Buying an Excess 11 sailing catamaran: When less is definitely more

By a certain age, most of us begin to understand the power in simplicity. From Zuckerberg’s no-hassle black tee shirt wardrobe philosophy to the minimalist mindset of smaller homes and less clutter, doing more with less is becoming more recognized as an advantage.

So, while buying an Excess 11 yacht may not technically fit a minimalist lifestyle, the brilliant simplicity of design and masterful sailing efficiencies packed into this 37-foot catamaran by Beneteau Groupe is enough to make the true sailors heart sing – and all at an attractive entry price point.

Unlike the earlier models that utilized hull parts from its sister brand Lagoon, the Excess 11 was developed with original tooling and is much more weight-conscious, while still benefiting from Lagoon’s 35+ years of catamaran expertise. The impressive design, from leading naval architects VPLP and interior experts Nauta Design, gets an added head-turning flair from car design guru Patrick le Quément.

Standout performance for sailors of every kind

This innovative vessel offers a host of features and benefits that make it an ideal choice for sailors of all experience levels. For those newer to sailing it’s designed for ease of sailing, even single-handed, achieved by dual helms offering excellent visibility, a simple sail plan with self-tacking jib, and the deck-stepped mast (rather than on the cabin) resulting in a low center of effort.

But lest you believe that ease of handling equates to a boring sailing experience – for more experienced sailors, the lively helm and thrilling sailing sensations are the real attraction of the Excess 11!  Thanks in part to its lighter weight furniture, and efficient sleek hull design with minimal drag, the Excess 11 delivers a noticeably superior speed and agility on the water, cutting through waves and handling rough seas with ease. The alloy mast is also further aft than on most catamarans, offering a more balanced sail plan and leaving a spacious foredeck.

The result?  A sporty catamaran that responds effortlessly to changing winds, and delivers a thrilling sailing experience that’s sure to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Buying an Excess 11: a stable solution

In addition to its speed, the Excess 11 also offers exceptional stability on the water. Catamarans are known for their ability to maintain balance even in rough seas, making them a popular choice among experienced sailors who value safety above all else.

With two hulls supporting its weight instead of just one like traditional monohull vessels, the Excess 11 provides added peace-of-mind when navigating unpredictable conditions. Interestingly though, sailors of the Excess 11 sometimes note that its handling and sensations are reminiscent of a monohull – a real benefit for traditional sailing yacht fans.

Simple perfection below deck

While performance is undoubtedly a key factor in any sailor’s decision-making process, space, comfort and storage are equally important aspects of any vessel. The Excess 11 catamaran does not disappoint in this regard. Especially when considering the relatively modest 37-foot size, the Excess 11 is surprisingly spacious both on deck and below – you’ll never feel restricted by lackluster accommodations while out at sea.

The light, bright and clean-lined salon design features premium solid wood cabinetry and high-quality upholstery, creating an appealing sense of understated luxury. The salon and galley are compact, but so nicely designed and equipped that it has a larger airy feel, with plenty of refrigeration, countertop and seating space. Large windows allow natural light to pour in during the daytime while providing breathtaking views of your surroundings.

The Excess 11 is available with three or four cabins, with both layouts offering two heads – one in port hull “owner’s suite” (with the three cabin layout) and a second shared by the two guest cabins to starboard. The head and shower spaces are quite sizable and comfortable, making the “shared” baths a favorable tradeoff.

The spacious cabins offer ample headroom and comfortable berths, ensuring that crew members can rest easy after a long day on the water.

Outdoor living at its best

The boat’s large aft cockpit area provides plenty of room for lounging or entertaining guests during long days at anchor – perfect for socializing with fellow sailors or simply enjoying some quiet time outdoors.

Up front, the traditional trampoline keeps the boat lightweight while delivering the outdoor thrill of close-to-the-water seating and sea spray for the passengers while underway. While at anchor, removable cushioned loungers are the perfect place to enjoy a post-sail cocktail under the stars.

Buying an Excess 11: brilliance in its simplicity

As a sailor, you understand the thrill and excitement of cruising on the open waters. The wind in your hair, the sound of waves against the hull, and the feeling of freedom that comes with exploring new destinations – are all part of what makes sailing such a unique and rewarding experience. Buying an Excess 11 brings it all to life in a simple, yet magical way.

Clean lines both inside and out, sleek sporty hulls, wide open decks – all perfectly equipped, and priced.

To quote John Curnow from SailWorldCruising.com, “in the simplicity is the brilliance.”

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Dream Yacht is an official dealer for Excess catamarans in the Caribbean. Contact our professional yacht sales consultants for more information about retail purchase, or placing an Excess catamaran in our global charter fleet.