As part of the prestigious Beneteau Group, Excess focuses on providing catamarans ranging from 11m to 15m that promise more than just a functional experience—they’re created to bring the joy of life on the water to every sailor on board. The latest in their line, the Excess 13, set to debut at the International Multihull Show in La Grande-Motte, France, in April 2025, exemplifies this commitment. With thoughtful innovation in every detail, it’s designed to resonate with sailors seeking connection with the sea, and it promises to capture imaginations and hearts alike.
The Excess 13 catamaran is a statement in balanced design, harmonising luxury with function, and tradition with modernity. Developed in collaboration with VPLP Design and naval architect Eric Levet from Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, the Excess 13 captures the essence of what it means to sail—and live—on a modern catamaran. Levet describes the vision behind the project as “simple yet ambitious,” aiming to combine smooth, reliable performance with comfort and spacious living. For boaters who yearn for both thrills and ease, the Excess 13 is a dream realised.
An exterior that connects you to the sea
Step on board the Excess 13, and it’s clear this isn’t just another catamaran. With an overall length of 15.3 metres, this sleek vessel takes design cues from its predecessors while introducing new features aimed at reducing weight and enhancing responsiveness. Built around a “less is more” philosophy, the Excess 13 embraces simplicity and moderation, evident in both its structure and functionality.
The asymmetrical hulls, which have become a signature feature of Excess, contribute to its agile handling and sleek silhouette. The vessel glides effortlessly through the water, thanks in part to hull refinements and a carefully designed composite structure that enhances buoyancy and reduces drag. The rig, especially in the Pulse Line version, offers a high aspect ratio that boosts performance, making the Excess 13 a joy to sail whether you’re cruising the coast or embarking on an ocean passage.
One of the standout features is the fold-down sugar-scoops at the stern, providing easy access to the water—ideal for everything from diving to wing foiling. This innovative setup gives you a connection to the sea that few other catamarans can match, letting you interact with the water at every anchor and allowing the boat to double as a platform for all your favourite aquatic activities.
An interior that feels like home
Inside, the Excess 13 doesn’t just offer the basics; it’s thoughtfully designed for living. Jean-Marc Piaton, the interior designer, created a layout based on extensive interviews with potential buyers and brand enthusiasts. The result is an interior that speaks to the heart of what a catamaran should be: spacious, functional, and welcoming.
The saloon is bathed in natural light, and large windows offer a panoramic view of the surroundings, making you feel part of the seascape even when you’re comfortably indoors. The galley opens onto the cockpit, blending indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet meal with the family. For those who need a workspace on the water, there’s a clever desk area in the owner’s hull, offering a private and serene corner to get things done—whether that’s charting your next course or catching up on work.
The Excess 13 caters to various needs with both three- and four-cabin configurations. In the 3-cabin version, the owner’s hull offers a luxurious queen bed, a full headroom closet, and a naturally lit desk.
In the other hull, spacious guest cabins with private bathrooms ensure guests feel just as at home. With ample storage throughout, you can bring all the essentials—and a few luxuries—along for the journey without feeling cramped.
Innovative and eco-conscious design
The Excess 13 doesn’t just make an impression with its style; it’s also engineered for sustainability. In line with its “less is more” design philosophy, Excess has worked to minimise the environmental footprint of this model. A rainwater recovery system on the coachroof, for example, channels water to an onboard tank, reducing the need for shore-based supplies. Ventilation has also been optimised, helping cut down on air conditioning requirements, making the Excess 13 as efficient as it is luxurious.
The interior features dual-function doors that serve both as entrance and closet doors, freeing up space without adding unnecessary weight. Little touches like these reflect Excess’s commitment to smarter, more sustainable design that doesn’t sacrifice the comforts that make life on board enjoyable.
Performance that puts you at the helm
True to the Excess spirit, the Excess 13 offers an invigorating sailing experience. The twin helm stations are close to the boat’s centreline, giving you immediate feedback from the sea, which enhances the sailing experience and provides an intuitive feel as you guide the vessel. With a low boom and an accessible sail plan, trimming and adjusting sails is made easy, even for those with limited experience.
Equipped with self-tacking jibs, Dyneema steering cables for responsiveness, and a comfortable helm seating arrangement, the Excess 13 provides ample control for both novice and seasoned sailors. The cockpit seats six to ten people comfortably, making it an ideal spot to gather and share the view or join in on the action.
The perfect blend of lifestyle and sailing adventure
The Excess 13 stands out as a truly versatile vessel, combining the lifestyle comforts of a high-end yacht with the excitement of a performance catamaran. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet moment in the saloon with its panoramic views, hosting friends and family in the spacious cockpit, or tackling the thrills of the open sea, this catamaran is built to offer something special for every type of sailor.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of a boat that seamlessly blends the pleasure of living on board with the adventure of sailing, isn’t it time to discover what the Excess 13 has to offer?
New Zealand Agent
The New Zealand Agent for Excess is the great team at 36degrees; further details for the Excess 13 catamaran are available on their website at https://www.36degrees.nz/multihulls/excess-catamarans/excess-13/
36 degrees welcome your enquiries: info@36degrees.nz
