With its distinctive French pedigree, this mid-sized cruising sailboat emerged from Feeling's commitment to creating comfortable, seaworthy vessels for serious coastal and offshore sailing. The 486 represents the builder's philosophy of combining traditional sailing virtues with modern convenience, making it particularly appealing to couples and small families seeking adventure beyond protected waters. Built with a moderate displacement hull and well-balanced sail plan, the Feeling 486 demonstrates predictable handling characteristics that inspire confidence in challenging conditions. The design emphasizes structural integrity and seaworthiness over pure speed, though performance remains respectable across various wind conditions. Below deck, the interior layout prioritizes livability during extended passages, with thoughtful storage solutions and robust construction details throughout. This model suits sailors planning coastal exploration and offshore passages who value reliability and comfort over racing performance. The boat's European design sensibilities are evident in both its exterior lines and interior appointments, reflecting Feeling's reputation for building vessels that handle weather with composure. While not as common as some production boats, the 486 has earned respect among cruising sailors who appreciate its blend of traditional sailing qualities and practical accommodations.
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What is the Feeling 486's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Feeling 486 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.63. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Feeling 486's comfort ratio?
The Feeling 486 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 24.86. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Feeling 486 safe for offshore sailing?
The Feeling 486 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.07. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Feeling 486?
The theoretical hull speed of the Feeling 486 is 7.96 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Feeling 486 weigh?
The Feeling 486 has a displacement of 22,046.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 47.50 ft.
Who designed the Feeling 486?
The Feeling 486 was designed by Gilles Vaton, first built in 1994.