Excess 13

There was something refreshing about stepping aboard a new Excess 13 in Port Ginesta, our home port in Spain. She’s the third “pure” design from the Excess team – after the 11 and the 14 – and she feels like the point where the brand’s DNA has truly found its feet.

Where her larger and smaller sisters moved the dial on the performance and comfort balance, the 13 has moved up a gear. This is a catamaran that gives you great helm feel like a monohull without losing the space and comfort benefits of a multihull.

After a few hours of sailing off the Catalan coast, one thing was clear: this is a yacht built for sailors.

Sailing

Underway, the Excess 13 feels alive. The twin aft helms put you close to the water and in direct connection to the rudders. The steering feedback is direct and tactile, with none of the detached, hydraulic numbness you find on heavier cruising cats. From the first tack, she felt connected.

Upwind, the overlapping genoa drives her smartly along, while the balance remained easy and predictable. But it’s when you unfurl the Code 0 from the integrated bowsprit that she really starts to sing. On our test sail, in just over 12 knots of breeze, the Excess 13 powered up to a lively 9.5 knots—effortless acceleration and a satisfying hum through the rig.

Credit must go to the design partnership between VPLP and Nauta Design, who have optimised the hull shapes, weight distribution, and sail plan for a more responsive, sportier feel. The inclusion of carbon struts to reduce weight in the living spaces aloft and a careful balance of structure and stiffness mean she’s fast and agile.

The overall impression? A catamaran that wants to be sailed.

Living Spaces

Up Top

The deck layout reflects Excess’s design philosophy: “more intense sailing without losing the comfortable.” The twin aft helms are directly connected to the rudders and give good visibility of the sails. They have worked hard to optimise the sightlines through the saloon if you are looking through to the opposite bow. You might need to switch sides or hop up to the side deck if you are manoeuvring in the marina.

The aft cockpit is classic Excess / open, airy, and now with swing panels in the coachroof sides for adjustable ventilation, a small but clever upgrade drawn from owner feedback. Sightlines forward remain excellent, and the social space flows naturally between helm, dining area, and galley.

Under sail, everything falls easily to hand. Winches are well positioned, sheets are led cleanly, and the boat can genuinely be handled by two—or even solo. The balance between comfort and functionality is spot-on.

The transoms swing down (a design inspired by the latest monohulls) giving good access to the ocean when down and safety for the crew when up.

Down Below

Step down and the surprises continue. The double-use doors – which cleverly serve as both cabin doors and cupboard closures—show how much thought has gone into optimising the space and reducing the weight. The fit and finish are light and modern, continuing Excess’s signature blend of youthful style with practical durability.

Visibility through the hull windows is good, and there’s an sense of connection to the outside world. The saloon and galley spaces benefit from excellent cross-ventilation and a simple, modular design that feels open without wasting space.

Cabin layouts can be owner-focused or charter-friendly, but both feel genuinely livable—warm wood tones, smart lighting, and good storage make it a pleasant space for extended cruising.

Pros

• Excellent helm feedback – a genuine sailing catamaran
• Fast and responsive, especially under Code 0
• Clever design touches like swing-down transoms and ventilation panels
• Comfortable and social cockpit layout
• Easily handled by two people or even solo
• Lighter construction thanks to carbon struts and weight optimisation

Cons

• Interior volume slightly less than other cruising cats of similar LOA
• Helm positions, while engaging, expose you more to the elements. They have improved the design of the helm biminis

Stand Out Features

• Swing-down transoms: safety under way, more real estate at anchor
• Ventilation swing panels in aft cockpit: smart airflow solution for warm climates
• Double-use cabin doors: space-saving and clever detailing
• Carbon strut reinforcements: weight savings and improved performance
• Integrated bowsprit with Code 0: power and elegance combined
• A powerful SA/D ratio compared to the competition, especially if you go for the more powerful Pulse Line.

Specs