weather sailing and the indoor-outdoor living flow that the boat's "monomaran" philosophy promotes. The concept delivers on the promise of volume, providing what the builder claims are very large interior volumes for a monohull of this length, supported by a generous beam of 4.02 meters.
Rig & Handling
The yacht is rigged as a straightforward masthead sloop, carrying a sail area of 80 square meters on a displacement of 7,150 kg. The resulting Sail Area to Displacement ratio of 22.00 points to a boat with relatively high performance, but the real story is in the performance envelope. One editorial review notes that the Feeling 39 not only walks noticeably steeper to the wind than most of her classmates, but she does it faster, a performance level on sharp courses sufficient to classify it as a performance cruiser. This acceleration and light-footed feel have earned the design colorful descriptions in the foreign press, where it has been called an "inflated skiff". The "monomaran" concept is said to deliver excellent dynamics under sail, suggesting a helm that feels lively and responsive rather than heavily burdened.
Accommodations
The interior philosophy is driven entirely by the "monomaran" brief, which prioritizes the volume and open-plan feel typically associated with multi-hulls. The builder claims the design combines the features of a catamaran, specifically highlighting very large interior volumes as a core tenet of the concept. This is a boat where the 4.02-meter beam is pushed hard to create a living space that feels significantly larger than the 11.7-meter length overall would suggest. The large water tank capacity of 450 liters and fuel capacity of 150 liters support extended periods off the dock, reinforcing the boat's brief as a comfortable, long-range cruiser.
Known Issues
The complexity of the lifting keel mechanism is the primary technical consideration for any buyer or owner. The iron keel is effective as ballast, with a Ballast to Displacement ratio of 26.78%, and the boat is powered by a 40 HP diesel engine.
Refits & Ownership
The Feeling 39's enduring appeal lies in its unique combination of shoal draft and sailing performance. A Displacement to Length ratio of 204.13 and a Comfort Ratio of 22.89 indicate a hull that is moderate in weight but still capable of providing a reasonable motion at sea. The design's core advantage—a 70-centimeter draft that unlocks shallow anchorages—remains its most compelling feature for ownership.
The Verdict
The Feeling 39 is a cleverly conceived performance cruiser that successfully bridges the gap between monohull sailing dynamics and multihull volume. Philippe Briand's design delivers a boat that is genuinely fast on sharp courses, earning its "inflated skiff" nickname, while the lifting keel provides a transformative 70-centimeter draft for coastal exploration. The trade-off is the mechanical complexity of that keel, which demands a conscientious owner willing to stay on top of maintenance. For the sailor who wants to ghost into a shallow anchorage one day and outsail heavier cruisers in a stiff breeze the next, the Feeling 39 remains a singular and clever choice.
Pros
- Exceptional performance on sharp courses, with the ability to sail steeper and faster than many classmates.
- Lifting keel provides a transformative shoal draft of 70 centimeters, ideal for shallow cruising grounds.
- "Monomaran" concept delivers very large interior volumes and a beamy, open feel uncommon in monohulls.
- Designed by Philippe Briand, a renowned expert in high-speed sailing vessels.
Cons
- Iron lifting keel introduces mechanical complexity.
- The "inflated skiff" performance characteristics, while engaging, may result in a livelier motion than heavier displacement cruisers.
