kirie Sailboat

The Kirie Sailboat, also known as Kirié, is a French sailboat manufacturer best known for its well-designed and high-quality sailing vessels. Established in France, the company has a long history of producing a range of sailboats to cater to different sailing needs and preferences. With their attention to detail, Kirié sailboats have built a solid reputation for excellent sailing performance and comfortable living spaces, making them a popular choice among avid sailors.

Design and construction of Kirie Sailboats prioritize comfort, durability, and sailing performance. From their meticulous approach to hull construction to the incorporation of contemporary interior design elements, Kirié ensures that their sailboats cater to the varying needs of sailors. The company offers various models and sizes, which feature different specifications to suit an array of sailing conditions and environments.

Whether one is considering a Kirie Sailboat for leisurely coastal cruising, ambitious bluewater passages, or anything in between, the brand's focus on quality, performance, and innovation makes it a top contender. The combination of their impressive lineup, commitment to excellence, and dedicated support make Kirié Sailboats a coveted choice in the sailing world.

Key Takeaways

• Kirie Sailboats, a French sailboat manufacturer, is known for high-quality design and construction.
• The company offers a range of models and sizes, prioritizing comfort, durability, and sailing performance.
• As a top contender, Kirie Sailboats are suitable for various sailing conditions and environments, catering to unique sailing preferences.

History and Background

Founding of Kirié

Kirié, a renowned French sailboat manufacturer, was founded in 1981, with a keen focus on creating high-quality, innovative boats. The company's early years were marked by a commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, resulting in a strong reputation within the industry. From its inception, Kirié has been dedicated to producing elegant, functional, and seaworthy vessels that embody the rich maritime history of France.

Key Milestones

Over the years, Kirié achieved several milestones, ensuring its continuous growth and success in the sailboat manufacturing industry. Some of the significant events in the company's history include:

• 1981: Kirié's founding and the introduction of its first sailboat models, setting the foundation for the company and positioning it as a relevant player in the market.

• 1990s: The company continued to grow throughout the 1990s, introducing new sailboat models and refining their designs to improve sailing performance and overall functionality.

• 2002: A pivotal year for Kirié, as the company became a part of the Alliaura Marine group. This strategic acquisition allowed the brand to pool resources, expand production capabilities, and strengthen its presence within the international sailboat market.

• Post-2002: Kirié continued to maintain its core values of innovation and quality after becoming a part of Alliaura Marine. The company moved its production facilities to Rue De La Forêt, enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and ensuring its boats adhered to the highest industry standards.

Over the years, Kirié has established itself as a reliable and trusted name in sailboat manufacturing. Its commitment to innovation, quality, and seaworthiness has allowed the brand to thrive, becoming synonymous with timeless elegance and performance in the sailing world.

Design and Construction

Hull Design

The Kirie sailboat features a classic monohull design, providing a balance of performance and stability. Monohulls are known for their ability to cut through waves efficiently, and Kirie sailboats benefit from this characteristic. The hull's shape and underwater profile contribute to the boat's overall performance and handling in various sailing conditions.

Material and Craftsmanship

Kirie sailboats are constructed using high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The primary material used in the construction is fiberglass, which is a strong and lightweight composite material. Fiberglass is combined with polyester resin to create a composite material known as GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). This combination results in a durable and low-maintenance boat that can withstand the rigors of sailing in various conditions.

These sailboats are built using a single skin fiberglass polyester construction process. This technique involves laying layers of fiberglass and polyester resin over a mold to create the hull. The process ensures a strong and watertight hull, which is crucial for the longevity and safety of the vessel.

Designer Insights

The success of Kirie sailboats can be attributed to the expertise of their talented designers. With years of experience in crafting performance sailboats, the designers pay close attention to every detail of the boat's design and construction. This level of care ensures that each Kirie sailboat is a high-quality, reliable vessel that meets the expectations of sailors worldwide.

In summary, the Kirie sailboat's design and construction utilize a combination of tried-and-true methods and high-quality materials, such as the monohull design made with fiberglass and polyester. The craftsmanship and insights from experienced designers contribute to the vessel's reputation as a solid, dependable choice for sailing enthusiasts.

