Privilège
Privilège Marine is a French shipyard founded in 1985 that designs and builds bespoke luxury bluewater catamarans (17-19m) for ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking ocean-crossing vessels. The company operates from Les Sables-d'Olonne, selling direct and through a global dealer network of 13+ partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersLes Sables-d'olonne, France
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Privilège does
Privilège Marine is a French shipyard founded in 1985 by Philippe Jeantot, the creator of the Vendée Globe ocean race, specializing in the design and manufacture of bespoke bluewater sailing and power catamarans. The company operates from its single shipyard in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, and serves ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families seeking custom-built luxury catamarans for long-distance ocean cruising, circumnavigation, and extended life aboard. Its product portfolio centers on the Signature series (510, 580, 600, and 650, with lengths from approximately 17 to 19+ meters) plus the new Privilège 5X concept, all designed in collaboration with naval architect Cabinet Marc Lombard and interior design firm Darnet Design.
The core technology combines French craftsmanship with precision naval engineering, with all models certified to CE A-12 standards for serious offshore use. Each yacht is built-to-order around owner specifications, with full customization of interior volumes (including flexible spaces like the customizable aft portside cabin on the Signature 600), shaft-drive propulsion for robustness, protected helm stations for short-handed sailing, and—as of April 2026—SEA.AI computer-vision safety technology as standard equipment. The company became the first multihull shipyard globally to integrate SEA.AI as a default feature, using optical and thermal cameras with AI to detect floating objects and navigation risks that conventional radar cannot identify.
Privilège's business model is built on one-time project-based sales of highly customized yachts, with quote-based pricing not publicly disclosed but representing multi-million-euro transactions per unit. Revenue is generated through a combination of direct sales at the Les Sables-d'Olonne headquarters, a global network of 13+ authorized dealer partners spanning the USA, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, UAE, Tahiti, Scandinavia, and additional European markets, and direct presence at major international yacht shows (Cannes Yachting Festival, Multihull Show in Charleston). The company is privately held, with capital stock of approximately €21.4M, 101-250 employees, and no external venture or private equity investment disclosed.
Privilège firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Privilège
- Legal name
- Privilège Marine
- Website
- https://privilege-marine.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Privilège Marine is a French shipyard founded in 1985 that designs and builds bespoke luxury bluewater catamarans (17-19m) for ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking ocean-crossing vessels. The company operates from Les Sables-d'Olonne, selling direct and through a global dealer network of 13+ partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Privilège industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Luxury Catamaran Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Ship and Boat Building (3366), Boat Building (336612), Ship Building and Repairing (336611)
- SIC
- Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Luxury Catamaran (Power & Sail) Manufacturing (IMAJAMAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Luxury Yacht Hull & Superstructure Fabrication (Composite/Aluminum/Steel) (IMAJAMAG), Semi-Custom & Series Production Yacht Manufacturing (IMAJAEAM)
Keywords
Where Privilège is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Les Sables-d'olonne
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Privilège business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Custom Luxury Catamaran Sales: Privilège Marine builds bespoke bluewater luxury catamarans to order. Each yacht is unique and tailor-made to reflect its owner's personality and sailing requirements. Revenue is generated through the sale of custom-built vessels ranging from approximately 51 to 65 feet in length. Pricing is project-specific based on model, customization level, and specifications.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom catamaran pricing - project-specific quotes |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Privilège product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Privilège Marine designs and manufactures bespoke luxury bluewater catamarans at its shipyard in Les Sables d'Olonne, France. Each yacht in the Signature series (510, 580, 600, 650) is custom-built to order around the owner's specifications, combining French craftsmanship with offshore-capable naval architecture, AI-powered safety systems, and CE A-12 certification for ocean crossings.
