Privilege

Since the first of the line was launched in 1985, Privilege catamarans have been primarily about comfort and luxury afloat, as well as the closely related goal of safe and no-fuss handling. Since the early days of the brand, Privileges have had a very consistent track record, with most models enjoying an enduring success. Both the interior and exterior design of the entire line remains remarkably true to the original conception of the luxury cruiser first expressed in the Privilege 47 (alias Privilege 14.5). Jeantot Marine hit on a winning formula for a cruiser, which was soon appreciated by a rapidly developing charter industry. Consequently Jeantot Marine were able to be a major participant in stocking the world multihull charter fleet, which has contributed greatly to the growth of the company.

All Privileges have the trademark central pod which substantially extends the internal volume, giving Privilege staterooms the edge in spaciousness. The central pod also allows the designers more flexibility to offer alternative cabin layouts. The penalty of the pod is more weight and more possibility of interference with waves, although slamming or pounding only seems to be a significant problem in the first Privilege. This tendency was designed out in later models by raising the above water clearance between the hulls. Privileges do tend to be heavy, however, which does limit performance, though not severely enough to dent their appeal to those seeking relaxed, comfortable and safe cruising. For all their renowned accommodation space, the superstructure of Privileges, especially the early ones, is relatively flat. For instance, the saloon roof does not rise very high above the general deck level. Consequently almost all the deck space can be used for sitting or lounging - including the twin sunlounge areas either side of the cockpit (on the roof over the aft cabin berths) that most models have.

In later designs, with the market conditions now including private owners as well as charter companies, the designs have evolved higher bridgedeck cabin roofs - which have provided better views forward from inside the saloon. New production techniques also provided the opportunity to lighten structures and increase performance. Speedier designs were created by offering optional daggerboards, carbon masts and other performance enhancements.

Jeantot Marine, along with one or two other builders, can be accredited with developing what is widely recognised as a luxury cruiser. The Privilege designers have been particularly successful at engendering a welcoming feeling of luxury in the interior spaces. This has been achieved through use of quality materials, top-notch craftsmanship and an appreciation of what elements bring satisfaction to everyone on board. Above decks, the best quality fittings are used and, especially in the early designs, measures were takes to ensure that the work of sailing the yacht did not interfere with other pastimes onboard. For instance, some models position the wheel at the after end of the cockpit.

1985

Phillipe Jeantot founds Jeantot Marine

Privilege 47 (14.5) introduced

1987

Privilege 48 (14.7) introduced

1988

Privilege 39 introduced

1992

Privilege 482 introduced

1994

Privilege 51 and Privilege 65 introduced

1995

Privilege 45 introduced and wins Cruising World's award for the best cruising multihull

1996

Privilege 42 introduced and wins Cruising World's award for the best cruising multihull

Groupe SGGR buys Jeantot Marine and forms Alliaura Marine

1996

Privilege 37 introduced

1997

Production of Privileges exceeds 300 units

1998

Privilege 465 introduced

1999

Privilege 435 introduced

2002

Privilege 585 introduced

2004

Privilege 395 and Privilege 495 introduced

Over 400 Privilege yachts built so far