Models and Variations

Early Models

The history of the Kirie Sailboat began with its first introduction in the late 20th century. The Feeling 920 was one of the early prominent models of this series. This boat model was first built in the early 1980s and its production continued until the late 1990s. The Feeling 920 was designed with a focus on performance and comfort, making it a popular choice for sailors during that time.

Here is a brief overview of the Feeling 920 specifications:

• Model: Feeling 920
• First Built: Early 1980s
• Last Built: Late 1990s

The Feeling 920 featured a spacious interior and a robust construction, which contributed to its widespread appeal. Early models were renowned for their innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship.

Recent Innovations

In recent years, Kirie Sailboats have continued to evolve with modern advancements in boat-building technology. Current models boast innovative features, improved performance, and enhanced comfort to cater to the needs of contemporary sailors. Some of the latest models include the Feeling 32 and Feeling 44, characterized by their sleek design, exceptional stability, and increased speed capabilities.

The following table provides a brief overview of these recent models:

These newer Kirie Sailboat models demonstrate a commitment to constant improvement and maintaining a strong presence in the sailing community. As the brand continues to grow and develop, enthusiasts can expect future sailboat models to further push the boundaries of innovation and performance in the world of sailing.

Specifications

Dimensions

The Kirie Sailboat has a LOA (Length Overall) of 40 feet, a LWL (Length at Waterline) of 36 feet, and a beam of 12.5 feet. Its draft varies depending on the model, ranging between 5.5 to 6.5 feet. The boat's displacement is approximately 17,000 lbs, making it a perfect balance between stability and performance.

Sails and Rigging

The sail area of the Kirie Sailboat is around 800 sq. ft, distributed between the main sail and the headsail. The rigging system consists of:

• Main sail: A full-batten main sail, providing efficient sail shape and easy sail handling.
• Headsail: A 140% genoa or a self-tacking jib, depending on the owner's preference.

Additionally, the boat is equipped with quality hardware and winches to ensure smooth sail handling and effective trimming.

Engine and Performance

The Kirie Sailboat is powered by a reliable engine, ranging between 40 to 50 HP depending on the model. This engine provides an adequate level of power for maneuvering in harbors and motor sailing in low wind conditions. The hull speed of the boat is around 8 knots, enabling comfortable and efficient cruising. The fuel tank capacity allows for extended motoring when necessary.

By focusing on dimensions, sails and rigging, and engine and performance, the Kirie Sailboat is designed to deliver a confident sailing experience while maintaining a neutral and clear approach to its specifications.

Sailing Performance

Handling Characteristics

The Kirie sailboat is known for its excellent handling characteristics, giving sailors a smooth and enjoyable experience. One notable feature of the Kirie sailboat is the swing keel design, making it versatile and maneuverable in various water depths.

The boat is typically equipped with a spade rudder for better steering control and a sleek hull type optimized for efficient sailing performance. The Kirie sailboat has a user-friendly cockpit layout, enabling sailors to handle the boat with ease regardless of their experience level.

Stability and Safety

When it comes to stability and safety, the Kirie sailboat boasts impressive features. Key to its design is the carefully designed ballast that contributes to the boat's overall stability. The ballast ratio of the Kirie sailboat is optimally calculated, ensuring the boat will remain stable during various sailing conditions.

Moreover, the Kirie sailboat has a low capsize screening formula (CSF) value, indicating it is less likely to capsize in harsh weather conditions. The boat's inherent stability also contributes to its overall safety, making it a reliable choice for sailors.

In conclusion, the Kirie sailboat offers exceptional sailing performance due to its thoughtful design. Its handling characteristics, along with its stability and safety features, make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced sailors alike.

Interior and Comfort

Cabin Layout

The Kirie Sailboat features a thoughtfully designed cabin layout, optimizing space and ensuring a comfortable sailing experience. The cabin includes a spacious saloon, multiple sleeping areas with cozy berths, and generous headroom for easy movement.

The main sleeping quarters consist of a forward cabin and an aft cabin. The forward cabin contains a large V-shaped berth, while the aft cabin houses a comfortable double berth. Both cabins offer ample storage options and natural light from the portholes.

