French catamaran builder Privilège is well known for its luxurious, sea-worthy and expertly crafted range of sailing and power yachts.
The Privilège boatyard in the historic sailing port of Les Sables d’Olonne on the French Atlantic coast, built the first Euphorie power cat in the early 1990s, at a time when power catamarans were a rare sight. The successful design worked so well that the yard delivered more than 50 vessels at that time.
The new Privilège Euphorie 5 builds on that legacy and is a leading example of what is now a very popular class of motor yachts. After all, power cats offer incredible volume, space and stability under way while dispensing with headwinds, calms and of course the hassle of sails.
Renowned designer Marc Lombard created the three-deck Euphorie as a combination of luxurious space and long-range performance. He says the 50-foot multihull is “dedicated to long-distance cruises where comfort and range are a priority”.
Standard power comes from twin 220-hp Yanmar diesels, with a cruising speed in the 12-knot band and a maximum range of 1,000 nm. With an upgrade to 320-hp Yanmars, the Euphorie 5 tops out at 20 knots, and has a range of about 345 nm at 10 knots.
A lot of attention has been paid to the design of the aft third of the hulls in order to have more volume and an inverted curve that acts as a flap. The aim is to optimise the work of the propellers and limit pitching to two degrees. The design tweaks are most noticeable against the chop: minimal pitching, gentle movements and reduced spray.
The Euphorie has been optimised for speeds of 10 to 15 knots, but its handling and efficiency remains excellent at lower and higher speeds. The end result is a flexible performer that can trickle along at displacement speeds to maximise range, but also easily picks up the pace for shorter point-to-point dashes. Being a purpose-built power cat, its lines are far sleeker and the deck spaces more flexible than its sailing counterparts.
Inside the large well-appointed saloon by acclaimed interior designer Franck Darnet, the Euphorie 5 features elegant accents of leather and lacquered wood. Alcantara settees complement light oak furniture, and the ambience is relaxed with natural tones and textures.
The fully equipped U-shaped galley is forward and to port, with lots of counter space, a dishwasher and ice maker. A chart table area immediately adjacent to the cockpit has navigation instrument repeaters to control the smooth-running of the boat when on autopilot.
To starboard is an inviting L-shaped settee/dinette with a large table. Windows all around let in natural light. The Euphorie’s massive 7.98 metre beam enables a huge aft cockpit that encompasses a long bench lounge, beautifully crafted table and U-shaped lounge. Wide teak steps on both sides lead back down the spacious swim platform.
A stainless-steel spiral staircase, an impressive feature in itself, connects the saloon with the flybridge and its commanding, panoramic views. Protected by a hard T-top, (a must for Australian conditions), there’s room here for an outdoor galley, fridge, plus an eight-person dining area. A comprehensive helm station is located forward to starboard. The large dashboard with integrated 12-inch screens are within easy reach of two very nicely stitched flip-up helm chairs. Staggered mini-steps molded into the coach roof provide quick access to the foredeck, which has three sun lounges.
Privilège makes the Euphorie 5 with either three or four cabins, with queen beds or two singles, ensuite heads, and showers. The three-cabin version is equipped with a fantastic seven-metre-wide master suite forward that straddles both hulls and includes a separate shower and toilet room on either side of the boat. It’s a true retreat, with an island king berth mounted in the expansive floor space. A desk, a vanity table with pop-up mirror and 11 skylights that flood the cabin with light, make it comparable to an extremely comfortable apartment on land.
The superior construction of the Euphorie 5 is a hallmark of the Privilège brand. All bulkheads are made of infused closed-cell foam coring; no plywood or balsa is used. Aluminium inserts are used to fix the deck equipment and stainless-steel pillars for the flybridge hardtop. The deck and planking are reinforced by laminated foam omega ribs, combining rigidity and lightness.
The Euphorie 5 is customisable to fulfill your dreams of extended cruising in comfort and safety.
Prices vary depending on engine packages but $2m AUD will secure a version with twin 220hp power plants, ex-factory.
www.teamwindcraft.com/privilege
Published in print January-March 2022
