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Seawind 1000 Catamaran Review

• Post author By River B
• Post date July 28, 2020
• 5 Comments on Seawind 1000 Catamaran Review

The Seawind 1000, designed by Richard Ward and Scott Judson, was first built in Australia in 1994. The debut model was the first catamaran ever to be awarded “Australian Cruising Sailboat of the Year.” Over 225 Seawind 1000 series boats have been built, and while many might scoff at a sub-35’ catamaran tackling long ocean passages and 80+ knot storms, this light, nimble catamaran just might surprise you.

After initially launching with an inboard Bukh diesel engine, charter companies requested a model with twin outboards for ease of maintenance and maneuverability. This outboard model was a clear success and so became the standard for the 1000 model family.

Since then, the Seawind 1000 was placed in Australian charter companies in the Whitsundays, Pittwater, Sydney Harbour, the Gold Coast, Darwin, Perth and Melbourne. The 1000 series has also been placed into charter in the U.S., Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Brazil, and Europe.

The Seawind 1000 series, which evolved from the Seawind 850, includes the 33’ Seawind 1000, 1050 Resort (launched in 1998), 35.5’ 1000 XL (launched in 2007), and 1000 XL2 (launched in 2012). As the 1000 series progressed, Seawind made the cats longer by extending the transoms for added buoyancy, stability, and speed.

In addition to some solid cruising and chartering chops, it seems she can win races as well. Recently, Larry Robertson single handed his Seawind 1000 catamaran to victory in the 2018 Shaka Challenge.

While popular among charterers, the 1000 model family is the first true “cruising catamaran” for the Seawind brand, and is characterized by 2-meter fixed mini keels, twin 9.9hp Yamaha 4-stroke outboards, an open salon/cockpit area, galley down and three cabins tucked into the hulls.

Some of the most popular features of the Seawind 1000 include:

• Lightweight FRP construction (newer models) – originally crafted as an all foam sandwich using uni-directional and bi-axial glasses, the Seawind 1000 displaces less than 10,500 out of the factory.
• 360-Degree Views – featuring panoramic windows with forward opening hatches, the Seawind 1000 provides nearly unfettered views, ample ventilation, and shelter from the elements.
• Single-Handed Sailing – with most lines running to the helm and the inclusion of a self-tacking jib, the Seawind 1000 is easy to sail single-handed or short-handed.
• Hinged Mast Base – this mast design allows the mast to be lowered forward with minimal effort, making it simple to clear bridges of just about any height.
• Stock Arch – provides space for adequate solar, seating, BBQ, and dinghy davits.
• Open Living Spaces – despite its relatively small size the Seawind 1000 provides an open living area, eliminating the division between salon and cockpit, with headroom accommodating individuals up to 6’4” comfortably.

Notes From the Sea

Theory is good for the classroom, but practical experience is the only way to tell whether that shiny boat in the slip is really what will carry you safely through whatever Poseidon throws at you.

With an LOA of 33-feet and a generous sail plan, the Seawind 1000 offers a nimble, lively ride in even the worst conditions. Designer Richard Ward notes that quite a few Seawind 1000’s were delivered to New Zealand and Hawaii after surviving 70-knot storms. Captain Royce Black once delivered a Seawind 1000 safely through a Cat-5 hurricane, achieving speeds over 25 knots on bare poles.

While not the standard conditions your average cruiser will encounter, it’s heartening to know that the Seawind 1000 can handle itself and its cargo in unsettled weather.

Ok, she can sail, but is she comfortable?

We asked this question of Joe Siudzinski, a veteran sailor and prior owner of Katiecat , a 2000 Seawind 1000. He and his wife Cathy put over 25,000nm under the hulls of Katiecat , including extensive coastal cruising in Australia and New Zealand, with passages to Fiji, New Caledonia, and more. Once of their highest compliments of the 1000 is that her layout is exceptionally comfortable.

With the three main living spaces, salon, cabin, and galley all located along the pitch axis of the boat, the crew remained comfortable and rested while on passage. Additionally, the Siudzinski’s found the 1000’s cockpit to be well protected from the elements, while still providing ample visibility.

