FEELING 850 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

Designed by Philippe Briand and built by Kirie SA, the FEELING 850 is a versatile performance cruiser known for its balanced handling. It successfully targets the coastal cruising market while offering enough agility for club-level racing.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.83 indicates a moderate-aspect rig that balances lift with ease of handling.
• Foretriangle Design: The high I/J ratio of 3.47 favors large, overlapping Genoas to generate power in light to moderate conditions.
• Sail Area: 34m² total upwind area provides a competitive power-to-displacement ratio for a 9.28m hull.
• Performance: The rig is optimized for weatherly performance and efficient upwind tracking.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Often configured with two or three reef points and full battens for improved shape retention and durability.
• Headsail: Typically equipped with a 130% to 150% Genoa to maximize the potential of the large foretriangle.

Key Characteristics

• Moderate-aspect mainsail (2.83 P/E) provides efficient lift and easy trimming.
• Expansive foretriangle (3.47 I/J) allows for powerful overlapping headsails.
• 1.72m draft and 9.28m LOA offer a stable, close-winded sailing platform.
• Balanced sail plan ensures the boat remains responsive and light on the helm.

Sailing Considerations

• Performs best in light to moderate air where the large headsail can be fully utilized.
• Easily handled by a crew of two, though the large Genoa requires winching effort during tacks.
• Expect a stiff, predictable motion in a seaway due to the 3.30m beam and deep draft.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FEELING 850, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice for most sailors. SurgeX uses continuous fiber construction where fibers are laid along load paths and embedded in a thin membrane, providing superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron while being more affordable than premium laminates. The continuous fiber structure means less stretch over time, maintaining the designed sail shape for years.

For racing applications, specify a lightweight SurgeX configuration with minimal base weight to maximize performance. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 2.83 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout works best to distribute loads across the mainsail's moderate aspect ratio. A typical inventory includes a full-battened SurgeX mainsail and a 140% furling Genoa. With 34m² of sail area, plan to reef around 16-18 knots to maintain optimal heel angles.

Conclusion

The FEELING 850 is a well-engineered Briand design that rewards owners with excellent speed when paired with modern sail technology. Explore sail options for FEELING 850 to maximize your yacht's cruising and racing potential.