Privilege 615: Grace & Strength on the Biscayne Bay Boat Review

I always find myself flattered when I am offered the privilege of a test sail on a yacht. You can imagine my excitement when Catherine Relandeau, of Privilege Marine, provided me with the opportunity to spend some time on their “fresh from an Atlantic crossing” Privilege 615 in Miami. Now the buzz of her performance during this journey, with an average speed of more than 8 knots, had just reached the docks at about the time of my invite, making this assignment that much more exciting!

During the five-day Strictly Sail Miami show, it took everything I had not to board her, as I wanted to experience everything as “new” on my sailing adventure. With childlike anticipation, I raced from my home in Boca Raton like a Grand Prix driver, efficiently dodging south Florida traffic, to make it to the docks on the Tuesday after the show by 8 AM. With a Café con Leche in hand, I stood patiently on docks adjacent to Privilege 615 Hull 21 waiting to be invited on board. Yes, I do, love my job!

Cecilia and Bernard were my hosts for the day. I was greeted with a warm French welcome from Celcia while Bernard busily attended to lines and fenders. The air was crisp, the sun was shining and the seas were calm, I could not have ordered a better day!

On our way to Biscayne Bay, I decided to use the time it took Bernard to maneuver this 60’6” by 30’3” catamaran through the floating docks (still in place from the show) to take a look at the interior trappings of this truly breathtaking Marc Lombard-designed cat. Ceclia accompanied me to insure I was aware that this particular Privilege, the 615, is used primarily for private use. Owners tend to be avid sailors with the intent to circumnavigate in luxury. Another interesting fact of Hull 21 is that she is just one of threemade by Privilege Marine with the galley up.

The saloon remains true to Privilege’s 30 years of particular attention to internal fixtures and fittings resulting in a refined space that is light, quiet and very comfortable. The galley-up takes nothing away, in fact, in my opinion, it adds to the overall beauty and rhythm of the space. It is a nice balance to the wet bar, making this a truly social cat, allowing everyone to take part in the evening’s banter.

The crème de la crème of this model however is the Owner’s suite. It is completely unexpected and I am certain my photos do not give it justice! As you walk through the port side hull, it’s like many other luxury cats. You see ahead of you a nice desk and seating area just like other owner’s suites, but it really isn’t the same. Once past the cabin doors, MM a quick glance to starboard will take your breath away. The bed itself is up a set of stairs and tucked into an alcove. The suite spans nearly 20 feet across. It is extraordinary!

Once on the bay it was time to venture out into the gorgeous Florida sunshine. It was a bit surreal … the colors that day … everything so vibrant. The bright blue sky against the crisp white mast with the chrome-plated stainless steel winches. A true mise en place – A place for everything and everything in its place. Two steering stations allow you to have a complete panoramic view of the deck and control over your sailing. With cruising speeds of 9 knots, 11 knots with the gennaker, Bernard was in his glory cruising around Biscayne Bay dodging kite fisherman and photographers like a body guarding evading paparazzi for his star.

We had a very nice discussion, translated by Cecilia, as my French is not as good as it used to be, about the technical compartments on the 615. He explained that necessary storage was not missed on this cat and how easy it was to access her engine rooms. He further discussed the centralized rigging making management of the sails simple and easily handled by two.

This is part of the Privilege philosophy. According to Cecilia, since Phillipe Jeantot’s first design in 1985, their vision continues to be one of maintaining performance, low center of gravity and proportion. The 615, with her sleek design and versatile range, reinforce that philosophy. The day was magical and I thank everyone who made it possible!
Source: MultiHulls Magazine

For more information contact Privilege Brand Manager:

Mark Bussey
Cell: +1 954.599.5192
Email: MB@denisonyachtsales.com