The concept for the latest new development from Excess Catamarans is now intended to distinguish itself more clearly from the touring-oriented programme of its sister brand Lagoon with more sportiness and more performance potential. The deeper hull appendages, the powerful sail plan and the slightly inward-sloping hulls with the very slim waterline all contribute to this. In combination with all the design parameters, the Excess 14 should not only demonstrate high performance under sail, but also offer more "steering sensation", say those responsible for the project at Excess. In other words, the owner should not have to activate the autopilot right from the start, but rather want to steer the boat himself.
The keels attached to the hulls are deeper, but narrower and better profiled than conventional cruising keels in favour of better performance downwind and more steering feel. They also have very slim rudder blades with more draught. Apparently, catch-up centreboards were even an issue during the development of the new Excess 14. However, the planners and designers from the commissioned design office VPLP rejected this option. Instead, the asymmetrical hulls have extremely pronounced upturns, which allows for slender waterlines without severely limiting the space and volume in the hulls. At the same time, the freeboards remain relatively low. As is usual with Excess cats, two steering positions are built onto the rear of the hulls. This gives the helmsman a better view of the sails from both sides. And; the paths from the steering wheels to the rudder shafts are shorter and more direct, which further improves the steering feel compared to cats with laterally raised steering positions.
Excess is also focussing on even more power for the new ship in terms of the sail plan. Unlike the sister models in the previous shipyard programme (Excess 12 and 15), the mast on the new ship is no longer on top of the cabin superstructure, but in front of it. This means that the main boom is longer and the mast is shorter in comparison. Together, this brings the centre of gravity further down, which is advantageous for both performance and the movement of the catamaran in the wave. In addition, an overlapping genoa is now possible. Meanwhile, the self-tacking jib is no longer an issue for the new Excess 14. The ultimate performance booster ultimately comes with a flat and therefore furling Code Zero, which is set in addition to the genoa in light winds and is available as an option. Of course, other additional headsails up to a full gennaker for the deep downwind courses are also possible as an option.
There is a choice of interior layouts with three or four cabins, each with its own bathroom. Optionally, the foredeck in the owner's hull can be fitted with a walk-in wardrobe or additional berths. Cabins for the skipper(s) are also possible in the front of the hulls. The shipyard plans to present the first Excess 14 as a world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2022. Unfortunately, the shipyard has not yet announced any specific prices.
