FEELING 39 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FEELING 39, designed by Philippe Briand and built by Kirie SA, is a performance-oriented cruising yacht. It balances a spacious interior with a hull capable of efficient coastal and offshore passage making.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 3.32 indicates a tall, high-aspect rig designed for upwind efficiency and lift.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.26 provides a balanced foretriangle well-suited for versatile headsail configurations.
• Sail Area: 59 m² total upwind area provides a healthy power-to-displacement ratio for a 39-foot cruiser.
• Performance: The sail plan is optimized for stable cruising with enough power to remain competitive in club racing.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Typically configured as a full-battened main to maximize the high-aspect P/E ratio.
• Headsail: Most owners utilize a moderate-overlap furling genoa (approx. 130-135%) for versatile performance.

Key Characteristics

• High-aspect mainsail (P/E 3.32) offers superior windward lift and efficiency.
• Balanced foretriangle (I/J 3.26) simplifies sail handling and reefing transitions.
• 4.03m beam and 1.98m draft provide excellent form stability and a stiff sailing profile.
• Stiff and weatherly hull design ensures confidence in offshore conditions.

Sailing Considerations

• Predictable handling makes it ideal for shorthanded crews or family cruising.
• The deep 1.98m draft ensures the boat remains close-winded in heavy air.
• Form stability from the 4.03m beam reduces heel, enhancing crew comfort during long tacks.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FEELING 39, 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 3.32 P/E ratio, a radial layout within the membrane construction works best to support the tall luff. A typical inventory includes a full-battened main, a 135% furling genoa, and an asymmetric spinnaker. With 59m² of sail area, plan to reef the mainsail around 18-20 knots to maintain optimal balance.

Conclusion

The FEELING 39 is a robust, well-proportioned cruiser that rewards high-quality sail shapes and modern materials. Explore sail options for FEELING 39 to maximize your yacht's potential.