Ready to Sail Away. Lots of recent upgrades.
Be the second owner of this well maintained 1988 Kirie Elite 286. This 28’6″ (8.67m) monohull offers a perfect blend of performance and comfort. This 1988 Kirie Elite 286 is ready to sail and awaits its next adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to the sport, this boat offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the water in style and comfort.
The 1988 Kirie Elite 286 is a sleek and capable cruiser that blends French yacht design flair with practical sailing performance. Built by Kirie, a respected French boatbuilder known for its attention to detail and quality construction, the Elite 286 is a versatile 28-footer perfect for weekend cruising, club racing, or coastal adventures.
Overview
- Builder: Kirie (France)
- Model: Elite 286
- Year: 1988
- Designer: Philippe Briand
- LOA: 28’6” (8.69m)
- Beam: 10’6” (3.20m)
- Draft: ~5’2” (1.57m)
- Displacement: ~6,600 lbs (2,994 kg)
- Hull Type: Fin keel with spade rudder
- Construction: Fiberglass
Design & Build
Designed by the acclaimed Philippe Briand, the Elite 286 shows off clean, modern lines that were ahead of their time in the late ’80s. The hull is well-balanced, with a sharp entry for slicing through chop and a broad beam that delivers solid form stability. Below the waterline, a fin keel and balanced spade rudder offer responsive handling and good upwind performance.
Construction is solid, with a hand-laid fiberglass hull and deck. The finish quality — particularly from Kirie — was considered quite high for production boats of the era.
Performance
The Elite 286 is a rewarding boat to sail. Light on the helm and quick in light air, it performs admirably across a wide range of conditions. While not a full racer, it has enough speed to be competitive in local club racing circuits. Its sail plan and hull design allow for easy single- or short-handed sailing.
Interior & Layout
Below decks, the Elite 286 is surprisingly roomy for a sub-30-foot cruiser. The interior is bright, with warm wood finishes and smart use of space. Layout typically includes:
- Forward V-berth cabin
- Main salon with settees (converts to sleeping berths)
- Nav station and electrical panel
- Galley with stove, sink, and icebox
- Enclosed head
- Aft quarter berth
Headroom is around 6 feet, and storage throughout is generous for a boat of this size.
Systems & Features (Typical)
- Inboard diesel (Volvo Penta?
- 110V shore power & 12V DC system
- Manual or pressurized water system
- Tiller or wheel steering (depending on variant)
- Roller furling headsail (many upgraded aftermarket)
Who It’s For
The Kirie Elite 286 is a great fit for:
- Sailors upgrading from a smaller daysailer or pocket cruiser
- Couples or small families looking for a coastal cruiser
- DIYers and classic yacht lovers seeking a well-built, unique alternative to more common designs like Catalina or Hunter
With European pedigree, attractive lines, and enjoyable sailing characteristics, the 1988 Kirie Elite 286 remains a hidden gem in the 28–30’ market. For those seeking a well-rounded, stylish, and seaworthy sailboat with character — the Elite 286 deserves serious consideration.
