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The Privilege brand dates back to the 1980’s when world famous sailing champion, Philippe Jeantot established his legacy in the cruising catamarans industry. A few decades later, a new chapter began with Privilege Marine.
Combining passion, quality, and experience, Privilege is reliable for circumnavigation and comfort at the dock as well as at sea. Privilege’s experienced team of men and women are committed to providing top of the line, customized catamarans.
In an interview with Denison Yacht Sales, Privilege discusses the company’s history and achievements, while providing information about its latest launches and partnerships.
The Privilege brand dates back to 1985 when Philippe Jeantot founded Jeantot Marine. Is Jeantot still involved with the brand?
Philippe Jeantot, a well-known circumnavigating sailor and creator of the famous around-the-world regatta, Vendée Globe, is no longer involved with the brand, but he still enjoys sailing and living onboard a Privilege yacht.
Who currently owns Privilege? Has the brand changed hands over the years?
Privilege is owned by three shareholders including Gilles Wagner, who is at the shipyard permanently. The brand has changed ownership over the years. It was initiated by Philippe Jeantot in 1985 with Jeantot Marine Shipyard in Les Sables d’Olonne. In 1996, the shipyard was sold to a new owner and it became Alliaura Marine, still keeping the Privilege brand. The new company, Privilege Marine Shipyard has owned the Privilege brand since 2012.
When was Privilege Marine established, and by whom?
Privilege Marine was established on July 5, 2012 by Gilles Wagner.
Where is the Privilege shipyard and headquarters located? Has it always been there?
The shipyard and headquarters are located in Les Sables d’Olonne (French Atlantic Coast). In 2009, the construction of Privilege yachts moved to Lanester, close to Lorient (French Atlantic Coast) in order to accommodate building larger yachts, such as the 100’ Privilege 1000. When Gilles Wagner bought the Privilege brand with the molds, he didn’t buy the mold of the Privilege 1000.
When did naval architect, Marc Lombard begin designing Privilege Catamarans?
Marc Lombard began designing Privilege Catamarans in 1987.
How long has Franck Darnet been the interior designer for Privilege?
Carefully chosen among dozens of others, Franck Darnet has been the interior designer for Privilege since 2012.
What are the distinguishing characteristics of the Privilege brand?
Central Pod: The central pod’s exclusive identity comes with many advantages including: strong mechanical resistance as it reinforces the entire longitudinal structure of the catamaran, optimized comfort with more indoor living space, and adaptability for the anchor locker and windlass support. The central pod also provides a secure area in bad weather and helps to keep the bows over the water.
Reliability and Quality: Privilege has always been synonymous with reliability in all weather conditions. With her design and displacement’s calculations allowing her to play with the fastest, Privilege remains a sensational voyager. Interiors are made using real and natural accents of wood and refined fabrics.
Customization: By definition, luxury requires pleasure, satisfaction, and ease. Each Privilege yacht is customized to outfit the needs of the owner, while exceeding their expectations
Limited Production: Building a limited number of yachts leads to a strong resale value.
Remarkable Standard Inventory: Every detail has been meticulously calculated so that Privilege remains incomparable with all components: deck fittings, sails, electronics, systems, finishes, and comfort. From preparation to delivery, a Privilege stands far above other vessels in the same class.
When did Privilege experience its greatest period of growth? When did the brand go global?
Privilege has experienced two significant periods of growth, starting in 2006 when the shipyard launched the 74’ Privilege 745 and the 61’ Privilege 615. This led to an explosion in the big catamarans market.
Privilege is currently undergoing its second period of growth. Since becoming Privilege Marine in 2012, the brand has established a great reputation with its new range: 50’ Privilege Series 5, 64’ Privilege Series 6, and 75’ Privilege Series 7 (evolution of the Privilege 745).
The Privilege brand went global very quickly after its creation by Philippe Jeantot. His experience from sailing around the world inspired the design of the first cruising catamaran: The Privilege.
When did Privilege make its debut in the United States?
Privilege made its debut in the U.S. when Lady Privilege was displayed at the Miami Boat Show in 1989. Americans discovered a new way of sailing. It was a great success, and close to 100 Privilege yachts have been sold to the U.S., including the 51’ Privilege Stars And Stripes to the well-known America's Cup winner, Dennis Conner.
Briefly explain the relationship between Privilege and Denison Yacht Sales.
Denison was searching for a brand of cruising catamarans with refinement, quality, and comfort that would satisfy the U.S. market. Privilege was looking for a very exclusive partner, where trust and energy would lay the groundwork for promoting the range at the best level.
The relationship has been great since day one, and Privilege Marine is very proud to work alongside Denison Yacht Sales in the United States. While 2014 marked the beginning of this new partnership, it has already proven to be a successful match.
Privilege has found a niche as a custom builder in an industry of mostly mass-produced building. What is Privilege’s greatest benefit of being a custom builder?
The best part about being a custom builder is having a close relationship with our customers while designing their boats and adapting their unique styles, and most importantly, seeing their satisfaction.
How much customization will Privilege accommodate on an order?
Almost anything is possible with customization when it comes to changing the layout, the material, and the equipment. There are only two restrictions: the structure, as we produce serial so we have molds and structural bulkheads that we cannot changes, and the weight, which naval architect, Marc Lombard handles.
How can a prospective customer test a Privilege yacht before buying one?
There are two ways to test a Privilege yacht: you can rent one or test-drive one at the shipyard before or after the delivery if the owner of the boat agrees. Most of our buyers order without testing because they trust the final result and know they are in good hands.
How many catamarans has Privilege built since the brand was founded? How many per year?
Privilege has built around 700 catamarans since the brand was founded. On average, we build around 20 per year. At the beginning, production was mainly focused on 40’ to 50’ yachts.
How long does it take to build one catamaran?
The length of time to build a catamaran depends on the model. Today, it takes around six months to build a Privilege Series 5 and a year to build a Privilege Series 7.
Does Privilege only build sailing catamarans?
Privilege Marine also builds high-class sailing monohulls in lifting keel version and launched two new brands: FURIO 6 (64’ motoryacht catamaran with a strong design and strong performance – max speed 30kts) and EUPHORIA 5 (50’ power catamaran based on the design of the Privilege Series 5 with changes on the hull, removing the mast for having a flybridge – max speed 15kts).
Motor catamarans will be the future for a lot of powerboat owners, who are dreaming about stability, anchor, and space as well as for sailors who want to relax.
In terms of future growth and goals, where does Privilege envision itself in the next 10 years?
Privilege Marine recently announced at the 2015 Cannes Yachting Festival plans for a complete sailing catamaran range from 50’ to 100’ through a partnership with JFA Yachts (French shipyard based in Concarneau-France). JFA Yachts is famous for the construction of megayachts like Bystander and one of the largest multihulls delivered on the market today, Mousetrap 110. They are also well-known for their criteria in term of quality, exclusivity, and capacity of customization.
Today, we offer five models in the Privilege range: 50’ Privilege Series 5, 64’ Privilege Series 6, 75’ Privilege Series 7, 85’ Privilege Series 8, and 100’ Privilege Series 10, which will be built by JFA Yachts.
This partnership is important for Privilege as the market is shifting to larger yachts, and we will be able to satisfy this clientele. We will continue to develop the production of customized Privilege yachts, and we believe in the motoryacht catamaran market.
