An innovative classic from Privilege Marine: the Feeling 44 test drive

An innovative classic from Privilege Marine: the Feeling 44 test drive

Feeling 44 characteristics at the shipyard were finally defined as: it is a perfect, easy-to-operate cruise boat, on which it is safe and convenient to make sea cruises. This concept was brought to life by shipbuilders in detail. For example, a chart table is provided on board, located behind the gangway in the middle of the wide space between the shower room and the galley. And on it, as befits cruising yachts, there is plenty of space for nautical charts and reference books. All navigation devices are located on the high console.

The advantage of this arrangement is that the navigator no longer sits in a dark corner. When going to sea, it occupies the quietest place on the ship, it can communicate directly with the crew, and the readings of the built-in instruments can be read from the cockpit. In addition, the central position of the table provides ideal stability.

There are others well thought out details Feeling 44: long handrail by the galley table, foot pump for sea water, salon sofa on the port side as a comfortable berth, cabinet doors with ventilation openings, handrails and handrails are provided everywhere, etc.

An innovative classic from Privilege Marine: the Feeling 44 test drive

Ceilings are over 1.95 meters high throughout. The owner's “residence” is located at the bow of the yacht, which is equipped with many shelves, wardrobes, a comfortable changing area and its own separate shower. Three portholes provide unobstructed light and air penetration.

Also, both relatively small cabins aft of the yacht have ample space for a wardrobe and shelves, and are also equipped with two opening windows. All important elements are freely accessible. By removing the bulkhead, the motor is easily accessible for maintenance or repair.

We were particularly impressed by the great attention to the interiors, which are impeccably crafted from light Canadian maple, creating a vibrant, friendly atmosphere. This is also aided by large angled windows that offer excellent views of the spars and rigging.

After the departure, we felt a light breeze of about 2 points. But when we raised the mainsail with through battens and the Genoese staysail with a total area of almost 100 sq. m, the lag showed at 60 degrees in the sidewind is still about 4.5 knots. This is a good indicator for an 8 ton yacht. Taking into account the sharp contours tending to the bow, the draft of 2.20 m, the narrow lead keel and the long waterline, we can talk about excellent driving characteristics. In a slightly hectic sea, the bow of the yacht goes down gently, and we reach 40 degrees in such light winds, which in any case indicates better-than-average sailing performance of a 14-meter pleasure yacht.

At full backstay, according to forecasts, the yacht's speed decreases by 3 knots. Under such conditions, one cannot do without a gennaker. Tilted 8 degrees Feeling 44 proved to be a sturdy boat with a high sail load. Both sails are in perfect condition. The long carriage effectively distributes the load onto the battened mainsail.

The good location of the halyard and genoa winches at the gangplank is also encouraging. This is where the crew can find a secure footing, and at the same time, this place is well protected from splashes and is part of the cockpit without gasoline. The dimensions of the handwheel are correct. Feeling 44 responds instantly to the steering wheel and turns dexterously. However, to control the forestay tension, there is not enough backstay tensioning device, and to distribute the load on the genoa from the cockpit - shoulder straps with adjustable blocks, but this can be installed on request. There are also no problems with port maneuvers on the Feeling 44. And as soon as the yacht departs, the reaction to the steering wheel and engine start is instantly felt.

Technical details:

Design: Mortain / Mavrikios

CE - Construction class: A

Maximum length: 14.00 m

Length along the overhead line: 11.90 m

Maximum width: 4.25 m

Draft: 2.20 m

Weight: 8400 kg

Ballast: 2400 kg

Spar and rigging: 9/10

Mainsail: 43.50 sq.m

Curling genoa: 55 sqm

Number of beds: 6

Engine: Nanni 62 hp (46 kW) with straight shaft

Diesel fuel: 200 l

Drinking water: 500 l

Starting price: approx. 248,000 euros

Comment:

Feeling 44 is a cruising yacht, the design and equipment of which must first of all meet the requirements of long and comfortable sailing. Based on the above average performance of our test vessel, with a deep lead keel, high quality deck equipment and a well thought out, functional interior, the yacht largely meets the above requirements. Highlights include the installation of a large chart table in the center of the vessel and the design of the galley. The big plus of the yacht

Feeling 44 is a wide range of equipment that is able to meet the special needs of the owner in a way that only custom-designed yachts can do, such as those equipped with a short keel (1.65 m) or retractable keel (0.75 m to 2.60 m) with two short rudders, two-, three- or four-cabin models, or those with different equipment options. For small crews or families, the two-cabin model is ideal as there is a huge storage bunk on the port side, also accessible from the starboard side, in which, for example, a workbench can be placed.

2-cabin version

3-cabin version

4-cabin version

What's the price? Feeling 44 is priced slightly higher than some relatively large cruising yachts. However, given the large selection of high quality equipment and the first-class quality handcrafted interiors, the yacht is not that expensive.

Text: Michael Bohmann. Photo: Sonke Lorenzen, Privilege Marine

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