Seawind Boats: A Comprehensive Guide for Enthusiasts
Seawind Catamarans has made a name for itself in the world of sailing, offering a range of cruising catamarans designed with both functionality and performance in mind. They have been continuously improving their designs, ensuring that every new model builds on the successes of previous ones. With a wealth of multihull experience and cutting-edge construction techniques, Seawind boats are highly desired by sailors who seek both luxury and practicality.
The Seawind 1260 is a prime example of the company's dedication to balancing performance and cruising practicality. As part of the legendary 12-meter Seawind Catamarans lineup, this model offers the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor lifestyle amenities. Its sailing capabilities are impressive, demonstrating excellent speed and responsiveness even in challenging conditions, as evidenced by a Sail Magazine review.
Alongside the 1260, Seawind offers other noteworthy models such as the 1190 and the 1600. Each model brings unique features to cater to different sailing needs, while maintaining the brand's commitment to quality and innovation. Seawind boats continue to impress sailors worldwide, solidifying their reputation as a premier choice for cruising catamarans.
Popular Seawind Models
Seawind 1160
The Seawind 1160 is a well-known catamaran recognized for its spacious and comfortable design. This model is suitable for both day charters and long-term cruising. Key features include:
- Overall Length: 11.6 meters
- Beam: 6.45 meters
- Draft: 1.15 meters
- Displacement: 7.2 tons
Seawind 1260
The Seawind 1260 is a larger catamaran with an innovative "Trifold" cockpit door that maximizes living space. It was awarded Cruising World's "Best Cruising Catamaran under 50 ft" in 2018.
Seawind 1370
The Seawind 1370 is an upcoming model that is expected to be a popular choice among sailors. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting addition to the Seawind lineup.
Seawind 1190 Sport
The Seawind 1190 Sport is a lightweight, performance-oriented model perfect for those looking for an adventurous and sporty sailing experience. Key features include:
- Overall Length: 11.9 meters
- Beam: 6.45 meters
- Draft: 0.5-2.1 meters (daggerboards)
Seawind 1600
The high-end Seawind 1600 is a larger model that offers luxury and performance in a stylish package. Prices for a new Seawind 1600 can reach up to $800,000+.
Seawind 1000 XL2
The Seawind 1000 XL2 is a compact and versatile catamaran, known for its affordability and ease of use. It's an excellent option for those new to sailing or on a budget.
Seawind 1160 Lite
The Seawind 1160 Lite is a lighter and more economical version of the Seawind 1160, offering similar features and performance at a smaller price point.
Seawind Venturer 42 Power Cat
The Seawind Venturer 42 Power Cat is a unique power catamaran designed for those who prefer motor yachts but still want the stability and space offered by a multihull.
Seawind 1190 Cruiser
The Seawind 1190 Cruiser is another variant of the popular 1190 series, offering different amenities and layouts that cater to cruisers and liveaboards.
Seawind 1260 Owners Version
The Seawind 1260 Owners Version is a customized version of the Seawind 1260 that provides an enhanced layout and additional features catering to owners' preferences and sailing style.
Key Features and Specifications
Offshore Performance
The Seawind catamarans are designed for offshore performance, providing smooth sailing and comfortable living spaces. Their Seawind 1260 model, for example, sails efficiently in various wind conditions. In a 15-knot wind, the Seawind 1260 has been reported to reach 7 knots of speed at a true wind angle of 45 degrees, comparable to well-found monohulls.
Hull and Catamaran Design
Seawind catamarans feature a unique design that allows for expansive and versatile living spaces. The innovative layout includes large cockpit doors that open to combine the saloon and cockpit, a feature unmatched in the market, as mentioned on the Seawind website. This provides ample space for entertainment while not sacrificing performance.
Length and Displacement
The Seawind 1600 is a larger model, with an overall length of 51 feet and 8 inches, and a displacement of 28,000 lbs (light ship). The lower Displacement/Length ratio in Seawind catamarans translates to less power required to drive the boat, achieving nominal hull speed with ease.
