boat hire in La Rochelle · Kirie - Feeling — Feeling 850 (1984)

Description of Damien's sailboat
Kirie - Feeling - Feeling 850 | 6 People
Hello, First of all, I would like to inform you that rentals with a morning departure on weekdays (Monday to Friday) are sometimes possible, but depend on my professional schedule to accommodate you properly. Please contact me by email at Click&Boat to confirm the feasibility and allow me to accommodate the requested slots. Likewise, check-in/check-out times must be agreed upon before booking (it is possible to pick up the boat the evening before with an optional overnight stay). I am offering the rental of a Kwibuka, an 8.50-meter Feeling 850 with a keel and a 1.70-meter draft. This boat will be ideal for your group or family outings, allowing you to discover the surroundings of La Rochelle by sea! Île de Ré, Île d'Oléron, Île d'Aix, Fort Boyard, Sables d'Olonne, Noirmoutier over several days... The Port des Minimes provides easy access to the lively city center of La Rochelle. This sailboat is safe, seaworthy, and well-equipped. It was built in 1984, so don't expect a new boat; however, it is functional and quite well-equipped. I'm trying to improve it little by little, so please let me know your suggestions! Its top speed is around 6 knots, but being light and well-designed, it easily reaches 5 knots even in light winds. To ensure everyone's comfort during your sailing, I recommend a maximum of 5/6 people for a day trip, and 4/5 for several days (4 adults maximum or 3 adults + 2 children). Designed by architect Philippe Briand, the Feeling 850 combines racing performance with a spacious interior perfectly suited to cruising. Its layout confirms this: a double aft cabin, on the other side of the companionway, the bathroom area (marine toilet + 1 sink), a chart table facing the galley, a large U-shaped saloon (convertible into 2 berths), and, at the very front, a double berth hidden behind a curtain (Breton bed). The marine toilet should only be used while underway; use the harbor master's bathroom facilities during overnight stays in port. The large portholes provide ample light throughout the saloon. Outside, there is a rather large cockpit where up to six crew members can sit. Kwibuka has a semi-battened mainsail (2 reefs led back to the cockpit), a furling genoa, and a symmetrical spinnaker. The boat is equipped with a GPS, a fixed and portable VHF radio, a depth sounder, an anemometer, and an autopilot to be installed on the helm. Manual anchor line (no electric windlass). 9hp Volvo diesel engine, reconditioned in 2021. An inflatable dinghy can be made available as an option (with oars, without engine). Safety: 6-person life raft, 3 fire extinguishers, hand flares, 4 automatic life jackets, and 3 foam life jackets on board. Galley: 2 gas burners, a refrigerator (icebox), a portable heater, and a microwave (these 3 appliances only work when the boat is connected to the dock). You can set off for a day, an evening, a weekend, or even a full week to sail along the coast and discover stunning scenery. Mattress covers and tea towels are provided. Bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. NO SMOKING, NO VAPING inside or out. All harbor regulations must be respected. The boat must be returned CLEAN and TIDY (cleaning products and vacuum cleaner provided). You can contact me via messaging at Click&Boat for any questions!
Equipment available on the sailboat
Services provided by Damien
Overall rating



A well-maintained, comfortable, and safe boat that allowed us to cruise between the islands for four days. We received a very warm welcome from Damien, who was attentive and kind.

Damien was very helpful and took the time necessary to familiarize me with his boat. We spent a day at sea in excellent conditions; the boat was safe and moved well. It allowed us to sail all day at different speeds while remaining very comfortable. The icing on the cake was an unexpected encounter with about fifteen dolphins off the coast of Oleron. A perfect day.
A pleasant little weekend sailing in the strait with 4 adults aboard Kwibuka. Despite a moderate wind (8 to 15 knots), Kwibuka runs well and allows you to maintain a nice average speed without engine support, which is very pleasant. Excellent welcome from Damien who takes care of his boat and who also deserves that the renters do the same. This Feeling 850, despite its age, gave us satisfaction and surprises with its performance even in light winds which have nothing to envy of more modern sailboats. Thank you Damien for your trust.

We had a great experience renting Damien's boat. It's very well maintained and ideally equipped. Our trip went very smoothly. Damien offers excellent advice and explains his boat perfectly to make it easier to get started.

Very nice weekend on Damien's boat
Boat rented for a weekend, crew of 5 adults. Very good boat, efficient, well-equipped, and very well-maintained. Excellent communication with Damien, the owner, who is very accommodating. Thank you for this weekend and see you soon!

Great winter weekend around La Rochelle. Communication with Damien was very easy from the beginning to the end of our stay. A real pleasure. Seaworthy boat, good walker even in light winds!

Offered by Damien
Dans ma jeunesse, j'ai pratiqué pendant plus de 10 ans la voile légère en club, sur différents bateaux : Optimist, Laser puis 420. Cette passion est restée intacte au fil des années. J'ai déménagé récemment à la Rochelle, ce qui m'a permis de concrétiser l'achat de Manoa en septembre 2024, joli Feeling 850. Je suis plutôt navigation côtière en famille ou avec des amis, mais je n'exclue pas de participer à quelques régates en tant qu'équipier pour continuer à gagner en expérience. En attendant, je participe à des stages avec Macif centre de voile et Yakapartir (association rochelaise), avec un niveau 3 FFV. A l'aise à peu près dans toutes les conditions, je n'ai pas encore eu l'occasion de me frotter au hauturier, mais ça reste un objectif, avec peut-être une transat un jour ! Je débute dans la location, je viens d'acquérir Kwibuka, je suis à votre écoute pour continuer à améliorer ses capacités de navigation et de confort. Au plaisir de se croiser sur l'eau! Damien
Location
Location of the sailboat: Port Des Minimes, La Rochelle