Product overview
Privilège Marine is a French shipyard specializing in luxury bluewater catamarans built to order since 1985. The product portfolio centers on four core catamaran models in the Signature series: the Signature 510 (17.09m), Signature 580 (19.10m), Signature 600 (18.28m), and Signature 650, plus the new Privilège 5X concept. All models are designed for ocean-crossing capability with CE A-12 certification, featuring customization around each owner's lifestyle. The collection is complemented by SEA.AI safety technology (standard Watchkeeper 320, optional Watchkeeper 1024), the Owners' Stories content platform, the Privilège Guide blog, shipyard visit experiences, and a global dealer network. The shipyard's approach combines French craftsmanship with precision engineering, emphasizing robustness, reliability, and serenity at sea.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Signature 510 A bluewater luxury catamaran measuring 17.09 meters overall with a 7.98-meter beam, 165 m² sail area, and CE A-12 certification. Available with 2x 80 hp or 110 hp engines. Designed by Cabinet Marc Lombard with interior design by Darnet Design. Built to order for ocean-crossing capability.
- Signature 580 A bluewater luxury catamaran measuring approximately 19.10 meters overall with a 9.18-meter beam and full-load displacement of 35 tonnes. Features flybridge, forward cockpit access, 259 m² sail plan, CE A-12 certification, and 2x 485L fuel plus 2x 450L freshwater capacity.
- Signature 600 A bluewater luxury catamaran measuring 18.28 meters overall with a 9.18-meter beam, featuring refined interior design with fluid spatial continuity, customizable aft portside guest cabin, and 259 m² total sail area. Specified with two 110 hp engines.
- Signature 650 A bluewater luxury catamaran in the Privilège collection designed for long-distance cruising, can be fitted with two 150 hp or 195 hp engines for enhanced performance.
- Shipyard Visits In-person visits to the Privilège Marine shipyard in Les Sables d'Olonne, offering prospective buyers the opportunity to see catamarans under construction, meet the Dream Shapers team, and experience the shipyard's craftsmanship firsthand.
Quantifiable outcome
- First multihull shipyard globally to make AI-powered safety technology (SEA.AI) standard across entire catamaran range
Companies that use Privilège
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Privilège technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
AI capability4 records
Feature5 records
Privilège partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Cabinet Marc LombardcoreLong-standing collaboration with naval architect Cabinet Marc Lombard for the design of Privilège catamarans. Marc Lombard brings expertise in offshore sailing capabilities and bluewater naval architecture to the Privilège range.
- Darnet DesigncoreLong-standing collaboration with Darnet Design for interior design. Darnet Design creates fluid, integrated and architectural approach to interior volumes, harmonizing materials and introducing indirect lighting as a central design element for refined onboard experience.
- SEA.AIcoreStrategic partnership making SEA.AI safety technology standard across entire Privilège catamaran range. SEA.AI uses optical and thermal cameras combined with artificial intelligence for real-time detection of floating objects and navigation risks. Watchkeeper 320 offered as standard equipment; Watchkeeper 1024 available as option. This makes Privilège Marine the first multihull shipyard to offer this technology as standard.
- Bluewater Cruising BoatscoreAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the USA market from Naples, Florida.
- The Multihull CompanycoreAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the USA market from Charleston, South Carolina. Hosts Spring Multihull Show featuring Privilège vessels.
- Inspiration Marine GroupcoreAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the UK market from Hamble Point Marina, Southampton.
- Cat SaleminorAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the German market from Bremen.
- Dirk Agter YachtsminorAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the Dutch market from Roermond.
- NautadockminorAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the Spanish market from Barcelona.
- YACHT-MATCHminorAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the Scandinavian market through Viktor Savooyen.
- Delapalme Brokerage FZ-LLCminorAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the UAE market from Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone.
- Sail TAHITIminorAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the Tahiti/French Polynesia market from Papeete.
- CaptainE FalcominorAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the French market from Cap d'Agde.
- Emeraude Sea TecminorAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the French market from La Rochelle and Canet en Roussillon.
- SMN Port GrimaudminorAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the French market from Port Grimaud.
- TPS CENTRUMminorAuthorized dealer for Privilège Marine catamarans serving the Czech Republic market from Lipuvka.
