Introducing the Feeling sailboats from the Kirié shipyard

In the 1980s and 90s, the Kirié shipyard was one of the leading boat builders in France. With its Feeling range, it offered cruising sailboats renowned for their seaworthiness and finish. Its specialty was the centerboard sailboat.

In 1980, Kirié launched the range feeling, which embodies a breath of fresh air for the fishing and leisure boating specialist. These new sailboats are distinguished by their design focused on comfort, performance, and a bold aesthetic. Feeling quickly established itself as a benchmark in the European market, particularly with theThe Feeling 720, a model that combines ease of use and robustness. Then came the first major success, the Feeling 920..

The success of Feeling 1090 and Feeling 32

In the 1980s, Architects Michel Joubert and Philippe Briand are collaborating with the construction site to design innovative models. The Feeling 1090Launched in 1986, it is one of Kirié’s greatest successes. Equipped with a high-performance hull and luxurious amenities for the time, it was praised by critics and boaters alike.

the shipyard will buy out its competitor, the Kelt construction site, in great difficulty. He will take over the range under his own name, with the Feeling 620 (Kelt 620), the Feeling 850 power 29 (Kelt 8.50) or even the Keeling 39 (Kelt 39)

In 2000, the Feeling 32 is crowned “Sailboat of the Year” by the magazine Sailing Magazine, reinforcing the image of the range as synonymous with innovation and reliability.

Transition periods

Over the decades, the construction site has undergone significant changes. In 2008, Kirié was integrated into Privilège Marineknown for its high-end catamarans. This merger reflects a need to consolidate activities, but also to preserve the identity of the Feeling brand in the face of increasing competition.

However, in 2017, the acquisition by the German group Aurelius refocused activities on Privilège catamarans, leaving doubts about the future of the Feeling range, which disappeared a short time later.

The project today: between heritage and repositioning

Although the Kirié shipyard no longer exists as an independent entity, its legacy lives on through the community of sailors and enthusiasts of Feeling sailboats. They still appreciate the robustness, maneuverability, and seaworthiness of these boats. On the used market, Feelings remain highly sought after, particularly the models from the 1980s and 1990s.

In the boating industry, the Feeling brand is now associated with a rich history, but its future remains uncertain. A few isolated initiatives, such as owners’ associations, demonstrate sailors’ attachment to this range.

The most popular and sought-after models

Here is a selection of the flagship models from the Feeling range:

1. Feeling 720 (1980) – Architect: Philippe Harlé
2. Feeling 920
3. Feeling 850 (1984) – Architect: Philippe Briand
4. Feeling 1090 (1986) – Architect: Michel Joubert
5. Feeling 446 (1988) – Architects: Harlé-Mortain
6. Feeling 286
7. Feeling 30
8. Feeling 326
9. Feeling 32 (2000) – Architect: not specified
10. Feeling 346

These models embody the expertise of the Kirié shipyard and remain today benchmarks for coastal and offshore cruising enthusiasts.