Living Amenities

A proper sailing adventure wouldn't be complete without the essential living amenities. The Kirie Sailboat's galley comes well equipped with a two-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, and stainless steel sink. The counter space and storage options make meal preparation a breeze.

In terms of sanitation, the sailboat features a separate head compartment, which includes a marine toilet, sink, and shower area. The compact yet functional design ensures privacy and convenience for everyday use.

The heart of the sailboat's interior is the spacious saloon, providing a pleasant atmosphere for relaxation and socializing. The saloon contains a U-shaped settee with a dining table, comfortably accommodating all crew members. The well-lit area also serves as an additional sleeping space when needed.

Overall, the Kirie Sailboat's interior gracefully balances accommodations with functional living spaces, ensuring a comfortable sailing experience for everyone on board.

Ownership and Maintenance

Purchasing a Kirie Sailboat

When considering purchasing a Kirie Sailboat, one of the first factors to take into account is price. Used Kirie Sailboats typically range from $20,000 to $60,000, depending on the model, age, and condition. It's essential to inspect the boat thoroughly before making a decision. Be sure to study the hull, rigging, and sails to ensure the vessel has been well-maintained.

Apart from the purchasing price, other costs involved include:

• Registration fees: Required to legally operate the boat.
• Insurance: Protects you against liability for accidents and other unforeseen events.
• Docking fees: Varies based on the marina and location where you store the boat.

Upkeep and Repairs

Owning a Kirie Sailboat comes with its fair share of maintenance responsibilities. Regular upkeep is necessary to ensure safe and smooth sailing. Some essential maintenance tasks include:

1. Cleaning: Keep your boat's hull, deck, and interior clean and free from debris.
2. Antifouling: Applying antifouling paint is crucial to prevent the growth of marine organisms on the hull, which can decrease the boat's performance.
3. Sail care: Inspect sails regularly for signs of wear and tear. Repair or replace them as needed.
4. Engine maintenance: Check the engine’s oil, coolant, and fuel levels regularly. Replace filters and perform necessary tune-ups.

When it comes to repairs, certain tasks can be accomplished by the boat owner, while others may require the expertise of a marine mechanic. It's essential to account for these costs when planning the overall maintenance budget. Furthermore, sourcing replacement parts might be slightly more challenging for Kirie Sailboats, due to their French origin. Consider researching parts suppliers in advance, to ensure availability and timely shipping.

Sailboat Usage

Racing and Regattas

Kirby sailboats are a popular choice for various types of races and regattas. There are a few models that can fall into the Racer/Cruiser and Cruiser-Racer categories. One popular model used in competitions is the sloop, as it is known for its efficient design and performance on the water.

Some features that make Kirby sailboats great for racing include their lightweight construction, powerful sails, and responsive handling. Participants in races often prefer these sailboats because they can easily be maneuvered, increasing their chances of navigating tricky courses successfully. Additionally, Kirby sailboats can maintain their speed in various weather conditions, making them adaptable to the unpredictable nature of regattas.

Cruising and Travel

For those interested in leisurely sailing journeys, the Kirby sailboat is also a suitable option, particularly the Coastal Cruiser and Auxiliary models. These sailboats are designed for comfort and long-distance travel, with spacious cabins and well-equipped galleys.

• Coastal Cruiser: This type of sailboat is ideal for coastal travels and island hopping, providing a smooth and stable ride as you explore coastal waters.
• Auxiliary: An auxiliary sailboat is equipped with an inboard engine, allowing for versatility in various sailing conditions. This model offers the option of using engine power when needed, making it practical for lengthy voyages.

Traveling aboard a Kirby sailboat, whether it be a Coastal Cruiser or an Auxiliary model, ensures that the journey will be an enjoyable, safe, and memorable experience. These boats are designed to handle the open sea while providing a comfortable living space for their passengers.

In conclusion, Kirby sailboats cater to a wide range of sailing enthusiasts, from those interested in racing and regattas to those who prefer leisurely travels and exploration. The versatility, performance, and comfort of these boats make them a popular choice for many different types of sailing experiences, ensuring that there is a Kirby sailboat suitable for every sailor's needs.

