Written by: Phillipe Echelle for Multihulls World Magazine
With a deserved reputation and strong values, Privilège Marine is using its know-how across completely re-styled models and is showing new creativity. We took the opportunity of a test sail aboard Happy Koumata, one of the first Série 5s, when she stopped over in Marseille on the way to beginning a round
the world trip.
THE SÉRIE 5, SUCCESSOR TO THE 515
At 50 feet, the 515, first shown at the Grand Pavois boat show in France in 2009, confirmed a major evolution at Privilège, already experienced with larger models. The commercial career of this catamaran was unfortunately interrupted by problems at the yard. The new Série 5 revisits this promising start, modified by the Lombard design team (the waterline length has been slightly increased, the sail area is bigger and the deck layout improved). The new interior design is by Franck Darnet, whose influence is to be found on many French multihulls.
LINES REDRAWN TO SUIT BLUE WATER CRUISING
Marc Lombard’s re-worked hull aims to achieve an overall balance in all conditions, anticipating that these comfortable and fun craft will be doing some long passagemaking. The behavior of a 21 tonne vessel fully stocked and well-equipped such as our test boat must
remain consistent under load: with this in mind, the Lombard team has created fairly deep, wide U-sections for good buoyancy, and a progressive increase in volume back to the step (the waterline is around 15cm below the rib frame). The bows are fine-entry and the lengthened arches of the new sugarscoops produce fine wakes. The Lombard-designed skegs are fairly short, fine and deep for good performance while minimizing the whetted area. Our test boat, Happy Koumata, was fully loaded and ready for her forthcoming voyage.
Download the full review from Multihulls World here.
Quick Links
- View the Privilege Serie 5 Specifications
- View the Privilege webpage