Seductive simplicity
This performance cruising catamaran takes aim at monohull sailors with its simple elegance and sprightly performance
After the tacks, I popped over to the leeward helm station to get a better view of the mainsail, a natural helmsman spot for a monohull sailor. Looking forward from the helms the view was surprisingly good, once I got used to looking through the cabin. With clear glass that wraps almost entirely around the cabinhouse, the view only had two small blind spots to look around.
We didn’t see that speed when we jibed around and set the 926-square-foot code 0, but it provided enough horsepower and the 14 sailed comfortably at about 7 knots. As we approached Back Creek the wind petered out, and we quickly furled the sails and fired up the engine. Because of the light weight, the twin 45-horsepower engines provided plenty of punch. The boat easily slipped in and out of the tight docks.
Eight Excess cats made the transatlantic crossing in this year’s Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, including one owned by a couple of brand-new sailors, who had sold their house, bought a 14 in France and spent the summer learning to sail on the Mediterranean. That’s proof that less is more and simpler is better. This cat has certainly enticed this sailor to get the lead out.
LOA 45’9”; LOD 43’9”; Beam 25’9”; Draft 4’10”; Displ. 25,794 lb.; Sail area 1,453 sq. ft.; Water 66 gal.; Fuel 88 gal.; Auxiliary twin 45-hp
Excess Catamarans
1535 SE 17th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
786-858-0418
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