Scale indicators4 records
Privilège competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- HH Catamarans: South African builder of high-performance luxury cruising catamarans using carbon construction in the 44–66 ft range. Comparable at the premium-performance end of the bluewater catamaran segment, with a smaller scale than Privilège.
- Gunboat: US-based builder of high-performance luxury catamarans in the 48–68 ft range. Comparable as a premium-positioned performance cruising catamaran specialist serving a similar HNW buyer profile, with limited volume.
- Wider Yachts: Italian luxury yacht builder offering premium catamarans and motor yachts. Adjacent competitor in the HNW yacht space with some overlap in the 50–60 ft luxury catamaran niche, though broader in product range.
Direct peers
- Sunreef Yachts: Polish luxury catamaran builder offering semi-custom and fully custom sailing and power catamarans in the 50–100+ ft range. Most direct competitor in the bespoke luxury catamaran niche, often competing for the same HNW buyer.
- Bali Catamarans (Catana Group): Part of the Catana Group, Bali produces innovative open-space catamarans across overlapping size bands (Bali 4.6 to 5.8). Direct competitor for buyers prioritizing liveaboard space, with more production-yacht positioning than Privilège.
- Leopard Catamarans (Robertson & Caine): South African-built catamaran brand with models in the 40–55 ft range, distributed globally through a strong charter and ownership network. Direct competitor in the bluewater cruising segment, primarily volume-driven.
- Lagoon (Beneteau Group): World's largest serial-production catamaran builder (part of Groupe Beneteau), offering sailing and power catamarans in overlapping 50–65 ft sizes. Direct competitor for bluewater catamaran buyers, though positioned at higher volume and lower customization than Privilège.
- Outremer Yachts: French catamaran builder (also La Rochelle based) specializing in performance-oriented bluewater catamarans in the 45–65 ft range. Direct peer targeting similar owner-operator bluewater buyers with a more performance-led value proposition.
- Fountaine Pajot: French catamaran and motor yacht manufacturer with a comparable 50–65 ft sailing catamaran range (Alegria, Tanna, Samana). Direct peer based in nearby La Rochelle, competing head-to-head in the French and international bluewater segment.
Broad incumbents
- Catana Group (parent of Bali & Catana): Public parent group combining Catana (performance cruising) and Bali (volume) catamaran brands, plus Outremer. A broader incumbent competing across multiple catamaran price points and segments relevant to Privilège's market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Privilège social profiles
Digital presencePrivilège financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Privilège leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Privilège funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Privilège M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Privilège
What does Privilège do?
Privilège Marine designs and manufactures bespoke luxury bluewater catamarans at its shipyard in Les Sables d'Olonne, France. Each yacht in the Signature series (510, 580, 600, 650) is custom-built to order around the owner's specifications, combining French craftsmanship with offshore-capable naval architecture, AI-powered safety systems, and CE A-12 certification for ocean crossings.
Is Privilège a public or private company?
Privilège is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Privilège founded?
Privilège was founded in 1985. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Privilège based?
Privilège is headquartered in Les Sables-d'olonne, France, in the Europe region.
How does Privilège make money?
One revenue line is on record: custom Luxury Catamaran Sales.
Who are Privilège's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are HH Catamarans, Gunboat and Wider Yachts. Direct peers are Sunreef Yachts, Bali Catamarans (Catana Group), Leopard Catamarans (Robertson & Caine), Lagoon (Beneteau Group), Outremer Yachts and Fountaine Pajot. Catana Group (parent of Bali & Catana) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Privilège have an API?
No public API is recorded for Privilège.
What industry is Privilège in?
Privilège's product category is Luxury Catamaran Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJAMAF, Luxury Catamaran (Power & Sail) Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMAJAMAG, Luxury Yacht Hull & Superstructure Fabrication (Composite/Aluminum/Steel). Its NAICS code is 3366 and its SIC code is 3730.