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Brigante review
Catamaran · 11 ft (3 m) · Marina di San Vincenzo
expert score
Key specs
- Model
- Excess 12
- Length
- 11 ft (3 m)
- Guests
- 8
- Cabins
- 4
Verdict
The Excess 12 is a sporty cruising catamaran with modern styling, a lively sail plan, and a layout that balances sailing fun with practical livability. It suits crews who want responsive handling and good space without moving into a heavier, more traditional catamaran.
Pros
- +Light, modern VPLP-designed catamaran with a sporty profile
- +Square-top main, self-tacking jib, and code 0 support versatile sailing
- +Shallow draft helps access anchorages and coastal waters
- +Available in 3- and 4-cabin layouts for flexible cruising use
Cons
- −Comfort is good but not as expansive as more volume-focused cruising cats
- −Performance-oriented setup can feel less sheltered than conservative designs
- −Four-cabin layout typically trades off privacy and storage
- −Fuel and water capacities are moderate rather than class-leading
The Excess 12 is a 11.74 m cruising catamaran designed by VPLP, with a wide 6.73 m beam, shallow 1.35 m draft, and a light-displacement build that clearly favors sailing efficiency over maximum volume. Its square-top mainsail, self-tacking jib, and optional code 0 underline the boat’s sporty brief and make it appealing to owners who want active sailing rather than a purely floating apartment.
On the water, the Excess 12 is generally regarded as more responsive than many cruising cats of similar size. The rig and relatively light displacement should deliver easy acceleration, good upwind balance, and useful offwind range, especially with the code 0. That said, the same design priorities that improve speed and handling also mean it will not feel as heavily damped or as ultra-stable at rest as more conservative, heavier cruisers.
Inside, the boat is offered in 3- and 4-cabin arrangements, and the 4-cabin version makes it suitable for families or charter use. The trade-off is that space must be shared among more cabins, so the sense of volume and storage is not at the level of larger, more accommodation-focused catamarans. In value terms, it is strongest for buyers who want a contemporary, sailing-first multihull with solid build pedigree and practical cruising basics, rather than the largest possible living space for the length.
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