Yacht Class n°21(june-july-august 2020)

Privilège Marine – HANSE GROUP

Privilege launches the 510 Signature, a logical emanation of the Serie 5, but she brings highly significant adjustments in terms of design, finishes and pleasure of life on board.

Written by Christophe Varène – Photos : All rights reserved

Located in Les Sables-d’Olonne since 1985, Privilège Marine, formerly known as Jeantot Marine and Alliaura Marine, is now part of the German group Hanse. This new stage in the life of this yard involves a range redesign: Privilège is launching the 510 Signature, to replace the Série 5 (23 hulls built), before the impending arrival of the 580 Signature. There is no question of making a clean sweep of the past, but rather of relying on a know-how combining Privilège’s knowledge of catamaran with Hanse’s rigorous methods. It also takes into account feedbacks from the brand’s owners and trusts their loyal collaborators, Marc Lombard’s architecture firm and Franck Darnet’s design studio. Thus, the lines of this 510 Signature do not really stand out from her predecessor – apart, undoubtedly, from larger windows on the deckhouse – but don’t forget that what contributes to the pleasure and performance of a sailing yacht is often not visible.

Enhancing safety on board

Thus, the shipyard does not betray its DNA, but always seeks to improve it, to add value to each new unit. Because Privilège are designed for long-haul sailing, they benefit from a solid construction, further enhanced by Hanse Group’s techniques. Important work has also been done to reduce the hulls weight, to increase the boat’s speed of course but even more to increase its load and equipment capacity, a major asset when intended for long navigation. Safety on board is also one of the major areas of focus for a yacht of this type, hence the pulpit height, the triple lifelines and the deckhouse handrails for easy circulation, even if catamarans have the reputation for sailing flat and for stability. The flush deck hatches, the wide passage behind the cockpit and the large aft platforms also contribute to ease of movement on board. The mid-height steering position features a two-seater seat, with new ergonomics and better protected thanks to a high, wrap-around windscreen. From this strategic position, the skipper can manage almost solo all the navigation elements, since he has in front of the large steering wheel, a complete electronic equipment at a glance, the engine instrumentation and all sail lines returned to electric winches. It should also be noted that, when possible, the halyards are led under deck. The solid hard-top can also get side canvas panels to close this space, to face the tough weather conditions in some parts of the world.

A very pleasant cockpit

Particular care has been taken to ensure comfort of life on board, and she offers a very convivial cockpit with an aft settee and table for eight. Always with the aim of casting off for longer periods, there are two additional storage areas. Furthermore, with 35 years of experience, Privilège Marine, through its customer service, assists future owners in their customization. The first 510 Signature has a barbecue in the aft cockpit, which has direct access to the salon via a wide opening glass door. The larger windows increase the brightness and the feeling of space. Immediately to the left once inside, the navigation station with chart table gathers all the on-board controls, for navigation and technical questions. Its location puts it close to the outside helm station for better communication between navigator and helmsman. A lounge with a telescopic table occupies the starboard part of the saloon while the opposite galley is U-shaped for ease of use during navigation, and slightly below to maintain good visibility to the outside.

Semi-custom is an undeniable asset

Although different hull layouts are available (four cabins and four heads, a master suite and three cabins…), the version with a full-beam master suite in the front rostrum, seems the most attractive one, still for long distance cruises. This configuration provides a slightly higher, central “bedroom”, with a king size bed, numerous portholes (deckhouse, hulls, deck), a beautiful shower room on starboard with double washbasin and independent shower stall, as well as a dressing room and separate toilet on port. The catamaran’s beam provides a real benefit in terms of size and volume compared to a more common use of hull length. The two guest cabins, located in the aft parts of the hulls, include a transversal double bed and a shower stall separated from the head. Each layout can also be discussed with the shipyard’s semi-custom department to ensure that each Privilège 510 Signature reflects the personality and desires of her owner.