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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPrivil\u00e8ge Marine, currently undergoing a phase of redeployment following a change in management, continues to offer long-distance cruising catamarans designed for small crews and offering a high level of comfort, such as this 580 Signature. A peaceful outing off the coast of Cannes allows you to appreciate the pleasures of life on board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Written by : Christophe Var\u00e8ne – Photos : Ludovic Fruchaud – IMACIS<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although not strictly speaking a new model, the Privil\u00e8ge 580 Signature featured in this review is nonetheless interesting due to the considerable scope the manufacturer allows for customisation according to owners’ requirements. Barely freed from the crowd at the latest Cannes Yachting Festival, this catamaran, built at the Privil\u00e8ge Marine shipyard in Les Sables-d’Olonne, a mecca for solo ocean racing, awaits us for a trip around the L\u00e9rins Islands. The weather is mild, perhaps a little too mild for this type of yacht that is clearly designed for offshore sailing, but we are not going to complain. The crew welcomes us with great kindness and professionalism: the captain has already worked on large catamarans from other brands and is looking forward to crossing the Atlantic in the coming weeks. He is particularly keen to show us how easy it is to launch the tender from the submersible platform, a manoeuvre that is often required when cruising along the coast. A first tour around the boat allows us to appreciate her lines, designed by Marc Lombard: with her slightly inverted bows, long hull porthole (or decoration) and contrasting colours with the superstructure, this 580 Signature looks great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leaving Port Canto is smooth sailing, thanks to the renowned manoeuvrability of catamarans. The helmsman enjoys excellent visibility of the hulls’ bows and seals from his mid-height steering station. The sails are also managed from this position with a full set of electric winches and cleats. A little further offshore, the mainsail is hoisted with the touch of a finger, before unfurling the genoa. The latter is equipped with an electric furling system with remote control, making it very easy to handle from anywhere on board. The light breeze of around 6-7 knots does not allow us to judge performance, with speeds at different points of sail around 5 knots, but it is possible to feel a certain responsiveness at the helm. Tacks are easy to execute, provided you roll and unroll the headsail, whether it is the genoa or the Code 0. After lunch between the L\u00e9rins Islands, the spinnaker is prepared at anchor to be hoisted as soon as the anchor is raised. With a little practice and care, these operations do not present any major difficulties. All these factors confirm that the Privil\u00e8ge 580 Signature can be handled by a couple of experienced owners without the need for a crew. At the end of this short trip, the cruising speed under engine power was 6 knots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this voyage, we have time to take an interest in life on board, and the least we can say is that it promises to be pleasant, easy and welcoming. Let’s start with the exterior, an essential space for both pleasure and maritime management. The aft seals are wide, with easy steps that continue as staircases without risers to the gangways so as not to obstruct the view and light in the cabins. In the cockpit, the red upholstery adds a touch of cheerfulness, but the choice is of course up to the owners. Sheltered under the canopy, this area is the perfect meeting place with its benches, table, armchairs and sun loungers, offering something for everyone at any time of day. The helm station, located halfway up, is like a real control tower: in addition to the complete electronic instrumentation, engine controls and sail management, its location allows the helmsman to remain in communication with the passengers, whether they are at the bow, in the cockpit or even inside. The deck between the bows, largely covered with teak slats and featuring two modest nets, is particularly attractive when sailing downwind or at anchor, thanks to its slightly recessed lounge area with benches and a folding table for aperitifs or al fresco dining. It is worth noting the presence of a jet ski on the starboard side deck: this special request from the owner required some improvements by the shipyard’s engineers, particularly to the boom \u2013 made of carbon like the mast \u2013 which has been reinforced to serve as a launching crane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step into the saloon of this Privil\u00e8ge 580 Signature and you will immediately be charmed by the bright atmosphere created by Darnet Design. The combination of grey upholstery and worktops with subtle touches of red works beautifully. On the starboard side, the galley and chart table are ergonomic and functional, while on the port side, L-shaped seating frames a table for six to eight guests. A door at the front provides direct access to the forward saloon. Descending into the port hull, we discover a double cabin towards the stern, with its own bathroom, and the owner’s suite towards the bow. The effect of volume is striking thanks to the transverse position of the bed, which encroaches on the nacelle. This layout allows for a desk and sofa to be placed in this space, while the toilet and shower room are separate. Owners will also appreciate having direct access to the forward saloon. On the opposite side of the hull is another double cabin, identical to the first with a view to the side and aft, a cabin with two single beds and, on request a crew cabin in the bow. This well-thought-out and carefully designed unit should give new life to the manufacturer Privil\u00e8ge Marine at a pivotal moment in its development, with the arrival of a new CEO, Antoine Maillot (see interview in the News section), the confirmed support of the PPF Group and a new visual identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n