Privilege 51 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Privilege 51 began production in 1994, building upon the successful lineage of Privilege models. The builder's foundational vision, shaped by Philippe Jeantot's personal desire for a liveaboard cruising catamaran prioritizing comfort, strength, and security, directly influenced the design of the 51. Privilege Catamarans quickly gained a reputation for high-quality, luxurious, and highly capable bluewater cruising vessels. The 51 was notably a more successful evolution of the earlier Privilege 48, featuring lengthened sugar scoops and more powerful engines, enhancing its performance and amenities. Upon its launch, the Privilege 51 was hailed by some as the "queen of luxury catamarans," reflecting its impressive blend of comfort and seaworthiness. Built with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, the Privilege 51 reflects the robust construction standards that have become a hallmark of the Privilege brand.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a large cruising catamaran, the Privilege 51 is designed for comfort and stability rather than pure speed. Its twin-keel hull type and fractional sloop rigging contribute to its steady demeanor under sail. Privilege catamarans are known for their meticulously crafted hull designs that ensure superb stability and comfort, even in challenging conditions, a philosophy that would have been applied to the 51. The design prioritizes comfortable ocean cruising over racing performance, aiming to provide a smooth and secure experience at sea. While specific anecdotal sailing characteristics of the 1994 Privilege 51 were not widely detailed in public search results, the general reputation of Privilege catamarans suggests a balanced helm and a comfortable motion, ideal for long passages. It features dual 50 HP Volvo Penta MD22 diesel engines, providing ample power for maneuvering and motoring.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Privilege 51 is designed for maximum comfort and spaciousness, reflecting its purpose as a luxury bluewater cruiser. Reviews and listings indicate that the Privilege 51 offers an incredible design with great capacity and a high level of interior comfort, often featuring multiple double cabins, with some configurations allowing for up to five double cabins. The layout typically includes expansive saloon areas with sofas and tables, providing ample space for relaxation and dining. A distinctive design philosophy often seen in Privilege catamarans, and likely present in the 51, is the innovative placement of a large owner's suite in the forward nacelle, maximizing living space and contributing to the yacht's stability. While specific headroom measurements for this model were not available in the provided data, Privilege yachts are known for their opulent living spaces and elegant design, characterized by quality craftsmanship and materials.