A Round-the-World Journey Aboard an Excess 14
When you speak with Jan, it’s impossible not to feel his passion for the sea. At 48, after a career in a leadership role within the energy industry, he decided to take a rare break: nearly twenty months off to fulfill his dream of sailing around the world. By his side: his son Felix — who just turned 16 —, a few friends taking turns on board… and above all, a faithful companion: his Excess 14, Mulan.
Why Choose a Catamaran for a Circumnavigation?
The choice of this catamaran was no coincidence. After long research, visits, and sea trials, Jan made his decision in La Grande-Motte:
“No other boat offered as much in terms of quality and functionality for that budget, while meeting all our needs: space for two families with children, simplicity for short-handed sailing, maximum safety, and true sailing performance.”
The key strengths of the Excess 14 for bluewater cruising:
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Optimized space: perfect for sailing with family or friends
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Ease of handling: designed for shorthanded crews
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Performance under sail: a perfect balance between speed and comfort
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Enhanced safety: made for long-distance sailing
The World ARC: Sailing Fast, Sailing Together
Mulan is more than a boat — it’s a partner in an extraordinary adventure. Before joining the World ARC, Jan and his crew had already completed the Atlantic ARC, crossing from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. In total, their voyage will last around 20 months, including sailing, stopovers, and the delivery of the boat to its final charter location.
“For us, the ARC means speed and safety. Sailing fast to make the most of our time, but also sailing together, surrounded by a strong community.”
The World ARC Rally provides the ideal framework for families wanting to sail around the world safely: technical support, weather routing, and a community of passionate sailors sharing their experience.
Excess 14 Performance on Ocean Crossings
Since leaving port, Mulan has revealed her full potential:
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16.5 knots achieved while surfing down the waves
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A sustained average speed of around 12 knots over long stretches
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A personal record of 225 nautical miles covered in 24 hours
These numbers reflect the liveliness and balance that define Excess. But for Jan, speed records are secondary:
“Top speed is anecdotal. What matters is consistency and the feeling at the helm. The Excess 14 delivers fast, stable, and enjoyable sailing.”
Their results speak for themselves — Mulan has already won several legs of the World ARC in the catamaran class. Jan is particularly proud of their Pacific crossing from the Galápagos to the Marquesas — the longest and most demanding leg, where luck plays no role.
Life on Board an Excess Catamaran
Throughout their journey, Jan and his crew share their experiences on their blog and YouTube channel, offering an authentic view of life at sea — a quest for freedom, constant learning, and connection with others.
With Mulan, the Excess 14 becomes more than a showcase of technical excellence — it embodies a true art of living at sea, balancing performance and simplicity, independence and connection.
And perhaps what makes Jan’s story so inspiring is that it perfectly captures what we believe in at Excess: sailing as a source of emotion, connection, and freedom.
