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A Delivery Skipper’s Perspective: Our Impressions of the Excess 14

 As a company, Yacht Delivery Solutions delivers dozens of catamarans of all shapes and sizes every year. It’s fair to say that after seeing so many different designs, it takes something special to truly impress our seasoned skippers.


The new Excess 14 managed to do just that. After putting her through her paces on the demanding NSW coast, here are our thoughts.

Performance & Handling The standout feature is the helm position. Set aft on each hull, it provides a tactile, responsive feel that is often missing on other catamarans. You feel more connected to the water and the sails, much like on a performance monohull. In the light airs off the north coast, her generous sail plan kept her moving when others would be motoring. And when the southerly hit, she felt stiff, safe, and predictable, giving us the confidence to manage the heavy conditions effectively.

Deck Layout & Ergonomics Life onboard is made easy by a smart, simple deck layout. Sail controls are led logically, making short-handed sailing straightforward. The visibility from the helms is excellent for sail trimming, though you rely on your crew or a quick step into the saloon for a forward view when docking. The ground tackle, which got a serious workout in Port Stephens, proved to be robust and well-sized for the vessel.


Interior & Liveability The interior feels modern, bright, and incredibly spacious. The amount of storage cleverly built into the boat is a huge plus, allowing gear and provisions to be stowed away, keeping the living space functional and uncluttered. The galley is well-equipped and practical to use even when underway. For a boat of this size, she offers a level of comfort and utility that would make her an ideal platform for extended coastal cruising or liveaboard life.

Our Verdict The Excess 14 successfully bridges the gap between spacious, comfortable cruising and genuine sailing enjoyment. It’s a versatile catamaran that proved its mettle in a wide variety of real-world conditions. For any client looking for a modern cat that’s as fun to sail as it is to live on, the Excess 14 is a very compelling option.

Key Specifications: Excess 14

  • Length Overall (LOA): 13.34 m / 43’ 9”

  • Beam: 7.87 m / 25’ 10”

  • Draft: 1.48 m / 4’ 10”

  • Upwind Sail Area: 117 m² / 1,259 sq ft

  • Displacement (Lightship): 12.9 T

  • Engines: 2 x 45 HP (Standard)

  • Builder: Groupe Beneteau

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Location: Sydney NSW, Australia

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