There’s something magical about watching an Excess catamaran slice through the waters off Block Island, its twin hulls cutting effortlessly through the swells while guests relax in the spacious cockpit. These French-built catamarans have quickly become the gold standard for charter adventures, offering a unique combination of sailing performance and onboard comfort that transforms any voyage into an unforgettable experience.
At Bluenose Yachts, we’ve witnessed firsthand how Excess Catamarans have revolutionized the charter experience for our clients. Whether you’re planning a family vacation along the New England coast or considering adding a catamaran to your charter fleet, understanding what makes Excess special will help you appreciate why these innovative vessels are reshaping modern sailing.
The Excess Philosophy: Performance Meets Comfort
Born from the collaboration between Groupe Beneteau and renowned naval architects, Excess Catamarans emerged with a clear mission: to create sailing catamarans that don’t compromise performance for comfort—or vice versa. This philosophy is evident in every aspect of their design, from the sleek hull lines that deliver impressive sailing speeds to the thoughtfully designed living spaces that maximize comfort and social interaction.
French Design Excellence
The Excess design team, led by naval architects Finot-Conq and interior designers Nauta Design, brings decades of racing and cruising experience to every model. This expertise shows in:
- Optimized hull shapes that reduce drag while maintaining stability
- Advanced sail plans designed for easy handling and maximum efficiency
- Intelligent weight distribution that enhances both performance and comfort
- Modern construction techniques using high-quality materials and precise manufacturing
Why Excess Catamarans Excel in Charter Service
Unmatched Stability and Comfort
The twin-hull design of Excess Catamarans provides several advantages crucial for charter success:
Reduced Motion
- Minimal rolling motion even in choppy seas
- Comfortable sleeping for guests sensitive to boat movement
- Stable platform for dining, socializing, and water activities
- Reduced seasickness risk for charter guests
Spacious Living Areas
- Large salons with panoramic views
- Multiple outdoor entertaining spaces
- Private cabin accommodations with ensuite heads
- Dedicated areas for relaxation and social gathering
Easy Handling for Charter Operations
Charter operators and guests appreciate Excess Catamarans’ user-friendly design:
Simplified Sail Handling
- Self-tacking jibs on many models reduce crew workload
- Electric winches make sail adjustments effortless
- Clear deck layouts minimize confusion for charter guests
- Intuitive helm stations with excellent visibility
Reliable Systems
- Redundant systems provide backup security
- Easy-access engine compartments for maintenance
- Straightforward electrical and plumbing layouts
- Proven Yanmar or Volvo engines for reliability
Popular Excess Models for New England Charters
Excess 11: The Perfect Introduction
The Excess 11 (36 feet) offers an ideal entry point into catamaran sailing:
- Manageable size perfect for couples or small families
- Easy single-handed sailing with simplified systems
- Comfortable accommodations with smart space utilization
- Excellent performance that builds confidence in new catamaran sailors
Excess 14: The Sweet Spot
At 42 feet, the Excess 14 represents the perfect balance for most charter applications:
- Four-cabin layout accommodating up to 8 guests comfortably
- Generous cockpit with easy flow between indoor and outdoor spaces
- Impressive sailing performance without sacrificing livability
- Professional galley equipped for extended charter periods
Excess 15: Luxury Charter Platform
The flagship Excess 15 (48 feet) delivers resort-level comfort:
- Spacious master suite with panoramic views
- Multiple entertaining areas including flybridge option
- High-end finishes that impress discerning charter guests
- Exceptional performance maintaining the Excess sailing DNA
The Charter Guest Experience
Living Aboard an Excess
Charter guests consistently praise several aspects of the Excess experience:
Indoor/Outdoor Flow
- Seamless transition between salon and cockpit
- Large sliding doors that disappear completely
- Multiple outdoor dining and lounging areas
- Protected spaces for various weather conditions
Privacy and Space
- Well-separated cabin areas for guest privacy
- Multiple heads reducing morning congestion
- Quiet zones for reading and relaxation
- Dedicated storage for personal belongings
Water Access and Activities
- Low freeboard for easy water entry
- Stable swim platforms on both hulls
- Ample storage for water toys and diving equipment
- Davit systems for dinghy launching
Sailing Performance That Excites
Unlike many charter catamarans that prioritize comfort over performance, Excess delivers genuine sailing excitement:
Speed and Responsiveness
- Impressive sailing speeds that thrill experienced sailors
- Quick acceleration in light winds
- Responsive steering that builds confidence
- Ability to point higher than traditional cruising cats
Weather Handling
- Excellent stability in rough conditions
- Predictable behavior in challenging weather
- Multiple reef points for easy sail reduction
- Strong construction for offshore passages
Charter Destinations Perfect for Excess Catamarans
New England Coastal Cruising
The shallow draft and stability of Excess Catamarans make them ideal for:
- Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket: Easy anchoring in shallow bays
- Block Island: Comfortable overnight stays in Great Salt Pond
- Maine Coast: Exploring protected harbors and scenic anchorages
- Long Island Sound: Day sailing and weekend getaways
Extended Charter Adventures
For longer charter periods, Excess Catamarans excel at:
- Island hopping: Comfortable passages between destinations
- Family vacations: Space and amenities for multi-generational groups
- Corporate charters: Professional environment for business entertaining
- Special occasions: Weddings, anniversaries, and celebrations
The Economics of Excess Charter
Charter Rates and Value
Excess Catamarans command premium charter rates due to their:
- High demand from repeat charter guests
- Excellent condition maintained through quality construction
- Versatile appeal attracting both sailing enthusiasts and comfort seekers
- Strong resale values protecting charter fleet investments
Operational Advantages
Charter operators appreciate:
- Lower maintenance costs due to quality construction
- Fuel efficiency from optimized hull designs
- Easy cleaning with smart interior layouts
- Reliable systems reducing downtime and service calls
Choosing Excess for Your Charter Adventure
First-Time Catamaran Charterers
If you’re new to catamaran sailing, Excess offers:
- Forgiving handling that builds confidence quickly
- Intuitive layouts that feel natural immediately
- Stable platform reducing adjustment period
- Professional support from experienced charter teams
Experienced Sailors
Seasoned sailors appreciate:
- Genuine sailing performance that doesn’t disappoint
- Quality construction evident in every detail
- Innovative features that enhance the sailing experience
- Proven reliability for extended charter periods
The Bluenose Yachts Excess Experience
At Bluenose Yachts, our relationship with Excess Catamarans goes beyond simple sales—we understand how these remarkable vessels perform in New England waters and what makes them special for charter operations.
Our Charter Services
- Professional briefings covering catamaran-specific techniques
- Local knowledge of the best anchorages for catamarans
- Flexible scheduling accommodating various charter lengths
- Complete support throughout your charter experience
Sales and Brokerage
For those considering Excess ownership:
- New model availability with factory support and warranty
- Pre-owned inventory carefully selected and inspected
- Charter management programs for investment-minded owners
- Complete commissioning ensuring your Excess is ready for adventure
Experience Excess Excellence
The next time you’re planning a charter adventure, consider the unique advantages that only an Excess Catamaran can provide. From the thrill of sailing performance to the comfort of spacious accommodations, these innovative vessels deliver experiences that create lasting memories.
Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast seeking performance or a comfort-focused charterer wanting space and stability, Excess Catamarans offer the perfect platform for your next maritime adventure. The combination of French design excellence, proven reliability, and charter-focused features makes them the ideal choice for exploring New England’s diverse cruising grounds.
Ready to experience the Excess advantage? Contact Bluenose Yachts today to discuss charter availability or explore ownership opportunities. Your perfect catamaran adventure awaits in the waters of New England.