“The most attractive feature of the boat that distinguishes it from all other boats is its sheltered main saloon with 360-degree visibility  when seated .”

~Joe and Cathy, SV Katiecat

Due to her short length and wide beam, the Seawind 1000 can experience some uncomfortable jerky motions in confused seas or when beating into strong seas. While bridgedeck clearance isn’t the sole indicator of slamming potential, with her 29” clearance, she experienced surprisingly low incidence of bridgedeck slams.

Of course, to maintain comfort and safety, some key things to remember, especially on smaller cats is not to overload the boat. To avoid hobby horsing, keep bows light. The aft can be a bit heavier, particularly when you’ve got a dinghy hanging out on davits, and that’s ok. Just de sure to store heavy things amidships and again–don’t overload.

“The Seawind’s performance doesn’t appear to be as sensitive to weight as other cats I’ve sailed on and we still have a few inches left below our anti-fouling waterline mark. For the two of us, recognizing its load-carrying limitations, I feel that our modified Seawind 1000 is a wonderful coastal cruiser and acceptable ocean passagemaker.”

After a few years of sailing on their Seawind 1000, the Siudzinski decided to have sugarscoop extensions (now stock on the Seawind 1000XL2 model) fabricated to add an additional couple of feet to the cat’s waterline. They found that the additional length helped dampen pitching motion in rough seas.

Let’s talk about those outboards, though.

After a brief experiment with a four-cylinder Bukh inboard diesel, charter companies asked Richard Ward to design the 1000 with outboards for easier servicing. Thereafter, the 1000’s were powered by 9.9hp four-stroke, Yamaha outboards with a hi thrust 3:1 gear ratio and extralong shafts, which are mounted on lifting brackets to keep the prop clean, safe, and reduce drag.

While this may be a feature for charter catamarans, does the same hold true for cruising catamarans that want to go farther and escape inclement weather faster?

Joe chimed in on this issue as well. No one really likes carrying large amounts of gasoline around due to the obvious fire hazard. The weight issue may be moot due to the savings of not dragging around twin diesels. So what it really comes down to is how far you can go and how fast you can get there. According to Joe, he was able to hit 7.8 knots with both outboards wide open in zero wind. This is far faster than a similarly-sized monohull with a diesel engine could accomplish.

Outboards may be notoriously unreliable, but the Yamaha has a great reputation, you can find parts available worldwide, and of course, you’ve got two. Safety in redundancy, right? Finally, the Yamaha 9.9 is fairly fuel efficient, averaging 1.2 liters per hour at an average speed of 4.5 knots.

One of the really thoughtful additions that Seawind provided on this model family is the retractable ladder stored between the trampolines for easy access to land when beached or for an easy exit from the water when swimming. Few other catamarans can boast this same feature.

The Wishlist

Seawind has a reputation for being responsive to owners’ input regarding issues and features. Some, like the sugarscoop extensions have been implemented, as well as the hardtop bimini. What could cruisers find useful though?

• Lithium Ion Batteries – and enough of them to make the boat self-sufficient in remote areas
• More Solar Capacity – 210 watts is the bare minimum (some might say completely insufficient) for a cruiser
• More Water-tightness – while any boat will become leaky over time, some have noted issues with the polycarbonate windows on the earlier Seawind 1000 models
• Better ventilation in wet conditions – again, an issue you may find with most other boats, however, a few strategically-placed, well-engineered hatches can provide ventilation without soaking the crew.

Not a long list, though some may have other wishes. As always, everything in life is a trade-off.

To Buy or Not to Buy

The Seawind 1000 has proven itself to be a sturdy, nimble vessel, suitable for longer passages. Should you pack up the family and set sail on one of these? Well, maybe if you’ve got a small family. The Seawind 1000 is still a smaller vessel, perhaps more suitable for a couple with the occasional low-maintenance guest. And, if you’re hoping to avoid testing your new vessel to her limits, consider adding an SSB or satellite-based weather reporting to ensure you get accurate weather wherever you are.

