05/2008 –

The Feeling 55 was previewed at the 2007 Paris boat show. The range’s new flagship stands out from its predecessors in its efforts to combine comfortable sailing with ease of living above deck. Designed by Altrès Design (for the hull) and Diedre Design (interior), the Feeling 55 has a spacious cockpit and all the rigging reels to the 2 helm stations. The standard version comes with two 55 HP engines and a generator. This latest model from Alliaura Marine is designed for long distance cruising, for couples or groups of friends.

Distinctive hull

Alliaura Marine’s 55 footer unveiled in Paris is the largest and most innovative Feeling yet, and the second model produced since the manufacturer was bought by Kirié in 2000. Thanks to the lifting keel on the version presented, the draught can increase from 1.25 m to 3.70 m, but the Feeling 55 also exists with a fin keel (2.2 m draught).  With its 20.6 m mast (the mainsail measures 69 m², the genoa 63 and the gennaker 108), this new flagship augurs excellent sailing performance. Since the goal was to produce a long-distance cruising yacht for the high seas, the shipyard in Les Sables d’Olonne designed this 55 footer with a large hull, with a maximum beam of 5.2 m, and for the first time on a Feeling, bilges to keep the boat at a 15° list. The area above deck has clearly been designed for optimum comfort.

Monomaran

By combining its experience with the Privilege and Feeling ranges, Alliaura Marine has designed a distinctly different type of sailing yacht. The first thing that stands out when you step onboard is the huge amount of space between the transom and the rail, an area smartly designed to stow a pivoting gangway. The tender stowage is underneath this large sundeck, also accessible directly from the master cabin. Every last space on board is intelligently used and the cockpit is sheltered by a rigid hardtop, making for the kind of spacious living area generally found on catamarans.
Below deck, comfort onboard also takes top priority.

Intelligent design

Since space saving is key, movable elements like the companionway or shutters slide away into the dark cherry-wood panels. With 4 side windows and one aft window, the saloon area is impressively bright. Furnished with an extendable table and 2 proper armchairs, the Feeling 55’s saloon sits on a raised maple wood floor, giving an exceptional panoramic view. The rest of the interior, such as the cabins, bathrooms and equipment room, have been just as carefully designed. With its spacious interior, ingenious deck plan and comfortable design, the Feeling 55 is truly a success, and the manufacturer was proud and relieved at the enthusiastic response to the official presentation. Alliaura Marine has announced that the first model sold at the boat show will be delivered in Spring 2008, with many more to follow.

NauticNews Tech Specs of Feeling 55

The range of Alliaura Marine on NauticNews

Tags NauticNews: Alliaura Marine – Altrès Design – Diedre Design – Sailing Yacht

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