Excess 13
In just five seasons of existence and already 500 catamarans launched, the Beneteau Group start-up has quickly established itself in the multihull market. But with the Excess 13, a new stage has been reached.
After initially using Lagoon molds (Excess 12 and 15), then asking the in-house architects at VPLP Design to design original models (Excess 11 and 14), the 13 is now completely independent. Its architectural development was entrusted to Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, and its interior design to Jean-Marc Piaton. The result is an innovative catamaran where everything has been thought out, and often weighed down, for pleasure under sail. With only 10,600 kg of displacement and 124 m2 of sail area (Pulse Line option), we flirted with real wind (5.7 knots of speed for 6.7 knots of real wind at 100°) during our short test in the bay of La Grande-Motte. Deck line, colors, glazing, tilting transoms, rigging: the Excess 13 is a real standout, and could even seduce absolute monohull enthusiasts.
They’re probably the easiest to convince of the benefits of off-center aft helm stations. The view of the sails is perfect, and the winches within easy reach. Maneuvering is made all the easier by the short (and therefore light) deckhouse, which allows the mast to be placed on the deck, keeping halyard and sheet transfers to a minimum. They remain in contact with the cockpit occupants, well protected at sea, and refreshed at anchor by ingenious pivoting vents at the corners of the deckhouse. Inside too, Jean-Marc Piaton’s priority was lightness, both real and perceived. Transparent portholes, rounded joinery, floating ceiling units, dual functions for certain elements (door, backrest, etc.) and textile fittings. The Excess 13 is also available in a “four-cabin” version, with symmetrical fittings in each hull.