Excess 12 New Generation - Optimized for blue water cruising

Almost two years ago at the Cannes show, we discovered the Excess 12 and 15, the first two catamarans from the new brand launched by Group Beneteau. With nearly 100 units built, the start wasn’t as good as expected, but the pace of orders seems to have accelerated significantly in recent months. Prices have been readjusted in relation to the Lagoon thanks to the options available. The manufacturer has taken advantage of the initial feedback from customers and its Excess Lab (see inset) to make significant improvements to the Excess 12. There’s no need to tell you again in detail about the seakeeping qualities and comfort of this model - we already tested it in 2019. However, a look at the proposed changes and improvements is certainly in order. About twenty innovations proposed as standard or as options, to make blue water cruising even better!

UP TO 33 KNOTS OF WIND

We were able to test the new generation Excess 12 in good breeze. The southwesterly wind was oscillating from 20 to 33 knots during our two trips out of La Rochelle. The short chop was a bit of a nuisance when we were tacking, generating a bit of pitching. On the other hand, downwind, these waves were great for surfing. The speed with one reef and 100% jib: 7 to 9 knots from close hauled (55° off the true wind) to a fine reach. With two reefs and 100% jib: 6.5 to 9 knots.

STANDARD - Ladder (removable) to access the coachroof from the forward cockpit.
OPTION - Sunbathing on the coachroof.
OPTION - Sunbathing in the forward cockpit

STANDARD - Aft cabin: new wardrobe, new interior design. New door and cupboard handles.

STANDARD - Forward cabin: new interior design. New door and cupboard handles.

STANDARD - Honey Teak worktop on starboard side with spotlights integrated in the upper cabinet.
OPTION - Modular, wood table in the saloon.
OPTION - New sound package with integrated stereo unit and speakers.
OPTION - Full curtains in one option for the main deck (saloon, coachroof, bay window).

STANDARD - Owner’s Suite: sliding door, desk area, closet/dressing area, new wardrobe and interior design. New door handles and cupboard.

OPTION - Cockpit table can be converted into a sunlounger

OPTION - 1,240 sq ft (115 m²) spinnaker for standard rig configuration.
OPTION - Halyard bag with code 0/spi option on port side.

OPTION - Raymarine package screen upgrades to 9” + separate option for 12” screen.

OPTION - Aft cockpit storage is now available under the bench seat

OPTION – This storage space in the thickness of the bimini allows you to stow paddleboards! However, it is not compatible with the opening cockpit option.

Excess Lab - A digital platform open to blue water cruising enthusiasts

The Excess Lab is a new collaborative platform that allows you to join the design team, and even interact with the naval architects. The project is being run by Thibaut de Montvalon, the Excess brand manager, Hervé Piveteau, in ...