References :

Katiecat – http://www.katiekat.net/Welcome.html

Seawind 1000XL2 – There is a reason – https://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Seawind-1000XL2-%e2%80%93-There-is-a-reason/-116060?source=google

Seawind 1000 – https://www.boatsales.com.au/editorial/details/seawind-1000-8839/

• Tags Catamaran Reviews

River is a licensed USCG Captain with a lifetime of experience on the water. From the San Francisco Bay to the South Pacific, blue water to clear water, he’s sailed a wide variety of catamarans and crawled around in the bilges of more than he can count. You can follow his misadventures at www.tilted.life.

5 replies on “Seawind 1000 Catamaran Review”

Great review cause i just bought a second hand xl2 in Phuket and will sail it to philippines and live aboard. For sure im on the more solar. And batts. Maybe a rain man an porble honda genset.

There’s plenty of solar you can buy in the Philippines for cheap the Manila yacht club has a fuel dock as does the subic bay yacht club

Owner of a 2009 1000xl Would like to talk with other 1000 owners about their boats, compare notes and get answers as to how they improved their boats.

Hi Dave, Although an older version, I have been sailing full-time aboard my 2001 Seawind 1000…up and down the US, Bahamas and eastern Caribbean for 8 years. Recently I have taken the boat on a two-year voyage through the Panama canal, across the Pacific to French Polynesia and then north to Hawaii. She has received many nice upgrades and I’d be happy to trade notes on any aspect of owning a Seawind 1000. Cheers! Vince

Hey Dave Waiting on a ratified contract on an ‘09 Seawind 1000 XL as I type. Located in eastern North Carolina and going to be in the Chesapeake in the summer months. Hopefully an owner soon enough.

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Seawind 1170 first look: 39ft passagemaking catamaran

• Toby Hodges
• February 8, 2024

The newly launched Seawind 1170 is smaller than many new catamaran launches but should still prove a capable passagemaking multihull

Over the past few years Seawind has become increasingly well recognised for its quick cruising catamarans. This 39-foot Seawind 1170 retains key core elements, including relatively light displacement, plus twin aft helm stations with excellent protection and visibility.

There’s also a removable carbon sprit and a pair of windows in the hardtop to monitor sail trim. However, despite its potential to sail for extended periods at speeds above 10 knots, this is not intended as a boat that will be difficult or energetic to sail: a self-tacking jib is standard and the mainsheet traveller is mounted on the hard top, so doesn’t present a danger to anyone in the cockpit.

Despite being smaller than the existing 52ft Seawind 1600 Passagemaker and recent 45ft 1370 models, it’s still intended as a capable ocean cruising multihull , with bright and comfortable accommodation.

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The owner’s cabin in the port hull benefits from a queen size athwartships double berth that creates much more of a feeling of space than many catamarans of this size. Equally, the starboard forward guest cabin has a queen size bed, while there’s a smaller double to be found aft. Unusually, the galley is down in the starboard hull, leaving space for a full-width saloon with navstation.

A pair of big opening hatches in the front of the coachroof are supported on gas struts, while a tri-fold door that swings upwards to sit against the underside of the hard top creates a wide opening between cockpit and saloon.

A tri-fold door swings upwards out of the way to create a large opening between cockpit and saloon

Stowage on deck includes three large lockers at the front of the bridgedeck, plus further space under the seating in the aft cockpit.

Tankage is also generous at around 500lt for both fuel and water.

The first two prototype 1170s are already afloat, with one of them having been tested in 30-35 knots of head winds and waves of up to 4-5m waves. “Even though we were pushing it hard to test its limits,” designer and Seawind founder Richard Ward reported afterwards, “it felt strong and safe and very dry, even as we crashed off the back of the short, sharp waves.”

Production boats will be built at Seawind’s new factory in Izmir, Turkey, with the first expected to be afloat in mid 2024. This location, a modern city of five million people on the eastern shores of the Aegean, reflects the yard’s desire to capture more of the European market.

