EXCESS OWNERS STORIES – Hélène, Laurent and their children

After four years of preparation, Hélène & Laurent finally made their dream come true: living on a catamaran as a family for one year in Polynesia. They took on this challenge with their two children, Arthur (10) and Alice (5).

With no prior sailing experience, they began their adventure by searching for a 40-foot second-hand catamaran that would be perfectly suited for their small tribe. Their quest led them to Sail Tahiti, where David introduced them to the Excess 11. In addition to helping them with the purchase, David trained them for two weeks in Tahiti before they set sail towards their new life: “We felt very well supported; David was available and approachable, which really reassured us.”

What truly made this adventure special was the way Arthur and Alice turned the Excess 11 into a giant playground. With no screens to distract them, they used every corner of the boat to invent new games: climbing the aft helm, jumping into the water from the trampoline, or setting off on adventures with the dinghy transformed into a pirate ship…

Speaking of which, Laurent and Hélène particularly appreciated the dinghy, which quickly became indispensable for them. It wasn’t just an accessory but a true gateway to new explorations. Whether visiting lagoons, diving into turquoise waters, or island-hopping; spending days on the dinghy before returning to the Excess 11 for nights under the stars was a regular occurrence.

If you’re considering living on a catamaran and embarking on an adventure with your children or friends, the Excess 11 will be your perfect companion!