Privilège 615 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Privilège 615 distinguishes itself from lighter, performance-oriented catamarans through its sheer mass and momentum. With a displacement hovering around 26 to 28 tons depending on the load, it is a "heavy" vessel by multihull standards, but Marc Lombard’s hull design utilizes a narrow waterline entry and flared topsides to minimize drag. This allows the 615 to maintain a surprisingly high average speed during long-distance passages. Under sail, the boat feels exceptionally stable; the high bridge deck clearance significantly reduces the "slamming" common in lesser catamarans when heading into a chop.

The sail plan typically features a large roach mainsail and a furling genoa, often supplemented by a staysail on a removable inner forestay for heavy weather. Technical reports from the era suggest that while the 615 requires a breeze of at least 10–12 knots to truly "wake up," once moving, it tracks with remarkable precision. The steering is generally described as dampened but reliable, providing the helm with enough feedback to sense the hulls’ trim without the twitchiness of a racing cat. Owners frequently report that the vessel’s sweet spot is a broad reach in 18–22 knots of wind, where it can comfortably maintain double-digit speeds while the crew enjoys a level of interior silence rarely found in monohulls of similar length.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 615 is where the brand’s "superyacht" aspirations are most visible. The hallmark of the design is the massive owner’s suite located forward in the central nacelle. Unlike most catamarans of this size that bury the master cabin in a hull, the 615 utilizes the bridge deck space to create a full-width apartment, often featuring a king-sized bed, a private lounge area, and an expansive en-suite head in the bow of the port hull.

Materials typically include high-gloss cherry or light maple cabinetry, executed with a level of joinery that reflects the shipyard's traditional French craftsmanship. The 615 was offered in several configurations, most notably the "Owner’s Version" with four cabins and the "Charter Version" which could accommodate up to five or six guest cabins plus crew quarters. The galley-down configuration was common for owner-operated vessels, allowing for a massive, unobstructed salon and navigation station on the main deck, while the galley-up variant prioritized social cooking and ease of service for crewed operations. The 615 also features a flybridge that served as the primary helm station, a design choice that cleared the cockpit for pure relaxation but required careful management of the high boom and mainsail center of effort.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Privilège 615 should approach the survey with a focus on the vessel’s complex systems and its history of use.

• Bridge Deck Integrity: While the 615 is built to high standards, the massive forward nacelle puts unique stresses on the bridge deck. Inspectors should look for any "star-crazing" or stress cracks in the gelcoat where the nacelle joins the hulls.
• Electrical Systems: Many 615s were equipped with sophisticated Mastervolt or Victron power management systems and extensive 24V DC networks. Given the age of these vessels, the wiring and original chargers/inverters should be tested for thermal heat signatures and redundancy.
• Standing Rigging: Because the 615 carries a high-aspect rig on a very stable platform, the standing rigging (often Rod rigging or heavy-gauge wire) does not "give" as it would on a monohull. Rigging over 10 years old requires a comprehensive NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) inspection or total replacement.
• Rudder Bearings: Due to the weight of the hulls, the rudder bearings and steering linkages undergo significant load. Check for play in the helm and any weeping around the rudder stocks.

Community & Resources

The Privilège community is supported by the Privilège Owners Association, a relatively private but active group of long-range cruisers who share technical data and maintenance tips. While the brand has transitioned ownership several times—from Alliaura to HanseYachts and currently to the PPF Group—the shipyard in Les Sables-d'Olonne remains a source for original hull lines and technical drawings for the 615.

The Verdict

The Privilège 615 is a formidable bluewater cruiser that prioritizes luxury and structural integrity over raw racing speed. It remains one of the few catamarans in the 60-foot range that truly feels like a "home" rather than a platform.

Pros:

• Unmatched Volume: The nacelle-mounted owner's suite provides a level of luxury and privacy found only on much larger yachts.
• Seaworthiness: A heavy-duty build and Marc Lombard hull shape ensure a comfortable ride in significant sea states.
• Resale Value: Privilège yachts tend to hold their value better than mass-produced charter catamarans due to their limited production numbers.

Cons:

• System Complexity: Requires a knowledgeable owner or full-time captain to maintain the myriad of pumps, chargers, and hydraulic systems.
• Weight: In light air (under 8 knots), the 615 can be sluggish and will often require the use of the engines to maintain progress.
• Draft: While moderate for its size, the 1.75m (5.7 ft) draft limits access to some of the skinniest waters in regions like the Bahamas compared to daggerboard-equipped cats.