RUPERT’S VERDICT

It’s o en said that long-term cruising yachts spend far longer in port and at anchor than they do at sea, meaning comfortable accommodation should be a high priority. e Privilege 580 excels in this respect, even though the main bridgedeck accommodation lacks the feeling of an enormous space where there’s little or no distinction between indoor and outdoor areas.

However, this arrangement is absolutely appropriate for a serious cruising yacht that’s destined to cross oceans, with the sliding doors of modest size, well inboard and well forward of the transom.

In any case no-one can accuse this boat of lacking space – the accommodation both inside and out is extremely appealing. Standards of nish are generally very high, attention to detail impressive, and the structure clearly very sti . Even when well powered up at speeds of 10kts there was no creaking or groaning of the structure or ancillary woodwork.

On the other hand, there are de nitely faster multihulls available, as well as others that are easier to handle. However, many potential owners will consider that a very acceptable price to pay for the amazing accommodation.

In any case, fast passage times are more about being able to sustain a consistent brisk pace, rather than occasional adrenalineinducing bursts of high speed. is is therefore a boat that will make light work of sailing big distances. It also has an easy motion that belies the boat’s speed and will o er owners fun, satisfaction and high levels of comfort. COMFORT: +++++

BLUE WATER ABILITY: +++++ LOOKS: +++++