Comparative Analysis

Competing Brands

When it comes to the Kirie Sailboat, there are several competing brands in the market. Some of the well-known sailboat manufacturers include Beneteau, Jeanneau, Dufour, and Hanse. These brands offer a variety of sailboats that compete with the Kirie sailboats in terms of design, performance, and price.

• Beneteau: This French manufacturer is renowned for its Oceanis and First ranges, which offer boats tailored for cruising and racing enthusiasts.
• Jeanneau: Another French manufacturer known for its innovative designs, Jeanneau offers the popular Sun Odyssey range of sailboats, designed for both comfort and performance.
• Dufour: Dufour sailboats are recognized for their Grand Large and Performance ranges. The Grand Large range is designed for cruising, while the Performance range focuses on high-speed sailing.
• Hanse: This German brand is famous for its Hanse Series sailboats that are known for their innovative and customizable designs, as well as their excellent sailing performance.

Industry Position

In the sailing industry, the Kirie Sailboat competes with other established brands for market share. However, some factors distinguish the Kirie Sailboat from its competitors:

1. Sailboat Range: Kirie Sailboats offer a diverse range of boats, catering to various sailing needs – from leisure cruising to competitive racing. This wide sailboat range allows potential customers to select the ideal boat based on their preferences and requirements.

2. Boat of the Year: While many brands have received prestigious awards like "Boat of the Year", it is important to note that individual boat models within the Kirie Sailboat line have also garnered recognition in various international competitions, enhancing the brand's reputation.

It is crucial to weigh the features and performance of the Kirie Sailboat against its competitors when considering a purchase. By taking into account factors such as design, performance, and price, potential buyers can make a well-informed decision to ensure satisfaction with their chosen sailboat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common maintenance challenges for a Kirie Elite 29 sailboat?

Maintaining a Kirie Elite 29 sailboat involves several standard tasks that most sailboat owners encounter. These tasks include regular hull inspection and cleaning to prevent fouling, checking and replacing rigging components as needed, and monitoring engine performance and wear. Ensuring that the keel, rudder, and propeller are in good working order is also essential. It is crucial to stay proactive about maintenance to extend the lifespan of the sailboat.

What features should one expect when considering an Elite 29 sailboat?

The Kirie Elite 29 sailboat is known for its compact size and efficient layout. It features a spacious interior with a well-equipped galley and comfortable berths for up to five people. The sailboat also has a fully enclosed head with a shower. On deck, the Elite 29 offers a comfortable cockpit with ample seating and easy access to all sail controls.

How does the Kirie Elite 29 perform under sail compared to similar class sailboats?

The Kirie Elite 29 is a capable performer with a reputation for being both fast and nimble. It is designed to handle various wind and sea conditions with ease, thanks to its fin keel and efficient hull design. This sailboat offers a good balance of performance and stability, ensuring enjoyable and reliable sailing experiences.

What potential issues should buyers be aware of when looking for a used Feeling 1350?

When considering a used Feeling 1350, it is essential to take a close look at the boat's overall condition, including any signs of wear and tear, damage, or neglected maintenance. Pay particular attention to the rigging, hull integrity, engine condition, and onboard systems. It is recommended to hire a professional marine surveyor to conduct a thorough assessment before purchasing.

What is the process for navigating a sailboat through the Panama Canal?

Navigating a sailboat through the Panama Canal requires planning, preparation, and adhering to specific procedures. First, the vessel must apply for and obtain a Panama Canal Authority permit, and a Canal Transit Advisor will be assigned to guide the boat through the canal. The sailboat must also have proper safety equipment, lines, and fenders for the canal transit. Paying the canal passage fee and arranging for line handlers is necessary, as well. Entering the Panama Canal is a memorable experience, but it requires careful planning to ensure a smooth and safe transit.

What distinguishes a daysailer from other types of sailboats?

A daysailer is a type of sailboat designed primarily for short, leisurely outings on the water, typically without overnight accommodations. Daysailers typically have a smaller size and straightforward setup, allowing for easy handling and lower maintenance requirements compared to larger cruising sailboats. Prioritizing simplicity, speed, and ease of use, daysailers are perfect for sailors looking to enjoy the water without the commitment of larger, more complex vessels.