We know a little more about the future Excess catamarans. This new range launched by the Bénéteau group (which also owns Lagoon) is due to be launched in autumn 2019 (first models presented at the Cannes Motor Show). With a very "progressive" communication, dropping information, that's what we know today.
A range of 5 boats
Excess will be composed of a range of 5 models from 11 to 15 m. The boats are simply called Excess 11, 12, 13, 13, 14 and 15 and are cruise catamarans designed by VPLP, with Patrick le Quément as the designer. The interior design being left to Nauta Design.
More sporty yachts
Without going out on the flat beds of drifting catamarans (Gunboat, Outremer...), the Excess want to show an image of sailboats more sporty than the Lagoons (known for their out of the ordinary living space).
Lighter than a Lagoon, with a shorter nacelle, the Excess still have fins (easier to manoeuvre and less fragile than daggerboards).
An Excess 12 and 15 to launch the range
Finally, it will be the 12th and 15th that will be launched first and that we will be able to discover in Cannes in September 2019. Excess has just communicated some images on these two boats.
Place à la voile
As announced, the Excess will have 2 helm stations placed at the rear of each of the hulls. All manoeuvres return to the helmsman. The mainsail sheet that is taken up again on the rear beam abandons the rail and adopts a double hoist. The solution is very effective in managing the shape of the sail and flattening the fall (especially if you take the mainsail with horn option). It is also a safety guarantee not to have a large rail that causes accidents for the crew (tacking, gybing, etc.). But rail enthusiasts will also be able to choose this one as an option.
A soft bimini
The Excess cockpit is covered by a bimini. This is important to protect this living space from the sun (like rain). As an option on Excess, a canvas bimini folds down to allow a clear view of the sails (or to let the sun in). This is a solution that has already been tested on the large Bénéteau monohulls. It is practical and allows to limit the weights in the tops. On the other hand, furling the mainsail will be a little more difficult if you can't walk on the roof. The space for installing solar panels is also smaller. A version with a totally rigid bimini is available as standard.
A very standard layout
No great revolution in the layout. The number of cabins and toilets meets the standard demand: an owner's version with a dedicated hull or 4 double cabins with as many toilets. To our on the Excess 15, the possibility of having 6 cabins. There is no doubt that this model should appeal to charter companies when it comes to cabin charter.
The furniture seems quite clear and the hull windows offer a lot of light. The first sketches show a bright layout. To discover in real life!
In the meantime, here are the first images available:
Excess 12
Excess 15