Diesel and Sail Area
Seawind catamarans are equipped with efficient diesel engines, such as the 57 hp Yanmar engines found in Seawind 1600, allowing for a reliable and powerful performance. The sail area in Seawind boats is also noteworthy. The 1600 model has a sail area of 1,558 square feet, contributing to its efficient sailing capabilities.
Sailing Experience
Cruising and Comfort
Seawind Catamarans are designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable cruising experience for sailors. The spacious interiors and well-laid out living spaces make these boats perfect for extended trips on the water. The use of high-quality materials and carefully designed ergonomics ensure that life on board is both luxurious and practical.
For instance, the Seawind 1600 Passagemaker offers an excellent combination of comfort and performance for long-distance cruising. Key features include ample storage, well-ventilated cabins, and a well-equipped galley.
On the water, Seawind catamarans are known to provide a smooth ride even in choppy conditions. This makes it easy for crew and passengers to stay comfortable and enjoy the surroundings during a cruise.
Handling and Maneuverability
One of the primary concerns for any sailor is how a boat handles and maneuvers in various conditions. Seawind catamarans are designed with this in mind, offering easy and responsive handling. The use of lightweight materials and efficient hull designs contribute to the boats' excellent maneuverability, while the inclusion of powerful sail plans and well-placed deck gear make it easy for sailors to manage the sails.
The presence of a jib also helps sailors maintain control and balance during various sailing conditions. This provides an enjoyable and efficient sailing experience.
Safety and Stability
When it comes to sailing, safety and stability are of utmost importance, and Seawind catamarans don't disappoint. They are built with industry-standard safety features, and their stability is enhanced by the thoughtful design of their hulls, ensuring that they remain balanced even in challenging conditions.
The boats make use of the latest construction techniques, resulting in a strong and sturdy build that can withstand the rigors of offshore sailing. Moreover, the wide beam and high bridge deck clearance provide excellent stability while minimizing the risk of capsizing or pitchpoling.
Additionally, Seawind catamarans come equipped with well-engineered safety gear, such as lifelines and grab rails, to ensure that passengers and crew can move around the boat safely.
In summary, Seawind catamarans offer a great combination of comfort, handling, and safety features, making them an excellent choice for those looking to sail and explore the world's oceans.
Seawind History and Reputation
Seawind Catamarans has a long history of building stylish, durable, and seaworthy boats. Over the years, they have gained an exceptional reputation for creating high-quality multihulls that are not only visually appealing but suitable for demanding sailing conditions. Many of their boats, such as the widely popular Seawind 1160, have not only been popular staples in the Australian charter trade but have also proven capable of circumnavigating the globe.
When the company introduced the first Seawind model, a 30-foot boat designed by Thomas Gillmer, it immediately garnered attention in the recreational boating market. As the brand expanded over the years, they added several more models to their fleet, including the Seawind 52, Seawind 1160, Seawind 1260, and Seawind 1000.
One of Seawind's standout models is the Seawind 1260, which has received praise for its excellent sailing performance. In 15 knots of wind, the 1260 can achieve speeds of 7 knots with a true wind angle of 45 degrees, comparable to a well-found monohull. Owners also appreciate its ease of handling and the responsiveness felt at the helm.
Another popular model in their lineup is the Seawind 1160 LITE. This boat is known for its practical design, featuring ample living space, as well as its durability and capability to withstand challenging sailing conditions. As mentioned earlier, several Seawind 1160s have successfully completed global voyages, further adding to the company's reputation for creating reliable boats.
While Seawind Catamarans has a variety of other models, including the Seawind 52 and Seawind 1000, the overall trend in their designs focuses on balancing style, comfort, and seaworthiness. The company takes pride in creating boats that facilitate enjoyable and safe sailing experiences for their owners, whether they are traversing calm coastal waters or embarking on adventurous blue-water voyages.