At 65, Étienne could have chosen a quiet retirement. But this adventure and sports enthusiast, after selling his company, decided to open a new chapter — one of freedom and mobility. With his wife Brigitte, they made an unusual choice: buying a catamaran instead of a vacation home.
“A house is static. A boat is freedom — the ability to change your surroundings. And that suits us better.”
They weren’t seasoned sailors — just a few occasional cruises, some windsurfing for the kids, and kayaking together. But the desire to learn, share, and set sail was strong.
To prepare for their Excess 14, they racked up experience: a month of transport assisted by an experienced friend, a week onboard with guidance, and another week on their own. A smooth but effective learning curve.
“We never felt overwhelmed. The boat is reassuring, stable, easy to handle. Even as beginners, you quickly feel confident.”
The turning point? A test sail during the Cannes Boat Show. In 18 knots of wind, the Excess 14 reached over 10 knots. Étienne, who once thought catamarans weren’t sporty, changed his mind. He discovered a responsive, lively boat built for sailing pleasure.
Brigitte was charmed by the spaciousness and comfort. They chose a layout made for welcoming their big tribe: six children, grandchildren, and friends.
Their ideal setup:
– Pulse Line version, for more sportiness
– A Code D sail for better downwind performance
– 4 cabins, with an extra berth in one of the forward peaks for their grandson
– And their folding bikes stored in the lockers, to keep exploring ashore
Their Excess 14 now alternates between personal use and charter management with Blue Wave. And they have plenty of plans: Corsica this summer, Sardinia and Sicily in 2026, Greece in 2027… and maybe a transatlantic trip with family in the future.
“This project keeps us active, curious, discovering a new world, and living differently. We have no regrets. It's a great way to turn the page and start a new one.”
Onboard, they found much more than a boat: a tool for freedom, a space for sharing, and a continuous learning environment.
And when asked to sum up Excess in three words:
“Speed. Comfort. Style.”
Many thanks to Etienne and Brigitte for sharing their story — welcome to the Excess tribe!
