Our History

40 Years of Heritage

A Legend Born in Les Sables d'Olonne

THE ORIGINS: FROM THE RACE TO THE DREAM The story of Privilège Marine is inextricably linked to the legend of the Vendée Globe. Born in the historic port of Les Sables d’Olonne, our shipyard emerged from the demands of the open ocean.

Forty years ago, the vision was clear: to translate the robustness and safety required for round-the-world racing into a vessel designed for life, freedom, and family. Since our inception, Privilège Marine has stood at the intersection of precision engineering and artistic craftsmanship, creating boats that are not merely products, but stories that live on for years.

AN ANCHOR IN TIME In a world that rushes, Privilège Marine has always embraced the luxury of time. For four decades, we have remained faithful to our roots in Les Sables d’Olonne, the only place where our knowledge stands and where our history is written.

Here, expertise is passed down from one generation to the next. We do not just build boats; we cultivate a “slow luxury” where quality is never a race against time. This patience allows us to create hulls designed to withstand the years as well as the oceans, offering an elegance that stands the test of time.

MAISON PRIVILÈGE: A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE Over the decades, Privilège Marine has evolved into more than a shipyard; it is a Maison of French naval haute couture. Our philosophy has remained unchanged: strict refusal of mass production in favor of excellence.

Our Dream Shapers—the sailors and craftsmen who build your yacht—have perpetuated a unique savoir-faire that combines the reliability of offshore sailing with the refinement of a bespoke home. Today, each Privilège catamaran remains a signature, a unique piece designed to reflect the personality of its owner, respecting a tradition where precision requires patience and the result lasts a lifetime.

Privilège Marine.
Float beyond time.

Our Timeline

1985

The Genesis of a Legend

Philippe Jeantot, double solo world champion and creator of the Vendée Globe, did not simply launch a shipyard; he shaped a vision. When he unveiled his first large cruising catamaran in Paris, his motivation was not to enter the industrial market, but to realize a personal dream of life at sea.

However, the immediate enthusiasm for this vessel transformed a personal project into the illustrious Privilège adventure. Drawing on his unrivaled experience in circumnavigation, our founder established the DNA that defines Privilege today: creating catamarans that offer the perfect balance of absolute safety, offshore robustness, and the serenity of a “home” on the water.

1989

A Benchmark of Excellence

By 1989, Privilège Marine had established itself as a reference in the world of cruising catamarans, with its unique French savoir-faire resonating strongly across the Atlantic.

This commitment to quality was soon recognized on the international stage. In 1992, the shipyard was honored with the International Quality Trophy. This era of distinction continued in the United States, where the sheer elegance and reliability of our vessels saw the Privilège 45 and 42 named “Boat of the Year” in 1995 and 1996 respectively.

1994

The Privilège 65: A Rare Signature

Crafted in a confidential series of just nine vessels, this 19-meter masterpiece remains an icon of the Maison. To this day, it embodies a timeless refinement, proving that true elegance never fades.

1996

The Art of Grand Yachting

Privilège confirms its mastery of the large yacht category, establishing a unique signature in the world of vessels over 15 meters. With more than 60 bespoke creations ranging from 18 to 23 meters sailing the world’s oceans, the shipyard has defined a new standard of excellence. Leading this prestigious lineage is the Privilège 745—a true flagship and a timeless icon of the fleet.

2017

A Synergy of Expertise

A pivotal chapter in our history. Privilège Marine joins forces with the Hanse Yachts group, creating a powerful alliance between French savoir-faire and German engineering rigor. This partnership infuses our workshops in Les Sables d’Olonne with advanced technical resources. By integrating this industrial precision with our artisanal culture, the Maison reinforces its ability to create vessels that are as reliable as they are unique, ensuring our legacy evolves without compromising our soul.

2023

A Return to Independence

A new chapter begins as Privilege Marine separates from the world of industrial series production. Acquired by a group that cherishes rare excellence, Privilège Marine reaffirms its commitment to slow luxury. This transition marks a return to our true essence: a shipyard dedicated to the art of the unique, where every catamaran is a bespoke story crafted for the long term. Our Dream Shapers continue to exceed the standards of the open sea, ensuring that our heritage of quality remains untouched.