Excess introduces multiple innovations on new 14

alt="Excess introduces multiple innovations on new 14"/>

Excess 14 was designed with VPLP

Excess is developing the Excess 14, which is scheduled to debut at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival from September 6-11. Designed in collaboration with VPLP Design, the lines of the Excess 14 have benefited from the studio’s experience of ocean racing.

The 14 is the fourth model in the Groupe Beneteau brand’s range, which includes the 11, 12 and flagship 15 models, all designed to offer the ‘sensation’ of sailing monohulls with the living space and stability of a catamaran.

Aft steering station with bench-seat on each side

Like the other Excess models, the 14 has twin helm stations aft, while the model’s many innovations include asymmetric hulls, which feature redesigned windows. Built from sandwich and carbon reinforcements, the 14 has a waterline length of almost 44ft, while her overall length can range between 46ft-52ft depending on the bowsprit for the genoa and length of swim platform.

The model has an aft-set coachroof, while a ‘skylounge’ option offers 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. The overall design results in a lower centre of gravity and a new longitudinal volume distribution, according to Excess.

A direct steering system has been chosen, with textile lines, 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.

Master suite in the owner’s version

Living 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 four-cabin charter version. The owner’s version includes a master suite in the starboard hull with an aft bed, large study and central en-suite bathroom. It also has a forward walk-in wardrobe and storage room that can be cleverly converted to a twin cabin, making it into a family suite.

The owner’s dressing room can convert into a twin cabin

The charter version offers four en-suite cabins, with each bathroom including a separate shower. The Excess 14 also offers the option of a crew cabin in each forepeak.