Privilège 580 Signature: Multihull from an exclusive niche segment put to the test
Michael Good
· 19.11.2024
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The brand currently has three models. The Signature 510 and Series 640 models are existing designs that have undergone extensive revisions in recent years. The Privilège Signature 580 was the first completely new development to make its debut in 2019. Marc Lombard's studio was once again responsible as the architect, while the visual design of the new ship was created by Franc Darnet Design.
Privilège Marine builds all the GRP parts of its catamarans using the complex vacuum infusion process, primarily to save weight - on the assumption that blue water catamarans of this size and orientation are loaded with considerable additional weight in the form of additional fittings, equipment and personal items for long voyages anyway. The keel stubs are firmly laminated to the hulls and reinforced with an integrated steel frame. The structures are designed in such a way that the ship can easily be parked on its hull appendages when dry.
The tests under sail take place in perfect conditions with winds of around 20 knots and flat water. Construction number 1 is equipped with a small stay jib, a larger overlapping genoa and a reacher. All headsails remain attached and are furled. With the genoa, the Signature 580 can be steered up to around 50 degrees to the true wind and reaches a speed of almost 7 knots over the ground. The furled reacher provides a considerable increase in performance from around 90 degrees to the true wind. The log then remains permanently in the double-digit range.
Due to the long distances from the steering position to the rudder quadrants, the steering is hydraulic, which is quite common for cats of this size. Despite the good tuning and minimal slippage, the system offers hardly any feeling for the helmsman, who can only steer to maintain the course. The powerful autopilot is also good at this.
For setting and trimming the sails, all halyards and sheets are led back to the raised steering position on the side without exception. Due to the extremely high loads on the lines, the two large winches are electrically operated, which is mandatory and is already part of the Privilège's scope of delivery from the shipyard.
Imaginative layout variants
The shipyard offers a high degree of flexibility for the interior design. As a semi-custom concept, the customer decides how they want the interior to be designed - within the limits of design and technical feasibility, of course. Nevertheless, Privilège provides two basic layouts for the Signature 580, with three or four extremely spacious double cabins, each with its own bathroom.
Special: In the three-cabin model, the galley is separate and integrated into the starboard hull
where it is linked to a skipper's cabin with pullman berths and its own wet room. This version is therefore aimed at owners who want to travel with skipper and cook.
In the more conventional version with four cabins, the galley is housed in the saloon as usual. Privilège does not offer versions with five or even six double cabins, unlike the competition from large-scale manufacturers.
The quality of workmanship inside is outstanding, the woodwork is immaculate and the built-in components are of a high quality. This is also reflected in the unusually quiet saloon and cabins, even when there is a lot of wind and speed. Even the work on deck during manoeuvres is virtually inaudible.
The basic version of the Privilège Signature 580 costs just under four million euros. It is difficult to categorise the price due to the lack of comparable ship concepts. In addition, the basic equipment of the catamaran is unusually extensive and essentially includes almost all desirable amenities, which most competitors only offer as price-increasing options.
Its exclusivity, sheer size and very high pricing mean that the Privilège Signature 580 is unlikely to appear on the charter market, where catamarans are usually in high demand. A boat for the few who have a lot, want a lot - and actually get a lot more.
The measured values for testing the Privilège 580 Signature
The Privilège 580 Signature in detail
Technical data of the Privilège 580 Signature
- Design engineer: Marc Lombard
- CE design category: A
- Torso length: 17,90 m
- Width: 9,18 m
- Depth: 1,75 m
- Weight: 29,0 t
- Mast height above waterline: 27,57 m
- Mainsail: 121,0 m2
- Furling genoa: 92,0 m2
- machine (Yanmar): 2 x 80 hp
Hull and deck construction
GRP sandwich construction with PVC foam core, built using the vacuum infusion process. Vinyl ester resin exterior
Price and shipyard
- Base price ex shipyard: 3.903.200 €
- Guarantee/against osmosis: 5/5 years
As of 2024, how the prices shown are defined can be found here!
Shipyard
Privilège Marine, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne (France); www.privilege-marine.com
YACHT review of the Privilège 580 Signature
Large, elaborate and very expensive: the Privilège Signature 580 is not a boat for the masses, but it serves a growing, extremely exclusive niche segment with a coherent and complete offering
Design and concept
Solid, elaborate construction
High degree of adaptability in the extension
Exclusive price
Sailing performance and trim
High performance potential
Variable rig concept
Insensitive control
Living and finishing quality
Flawless finishing quality
Generously designed living areas
Many options for ventilation
Equipment and technology
On-board technology very easily accessible
Front cockpit accessible from the saloon
This article was published in 2021 and has been updated for this online version.
