Design and Construction
The hull and deck are GRP sandwich construction with a PVC foam core, built using the vacuum infusion process, with vinyl ester resin on the exterior anchor. Privilège Marine builds all the GRP parts of its catamarans this way, a method that replaced older hand-lamination across the Série and Signature generations. The keel stubs are firmly laminated to the hulls and reinforced with an integrated steel frame, so the vessel can easily be parked on its hull appendages when dry anchor — a practical advantage for yard periods and bottom work. Notably, the 580 Signature frees itself from the central rostrum master suite that earlier Privilèges carried, trading that signature forward pod for a forward cockpit directly connected to the saloon. The materials throughout are selected to combine durability with refined, contemporary elegance, and the CE design category A confirms its offshore rating.
Rig and Handling
A low boom lets the 580 maintain a powerful sail plan with no compromise on handling or safety anchor, and the boat carries a fractional sloop rig with a mast roughly 90 feet above the waterline and over 2,290 square feet of sail area. Testers describe a variable rig concept, and during a published sea trial in light ENE winds of 8–12 knots with a slight sea, the catamaran was sailed just off the wind with a square-topped main and overlapping genoa. All halyards and sheets are led back to the raised steering position on the side without exception, and the two large winches are electrically operated as standard from the shipyard. Steering is hydraulic, which is common for cats of this size, but testers note the system offers hardly any feeling for the helmsman, who can only steer to maintain course — a trait that pushes reliance onto visual cues or autopilot rather than tactile feedback. The helm station sits between the cockpit and the flybridge, offering both visibility and protection.
Accommodations
Inside, the Signature 580 is defined by continuity and openness, with a direct connection between interior and exterior spaces that enhances the flow of life on board anchor. Volumes are carefully balanced to offer both shared spaces and privacy, and natural light shapes the atmosphere throughout. The forward cockpit accessible from the saloon provides an additional, intimate and protected space to relax, while the flybridge above adds extra space and comfort. Privilège offers two basic layouts: three or four extremely spacious double cabins, each with its own bathroom. With the three-cabin arrangement, the cooking space sits apart and built into the starboard hull, joined to a crew cabin with pullman berths and a private wet room; the four-cabin version houses the galley in the saloon as usual. The builder does not offer five- or six-cabin versions, distinguishing the 580 from large-scale production rivals. Circulation onboard is fluid and intuitive, and testers praise the outstanding quality of workmanship, immaculate woodwork, and high-built-in component quality, along with unusually quiet saloons and cabins even at high wind and speed.
Refits and Ownership
Seven units had been ordered even before the first test was published, and the boat was built by Privilège Marine as a contemporary vision of luxury sailing. The 580 is equipped with two Yanmar engines of 80 hp each and carries 264 gallons each of fuel and water, supporting extended cruising. Its heavy-displacement hull form and vacuum-infused construction are suited to long-term liveaboard use, and the dry-standing capability simplifies annual maintenance.
The Verdict
The Privilège Signature 580 is a thoughtfully engineered owner-oriented catamaran that breaks from the brand's rostrum tradition without sacrificing structural substance. Its open, light-filled accommodations and quiet ride suit serious cruising, while the dry-standing keel structure and accessible systems ease ownership.
Pros
- Vacuum-infused GRP sandwich hull and deck with vinyl ester exterior and integrated steel-reinforced keel stubs that allow dry standing
- Forward cockpit directly tied to the saloon plus a flybridge for protected, open living space
- Low-boom powerful sail plan with all lines led to the helm and standard electric winches
- Outstanding interior fit and finish with unusually quiet cabins at speed
- CE category A, twin Yanmar 80 hp engines, and balanced three- or four-cabin owner layouts
Cons
- Hydraulic steering provides almost no tactile helm feedback
- No central rostrum owner's suite and no five- or six-cabin charter configurations for buyers wanting those layouts
