A sailing catamaran designed around activities after arrival
Excess Catamarans has placed outdoor pursuits at the centre of a new partnership for its Riders' Edition, bringing together Duotone and professional wingfoiler Valentin Garat. The announcement, dated 8 October 2026, extends the idea that a cruising catamaran can be a practical base for sports equipment rather than only a platform for comfortable passages.
For Luxury Yacht Guide the relevant model is the 13.97-metre Excess 14, which falls within the publication's 12.00–23.99-metre coverage. The programme also references the smaller Excess 11, but that model is outside LYG's defined yacht-length scope and is not the subject of this report.
Duotone brings wingfoiling equipment and athlete experience
Garat, a freestyle kitesurfing competitor and professional wingfoiler, will feature in the collaboration as the brand explores how portable equipment fits into a yacht owner's itinerary. Duotone's participation links specialist watersports development with the practical questions of storing and securing gear aboard a cruising sailing catamaran.
The brands refer to Foil Assist, an electric assistance system intended to help riders develop their wingfoiling skills. The claim of faster learning is a supplier proposition, not a guarantee for every beginner. Owners should still assess local conditions, flotation equipment, instruction and battery handling before attempting a new activity.
Riders' Edition is intended to extend the use of anchorages
Excess launched Riders' Edition in April 2026 with a selection of equipment oriented around adventurous stopovers. The concept encompasses packrafts, wingfoils, mountain bikes, paddleboards and hiking gear, encouraging owners to make better use of coastlines and inland routes reached during a cruise.
Equipment selection is not the same as proof that every item can be accommodated in every locker. On a 13.97-metre multihull, the secure stowage of wet sails, boards and batteries must be planned around weight distribution, hatch dimensions and access to escape routes. Owners should confirm the precise package and mounting arrangements for an individual yacht.
The partnership follows earlier sports collaborations
The Duotone chapter is the third in Excess Meets Riders, following projects associated with extreme kayaking and exploration cycling. The company has positioned the series as a way to show different applications for its catamarans rather than introduce an entirely separate hull design for each sport.
That distinction matters to buyers weighing a new-build specification. The collaboration does not establish a change in the Excess 14's certified dimensions or basic sailing characteristics. It does provide new material for discussing onboard storage, tender arrangements and the range of activities a cruising family may want to support.
Official sources: pressmare.it; www.excess-catamarans.com.
