The Excess Catamaran Range

Excess doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, the range is deliberately focused and clearly defined, offering sailing catamarans that prioritise performance, control, and simplicity. Typical Excess catamarans feature a hull length of around 11 to 15 meters and a generous beam, which together provide excellent stability, spacious interiors, and enhanced sailing performance.

The Excess line-up is built around sailing enjoyment first, with carefully optimised weight distribution, efficient sail plans, and hull designs that favour speed and responsiveness. The hulls are asymmetrical, finer below the waterline for better gliding, while maintaining ample interior volume. These sleek hull shapes, designed by VPLP and Marc Lombard Design Group, optimise the sail-area-to-displacement ratio for good performance even at lower speeds. Every model is designed to give the skipper a real sense of involvement, whether sailing short-handed or with a full crew. For those seeking even greater speeds, the Pulse Line package offers a taller rig and expanded sail area to further boost performance. The modern, minimalist interior by Nauta Design maximizes natural light and panoramic views while saving weight.

Sailing Catamarans – Performance-Oriented Cruisers

Excess catamarans are instantly recognisable by their twin aft helm stations, located at the stern of each hull for excellent visibility and a direct connection to the sea and sails. This layout improves visibility, sail handling, and communication between skipper and crew—especially appreciated when sailing actively.

Inside, Excess strikes a smart balance: interiors are lighter and more minimal than traditional charter cats, but still warm, functional, and comfortable. The spacious salon is filled with plenty of natural light, and there is a large cockpit for relaxing and socializing. Cabins are practical and well-ventilated, and the saloon is designed as a social space without excessive bulk or unnecessary weight.

The connection between interior and exterior is seamless, with the deck serving as a key area for socializing and providing easy access to onboard systems and living spaces. Excess catamarans also feature innovative design solutions, such as folding transoms for safety and a rainwater collection system for greater autonomy on board.

Popular models available for Excess catamaran charter include the Excess 11, Excess 12, Excess 14, and Excess 15—each offering a different balance of space, performance, and crew capacity, and ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience on board.

Why Choose an Excess Catamaran Charter?

Guests who charter Excess catamarans often tell us the same thing: “This feels like sailing again.” Excess catamarans boats are popular charter boats and are available for rent in the Mediterranean, Balearic Islands, and Greece, making them a top choice for yacht charter holidays. Charter options include both bareboat and skippered yacht charter, catering to experienced sailors and beginners alike. Here’s why:

A Real Sailing Feel: Excess catamarans are lighter and more responsive than many cruising-focused alternatives. You feel the wind, the trim, and the balance of the boat—without it becoming demanding or uncomfortable.

Twin Helm Stations: The dual helm setup gives excellent sightlines to sails and sea, improves manoeuvrability in marinas, and keeps the skipper fully engaged. It’s ideal for sailors who enjoy being hands-on.

Balanced Comfort: While performance comes first, comfort isn’t ignored. Wide cockpits, ergonomic seating, good refrigeration, and practical layouts make Excess catamarans perfectly suited for week-long charters. The Excess 11 catamaran can accommodate between 6 to 12 guests depending on the layout, making it ideal for families or groups.

Ideal for Active Crews: If your group enjoys sailing, anchoring in quieter bays, and making passages rather than motoring everywhere, an Excess catamaran charter is an excellent fit. 

Reliable Build Quality: Built by Groupe Beneteau, Excess benefits from proven construction techniques, consistent production standards, and strong global service networks—important for charter reliability.

When booking, you can easily contact owners directly for more information or to arrange a rental, ensuring a smooth and personalized yacht charter experience.

Popular Excess Catamaran Models

Excess 11: The Excess 11 and Excess 14 are fantastic boats and highly popular sailing catamarans, known for their versatility and user-friendly features. Compact, playful, and surprisingly capable, the Excess 11 is ideal for couples or small crews. It’s a 37-foot cruising catamaran designed for both comfort and performance, with an impressive finish and resilience. The Excess 11 features a self-tacking jib, making it easier for less experienced sailors to handle and simplifying tacking maneuvers. It can accommodate up to 12 guests with its three-cabin layout, and is also designed for small groups and families, featuring 4 comfortable cabins and 2 baths. This manageable entry-level model is suitable for couples or even single-handed sailing. It’s easy to handle, quick under sail, and perfect for island hopping. Both the Excess 11 and Excess 14 feature a modern design with a large cockpit and spacious salon. A favourite for bareboat sailors who value agility.

Excess 12: One of the most popular Excess catamaran charter models, the Excess 12 offers an excellent balance between performance and comfort. With 3–4 cabins, generous cockpit space, and excellent sailing manners, it’s a versatile all-rounder.

Excess 14: The Excess 14 is a 46-foot catamaran with improved stability and reduced drag, designed for longer passages and larger groups. It offers 4 cabins and 4 baths, making it suitable for larger groups. The Excess 14 is gaining popularity among sailing enthusiasts for its performance and comfort. The helm positions, sail plan, and hull design still prioritise sailing pleasure, making it a standout in its size category.

