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.