by The young Groupe Beneteau brand has included asymmetric hulls on its upcoming Excess 14, its second-largest sail cat and fourth in the range.
Designed with VPLP Design, the upcoming Excess 14 has benefited from the studio’s experience of ocean racing and like all the brand’s models, has been designed to offer the ‘sensation of sailing monohulls with the living space and stability of a catamaran. Joining the 11, 12 and flagship 15, the Excess 14 is the fourth model in the range and is scheduled to debut at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival from September 6-11.
Like its sister models, the 14 has twin helm stations aft, while its many innovations include asymmetric hulls featuring redesigned windows. Built from sandwich and carbon reinforcements, the 14 has a waterline length of almost 44ft, while her overall length can range between 46-52ft depending on the bowsprit for the genoa and length of swim platform.
The model has an aft-set coachroof, while a ‘skylounge’ option includes lounging space on the top for use while the boat is anchored or moored. Features include a forward-stepped mast, low boom, low freeboard for reduced windage, inverted and inclined bows, as well as a composite bowsprit as standard and an exposed forefoot.
A direct steering system has been chosen for a better helm feel, while the rig includes a square-top mainsail and a large overlapping genoa as standard for an impressive sail-area-to-displacement ratio. As well as a new fins design, changes from other Excess models include extended rudder blades and increased bridgedeck clearance for better passage through the water.
Social areas start from the aft cockpit, which has an aft bench, L-shaped sofa and a table to port, and a chaise longue to starboard. The saloon features a full-beam aft galley, a forward lounge to starboard with an L-shaped sofa, table and stools, plus a retractable chart table to port. The interior also has untinted windows for greater visibility.
Layout options include a three-cabin owner’s version and a fourcabin charter version. The owner’s version includes a master suite in the starboard hull with an aft bed, large study and central bathroom. A forward walk-in wardrobe and storage room can be cleverly converted to a twin cabin, making it into a family suite.
The charter version offers four en-suite cabins, with each bathroom including a separate shower, while there’s also the option of a crew cabin in each forepeak.
Source: Yacht Style, www.excess-catamarans.com