Excess 15: For those who want performance with presence, the Excess 15 delivers power, stability, and space. Ideal for experienced crews or skippered charters looking for fast, comfortable cruising.

Design Philosophy & Sailing Technology

Excess catamarans are built around a clear philosophy: less weight, more feel. Materials, layouts, and systems are chosen to enhance sailing performance rather than add unnecessary complexity. The steering system uses dyneema cables, which provide a lightweight, durable, and efficient connection for improved feel and reduced play compared to hydraulic systems.

Advanced hull shapes reduce drag and improve upwind ability, while efficient rigging and sail plans make trimming intuitive—even for less experienced sailors. The lightweight, hydrodynamic hulls result in lower fuel consumption and faster speeds in various sailing conditions. Rudders are placed ahead of the propellers for better maneuverability, and dual engines allow for precise control, including the ability to perform a 360-degree turn within the boat's own length. The engines are laid out for easy maintenance and optimal performance, with head components like water strainers and impellers positioned for accessible and safe servicing.

Helm stations feature wheels positioned outboard on the deck, giving the skipper better visibility, responsiveness, and an engaging sailing experience. The boat can be operated from one side or the other, thanks to electronic throttles, enhancing maneuverability and ease of handling in different conditions.

Excess catamarans combine the stability and space of a multihull with the feel and excitement of sailing a performance monohull. They remain level under wind pressure, reducing crew fatigue and seasickness, which makes them safer and more comfortable for families.

Interiors are designed to feel open and functional, with strong visual connections to the outside. Rather than closing the boat off, Excess encourages interaction between cockpit, saloon, and helm—keeping everyone part of the sailing experience.

Bareboat, Skippered, or Crewed Charters

We offer the Excess sailing catamaran charter in multiple formats, catering to both bareboat and skippered charters:

Bareboat Charter: Ideal for licensed sailors who want full control and engagement. A bareboat charter requires appropriate sailing qualifications, such as an ICC or RYA Day Skipper.

Skippered Charter: Enjoy the sailing without responsibility, while still being involved.

Crews on Larger Models: Available on select Excess models for extended or luxury-focused trips.

License Requirements

For bareboat Excess catamaran charters, you’ll need:

• A recognised sailing license (ICC, RYA Day Skipper or higher, or national equivalent)

• A VHF radio certificate (mandatory in many countries)

If you’re unsure, our team will verify everything before departure.

Onboard Amenities

Step aboard an Excess catamaran and you’ll immediately notice how every detail is designed to elevate your sailing experience. The spacious saloon, framed by expansive saloon windows, floods the interior with natural light and offers panoramic views of the sea—so you’re always connected to the world outside, whether you’re underway or anchored in a tranquil bay. These large windows also give sailors a clear view of the sailplan, making it easy to monitor and adjust for optimal performance.

The starboard hull is often reserved for the owner’s suite, providing a private retreat with a generous double berth, a roomy bathroom, and ample stowage for all your gear. On the port side, you’ll find comfortable double cabins both fore and aft, each equipped with their own heads and showers, ensuring privacy and convenience for all aboard.

Modern amenities such as air conditioning, a generator, and a watermaker are available on many Excess models, allowing you to enjoy a self-sufficient and comfortable journey no matter where you sail. With thoughtful touches throughout—like large lockers for stowage and ergonomic layouts—Excess catamarans deliver a blend of luxury and practicality that makes every moment at sea a pleasure.

Embarkation and Disembarkation

Getting on and off your Excess catamaran is a breeze, thanks to wide side decks and thoughtfully positioned helm stations. The starboard helm station serves as the nerve center of the boat, giving you direct access to all the key sailing controls and a commanding view of your surroundings. Whether you’re maneuvering in a bustling marina or setting out for open water, the cockpit offers a spacious, sheltered spot for sailors to gather, plan the day’s itinerary, or simply relax as you cruise.

For bareboat charters, you can expect a thorough briefing on the vessel’s systems and operation, ensuring you feel confident before you set sail. Our team is always ready to offer tips on the best routes and hidden gems—like the crystal clear waters and secluded beaches of the Ionian Sea in Greece, or UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the old town of Corfu. With an Excess catamaran, embarkation and disembarkation are just the start of your adventure, making it easy to explore the world’s most beautiful sailing destinations.

Sustainability & Responsible Sailing

Excess Catamarans benefits from Groupe Beneteau’s long-term commitment to sustainable boatbuilding. Efficient hull designs reduce fuel consumption, lightweight construction lowers emissions, and modern production processes minimise waste.

For charter guests, this means enjoying high-performance sailing with a reduced environmental footprint—especially important in sensitive cruising areas like the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Ready to Sail with Excess?

If you’re looking for a catamaran that prioritises sailing pleasure, balance, and control, an Excess catamaran charteris the perfect choice.

Whether you’re planning a sporty bareboat adventure or a relaxed skippered holiday with friends, our team will help you choose the right Excess model, destination, and setup.

Let’s plan a sailing holiday that actually feels like sailing.