1997 Feeling 486

The Feeling 486 is a proven performance cruiser built by the Kirie Shipyard in 1997. The Kirie shipyard has long been celebrated for crafting high-quality, seaworthy vessels, with the Feeling series earning particular acclaim for blending speed, comfort, and durability in bluewater cruisers. Constructed using traditional hand-laid fiberglass techniques with premium marine polyester resins, woven roving, and mat, her hull was specially treated to prevent osmosis—ensuring long-term structural integrity. Designed by Gilles Vaton, the Feeling 486 excels as a capable passage-maker, thanks to her long waterline, efficient sail plan, and sleek lines. She delivers impressive speed and upwind performance with the inner staysail (solent), while the genoa shines on broad reaches—perfectly suiting her name, 'Long Reach'. Yet she's remarkably easy to handle, even single-handed, with a thoughtful hull form and secure cockpit that prioritize safety and comfort offshore. Below decks, the interior is bright and well-ventilated, featuring a spacious C-shaped settee to port that comfortably seats eight or more. Opposite is an intuitive and highly functional galley.  Accommodation includes three primary cabins, two heads, and a versatile bunk cabin ideal for crew, children, or additional storage. She sleeps eight in comfort, with abundant stowage throughout. Acquired by her current owners in 2022, she has benefited from thoughtful upgrades to accommodate an island hopping lifestyle, including: - A complete new Raymarine electronics suite, professionally installed ($10k+) - AB Aluminum bottom dinghy & Yamaha 15HP outboard ($8k+) - Hull stripped, epoxy barrier-coated & antifouled (2023), and freshly antifouled (2025) ($5k+) - New shaft seal and cutlass bearing - New propane system w/ Composite tank - New House Bank Batteries (2024) The owners have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the British, US, and Spanish Virgin Islands over the past few years aboard 'Long Reach'. With a recent land-based home purchase, they are offering their beloved floating home to her next fortunate owner, ready for new adventures and already located in some of the best cruising grounds in the world!  Contact us today for more information, many more photos or to schedule a showing. This vessel is 100% turn-key and ready for adventure! The spacious cockpit comfortably accommodates 8-10 guests, with ample space for entertaining and relaxing. The large bench seating makes for a great place to lounge under sail and the comfortable helm seating is the best seat in the house on an upwind tack. Stepping down the companionway you are greeted with a well lit salon with warm wood tones and a nice breeze from the ample overhead hatches and 6'5" of head room. To port is the large C-shaped salon table with seating for 8 and storage throughout. (So much storage on this boat!) To starboard, is the nicely appointed galley with ample counter top space, large top-load fridge and loads storage