In January, Joanna and Brian were the highest ranked!
About a month ago, any e-sailing (or virtual sailing) enthusiasts, and some who were simply curious about it, crossed the startline of the EXCESS Challenge: an exceptional virtual record with a draw for a catamaran worth € 300,000!As of January 31st, “virtual skippers” Brian and Joanna had finished the record course in 1st and 3rd place respectively. The race committee congratulates them and invites you to discover the tricks that helped them beat the EXCESS Challenge virtual record!
What did you think of the route?
Joanna
A very challenging course thanks to extremely changing weather and strong winds.
Brian
Trying to break a record on a course that is subject to a lot of weather variations – that requires active and real-time navigation: A real pleasure!
Your best strategy?
Joanna
I planned my departure carefully to keep a strong wind throughout the race. Sometimes my boat was going at more than 13 knots, it was really exhilarating!
Brian Finding the right weather window, the most direct route and the sails best suited to each type of wind encountered. I made sure to check the boat’s control panel with all the heading and speed information, even at night, to maintain the best course!
Any difficulties encountered?Joanna
In some areas, the wind was almost non-existent, for example to the south and east of Corsica, so I needed to calculate the perfect timing for the passage: That was a real challenge!
BrianTwo things: the windless zones, especially approaching Cannes, and local weather conditions in this part of the world that I didn’t know.
What was the best thing?
Joanna
Competing with participants who started almost at the same time as me: observing their routes, learning from their mistakes and correcting my course to maximize my chances!
Brian This challenge offers real sailing conditions where you face the same issues as a real skipper. I like the competition against myself and against others, it’s stimulating!
Trying to break a record on a course that is subject to a lot of weather variations – that requires active and real-time navigation: A real pleasure!
Your best strategy?
Joanna
I planned my departure carefully to keep a strong wind throughout the race. Sometimes my boat was going at more than 13 knots, it was really exhilarating!
Brian Finding the right weather window, the most direct route and the sails best suited to each type of wind encountered. I made sure to check the boat’s control panel with all the heading and speed information, even at night, to maintain the best course!
Any difficulties encountered?
Joanna
In some areas, the wind was almost non-existent, for example to the south and east of Corsica, so I needed to calculate the perfect timing for the passage: That was a real challenge!
BrianTwo things: the windless zones, especially approaching Cannes, and local weather conditions in this part of the world that I didn’t know.
What was the best thing?
Joanna
Competing with participants who started almost at the same time as me: observing their routes, learning from their mistakes and correcting my course to maximize my chances!
Brian This challenge offers real sailing conditions where you face the same issues as a real skipper. I like the competition against myself and against others, it’s stimulating!
If you too want to be one of the best “virtual skippers” in the EXCESS Challenge to try and win a catamaran worth € 300,000.
| Join now for just €9 |
In the meantime, discover our EXCESS catamarans!
The hulls were designed by VPLP, a design office that is renowned for designing the world’s fastest multihulls and a few record breaking monohulls. The Excess 12 at 38.5’ feet has a displacement of 22,000 pounds and a working sail area of 882 square feet, which translates into a “performance” sail area to displacement ratio. The designers are using a very modern rig with a high aspect mainsail hoisted on a mast that is stepped quite far aft. This provides for a large fore triangle and a self-tacking jib. A code 0 can be flown from the short bowsprit. The boats will be easy but more importantly will be fun to sail.
GROUPE BENETEAU
Murray Yacht Sales is your Gulf Coast EXCESS Catamaran dealer with offices serving Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama & Florida