The Chesapeake Bay is one of America’s treasures and the largest estuary in the United States, home to 18 million people and approximately 3,600 species of plants and animals. With water supplied by the Atlantic Ocean and 150 rivers and streams across six states, the Bay offers an extraordinary year-round boating playground. Catamaran sailing and cruising have become increasingly popular on the Chesapeake, where shallow draft, generous living space, and stability make modern multihulls exceptionally well suited to exploring quiet coves, remote anchorages, and hundreds of destinations throughout the Bay. Catamarans provide comfortable accommodations for family and friends, with spacious cockpits, large tables, open salons, and the comforts of home afloat. Yet while many cruising catamarans prioritize comfort, the Excess line of catamarans from Groupe Beneteau stands apart by combining the living space and reduced draft of a modern catamaran with an engaging, performance-oriented sailing experience.
Designed for sailors who appreciate the thrill of sailing close to the water, Excess catamarans feature twin aft helm stations positioned outboard of the traditional cockpits. This distinctive configuration keeps the helmsman connected to the wind and water, with clear views of the sails, boat, and surroundings. All lines and winches remain within reach, while thoughtful cabin design maintains unobstructed sightlines. The result is a catamaran that is fun to sail, responsive, and comfortable for everyday cruising. The current Excess lineup includes the Excess 11, Excess 13 and the higher-performance Excess 14. These boats combine wide-open cockpit layouts, bright salon interiors, and practical accommodations with the performance and sailing enjoyment that Chesapeake Bay sailors seek.
Crusader Yacht Sales is the MidAtlantic dealer for Excess catamarans, offering new and brokerage sailboats and experienced guidance for buyers throughout the Chesapeake Bay and U.S. East Coast. The knowledgeable Crusader Yachts brokers help owners select the right model, equipment, and sailing package based on how they plan to use their boat, from weekend cruising and coastal sailing to extended voyages. Understanding each buyer’s goals is essential when choosing the right keel, rig, and equipment, particularly for navigating bridge restrictions along the Intracoastal Waterway to Florida or preparing for offshore travel. Excess catamarans are well suited to cruising the Chesapeake Bay, Florida Keys, Bahamas, and Caribbean, and several have completed transatlantic crossings. Crusader Yachts can assist with the options and equipment needed for comfortable, capable cruising, including high-tech sailing packages, anchoring gear, dinghy and davit systems, and other enhancements to support each owner’s plans.
With in-house commissioning and a select group of specialized contractors, Crusader Yacht Sales manages the outfitting process from initial selection through delivery, ensuring your new Excess catamaran is properly prepared for you and your family. Whether you are new to sailing, an experienced monohull sailor ready for a performance-oriented catamaran, or a cruising family seeking more space and comfort, the Crusader team offers the product knowledge, sailing experience, and local understanding to help you choose the right yacht. Discover the exciting Excess Catamarans from Crusader Yachts in Annapolis, Maryland, and explore the possibilities of sailing the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. Contact Crusader Yacht Sales to discuss your plans and find the Excess catamaran that best fits your lifestyle.
