We met this sailing family at the 11th edition of the Pre-Owned Multihull and Refit Show in Canet-en-Roussillon. Their Excess 13 was on display to introduce visitors to this recent model from the Excess shipyard, which had not previously been represented at the show.
A Guesthouse in the Tropics… Well, Almost!
"Our plan is to travel far and travel for a long time," explains Stéphane, a professional skipper with a Yachtmaster qualification. But to combine this dream with a professional activity, the couple has developed an original crewed cruising concept.
From early June to late September, Oualaouti heads for southern Corsica and bases herself in Porto-Vecchio. Guests come aboard to discover the most beautiful anchorages around the Isle of Beauty, with possible excursions to Sardinia and the La Maddalena archipelago.
On board, everything is organized to ensure guests can make the most of their cruise. Stéphane handles the sailing and introduces guests to the pleasures of life under sail, while Pauline prepares meals from breakfast through dinner. It's an experience inspired more by the spirit of a bed-and-breakfast, complete with home-cooked meals, than by traditional yacht charter.
One Hull for the Guests, Another for the Family
The Excess 13's layout is particularly well suited to this arrangement. The port hull is entirely reserved for guests, with two comfortable double cabins, each featuring its own bathroom facilities, as well as a shared shower. A fitted-out forepeak can also accommodate a child or teenager.
On the other side, in the starboard hull, Stéphane, Pauline and Valentine have their own private quarters. It's a welcome separation that preserves everyone's privacy while encouraging shared moments in the saloon and cockpit.
And that's precisely the philosophy behind Oualaouti: passengers aren't simply customers, but guests who share the daily life of a sailing family for the duration of their cruise.
Valentine, the Youngest Ambassador on Board!
It's hard to talk about Oualaouti without mentioning Valentine. The catamaran's name is even said to have been inspired by something she babbled as a toddler.
At just six years old, the young sailor seems perfectly at home with this unusual lifestyle. When we ask whether she enjoys welcoming guests aboard, her answer comes immediately: "Yes, very much!"
And when we ask whether she makes friends with the children who come aboard, it's another enthusiastic yes!
Her spontaneity perfectly captures the family atmosphere that Stéphane and Pauline are hoping to create.
From Corsica to the Catalan Coast
At the end of summer, Oualaouti returns to her home port of Canet-en-Roussillon. From October through May, the crew offers other experiences, including family cruises along the Catalan coast, day sails, private events and corporate retreats.
Stéphane also offers sailing coaching days, whether to introduce newcomers to cruising catamarans or help more experienced sailors improve their skills ahead of their own sailing adventures.
And what about the future? Their dream of long-distance cruising is still very much alive. During our visit, Stéphane even mentioned the possibility of upgrading to an Excess 16, which could mean putting their Excess 13 up for sale. But nothing has been decided yet!
In the meantime, Oualaouti continues her program with one simple idea: sharing the pleasure of sailing without compromising on comfort or conviviality.
Contact: Oualaouti Sailing
Website: www.oualaouti.com
Phone: +33 6 11 38 15 10
Email: contact@oualaouti.com
Home Port: Canet-en-Roussillon
Summer Cruises: Departures from Porto-Vecchio, June through September
