The Excess Catamaran Fleet

Excess avoids trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, the fleet is sharply defined and focused, offering sailing catamarans that prioritize simplicity, control, and performance. Typically, Excess models feature a hull length between 11 and 15 meters (approximately 36 to 50 feet) with a generous beam, ensuring spacious interiors, stability, and superior sailing capabilities.

The Excess lineup is engineered primarily for sailing pleasure, featuring efficient sail plans, optimized weight distribution, and hull designs that favor responsiveness and speed. The asymmetrical hulls are finer below the waterline to enhance gliding while maintaining significant interior volume. Designed by VPLP and the Marc Lombard Design Group, these sleek hull shapes optimize the sail-area-to-displacement ratio for solid performance even in light winds. Every model is crafted to provide the skipper with genuine engagement, whether sailing with a full crew or short-handed. For those desiring even more speed, the Pulse Line package provides an expanded sail area and a taller rig to further increase performance. The minimalist, modern interior by Nauta Design saves weight while maximizing panoramic views and natural light.

Performance-Oriented Cruising Catamarans

You can instantly recognize Excess catamarans by their twin aft helm stations located at the stern of each hull, offering a direct connection to the sails and sea along with excellent visibility. This layout enhances communication between the skipper and crew, improves sail handling, and offers better sightlines—features especially valued during active sailing.

Inside, Excess achieves a smart balance: the interiors are more minimal and lighter than traditional charter cats, yet remain functional, warm, and comfortable. The spacious salon is flooded with natural light, and the large cockpit is perfect for socializing and relaxing. The cabins are well-ventilated and practical, while the salon is designed as a social hub without unnecessary weight or bulk.

The transition between interior and exterior spaces is seamless, with the deck acting as a primary social area providing easy access to living spaces and onboard systems. Excess catamarans also incorporate innovative design solutions, such as a rainwater collection system for increased autonomy and folding transoms for safety.

Popular models available for Excess catamaran charters include the Excess 11, Excess 12, Excess 14, and Excess 15—each providing a unique mix of performance, space, and crew capacity to ensure a fun onboard experience.

Why Choose an Excess Catamaran Charter?

Guests who charter Excess catamarans frequently share the same feedback: “This feels like sailing again.”. Excess boats are popular rentals available in Greece, the Balearic Islands, and the Mediterranean, making them a top selection for yacht charter vacations. Options include both skippered and bareboat charters, catering to beginners and experienced sailors alike. Here is why:

Authentic Sailing Sensation: Excess catamarans are more responsive and lighter than many cruising-focused alternatives. You can feel the boat's balance, trim, and the wind without it becoming uncomfortable or demanding.

Twin Helm Stations: The dual helm setup offers excellent sightlines to the sea and sails, keeps the skipper fully engaged, and improves maneuverability in marinas. It is ideal for sailors who enjoy a hands-on approach.

Balanced Comfort: Although performance is the priority, comfort is not overlooked. Practical layouts, good refrigeration, ergonomic seating, and wide cockpits make Excess catamarans perfectly suited for week-long charters. Depending on the layout, the Excess 11 can accommodate 6 to 12 guests, making it great for groups or families.

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

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

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

Popular Excess Catamaran Models

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

Excess 12: As one of the most popular Excess charter models, the Excess 12 offers a superb balance between comfort and performance. With generous cockpit space, excellent sailing manners, and 3–4 cabins, it is a versatile all-rounder.

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

Excess 15: For those seeking performance with presence, the Excess 15 delivers space, stability, and power. It is ideal for skippered charters or experienced crews looking for fast, comfortable cruising.

Design Philosophy & Sailing Technology

Excess catamarans are built around a clear philosophy: more feel, less weight. Systems, layouts, and materials are selected to enhance sailing performance rather than adding unnecessary complexity. The steering system utilizes Dyneema cables, providing a durable, lightweight, and efficient connection for reduced play and improved feel compared to hydraulic systems.

Advanced hull shapes improve upwind ability and reduce drag, while efficient sail plans and rigging make trimming intuitive—even for sailors with less experience. The hydrodynamic, lightweight hulls result in faster speeds and lower fuel consumption across various sailing conditions. Rudders are positioned 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 arranged for optimal performance and easy maintenance, with components like impellers and water strainers positioned for safe and accessible servicing.

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

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

Interiors are designed to feel functional and open, with strong visual connections to the outside. Instead of closing the boat off, Excess encourages interaction between the helm, salon, and cockpit—keeping everyone involved in the sailing experience.

Bareboat, Skippered, or Crewed Charters

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

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

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

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

License Requirements

For bareboat Excess catamaran charters, you will need:

• A recognized boating license (ICC, RYA Day Skipper or higher, or national equivalent)
• A VHF radio certificate (mandatory in many countries)

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

Onboard Amenities

Step aboard an Excess catamaran and you will immediately notice how every detail is designed to elevate your sailing experience. The spacious salon, framed by expansive windows, floods the interior with natural light and offers panoramic views of the sea—so you are always connected to the outside world, whether anchored in a tranquil bay or underway. These large windows also give sailors a clear view of the sail plan, 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 roomy bathroom, a generous double berth, and ample stowage for all your gear. On the port side, you will find comfortable double cabins both aft and fore, each equipped with their own showers and heads, ensuring convenience and privacy for all aboard.

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

Embarkation and Disembarkation

Getting on and off your Excess catamaran is a breeze, thanks to thoughtfully positioned helm stations and wide side decks. The starboard helm station serves as the nerve center of the boat, giving you direct access to all key sailing controls and a commanding view of your surroundings. Whether you are maneuvering in a bustling marina or setting out for open water, the cockpit offers a sheltered, spacious 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 operation and systems, ensuring you feel confident before you set sail. Our team is always ready to offer tips on hidden gems and the best routes—like the secluded beaches and crystal clear waters 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 boat building. Efficient hull designs reduce fuel consumption, modern production processes minimize waste, and lightweight construction lowers emissions.

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

Ready to Sail with Excess?

If you are looking for a catamaran that prioritizes balance, control, and sailing pleasure, an Excess catamaran charter is the perfect choice.

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

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