Seawind 1170 specifications

LOA: 11.90m 39ft 3in Beam: 6.50m 21ft 4in Draught: 1.20m 3ft 9in Displacement: 9,200kg 20,200lb Price: $US510,000 Builder: seawindcats.com

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The Seawind 1160 is built in Australia and is the newest addition to the fleet of mid size cruisers from Down Under. She has expanded on the concept of an open floor plan - cockpit/saloon, but also successfully allows the bridge deck to be closed in and secured by an innovative trifold-mechanism door arrangement, which stows the doors into the fiberglass bimini overhead. As a result one gains an unequaled living space, but at the same time enjoys the security of a conventional catamaran layout. The Seawind's accommodations below are well thought out: a queen-sized island bed (unusual for multihulls less than 45') and the availability of a 3- or 4-cabin layout. This performance cruiser also enjoys the ease of a self-tacking jib and a flared hull shape with ample buoyancy. No wonder that the Seawind 1160 is in demand from bareboat rental fleets as well as skippered charter operators.

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Where are seawind catamarans built?

Seawind Catamarans are built in Australia, specifically in Sydney and Wollongong.

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Seawind 1370

Description

The Seawind 1370 , a 45 footer, builds on the success of the  42 foot Seawind 1260.

Designed by François PERUS and Romain SCOLARI of the Yacht Design Collective (who are the team behind the ITA 14.99), it’s a fine looking boat with sleek boxy lines and reverse bows, influenced by the Seawind 1600 which has a more refined look than its predecessors. With that longeron, she is starting to look like a Gunboat. This yacht will be competing with the likes of the Catana Ocean Class (which probably sits between this boat and the Seawind 1600)

It’s a Seller The new model was designed from the ground up, and has had a very successful launch. Seawind have filled up their order book for the next 5 years.  The Australian manufacturer has built over 700 boats in the 35-42ft range, and this is their first “mid-range” cat.

The Seawind 1370 has gone for a galley-up design like the 1600, with an Open design with saloon, galley, cockpit and helms all on one level. They have opted for the usual Seawind mix of performance and comfort that is comparable to a Nautitech. It’s more of a fast cruising cat than a performance cat. Even so, this is built with a completely different philosophy to something like the Bali Catspace which is targeted squarely at the charter market. The 1370 is targeted at owners setting off on long passages.

The boat weighs in at 11 tonnes–very light for a 45-footer, and she will soak up weight well for longer passages. She is available in 4 configurations: 3 cabins/2 heads, 3 cabins/3 heads, 4 cabins/2 heads and 4 cabins/4 heads.

• Light and nippy (11 tonnes light)
• Constructed using Closed Cell PVC Foam (no balsa)
• Good load carrying capability
• Points well upwind for a keel cat
• Fully protected helms
• Sheets, reefs and halyards lead aft to electric winches at the helms
• A low boom that hugs the coachroof: it’s easy to access the mainsail, and this keeps the centre of effort low making a for seaworthy boat in a blow.
• Open plan living maximises the living space.
• Above average finish for a production cat.
• Great ventilation at anchor with 2 forward windows that open right up.
• Forward facing nav station
• Lots of solar power negating the need for a generator
• Good value. Seawinds are built in Vietnam.
• Visibility from the helm. Seawind have worked hard on this with sliding windows in front of the helm and clean sight lines, but the bottom line is that you helm from inside. That’s your compromise for all that protection from the elements. There are clear panes above the helms to check the sails and you can perch on the deck beside the helm but it is more enclosed than the 1260 and 1600 which has more “half in, half out” helms.
• No visibility of the mainsail from the saloon.
• In marinas, you are going to be running between those helms to check your distances. Whatever anyone says, you won’t trust your judgement looking through glass.
• The outside dining area is pretty small for a 45 footer.

Seawinds are known for their sailing ability and the 1370 shouldn’t disappoint on that front. She comes with an 80 sqm square top mainsail and a 36 sqm self tacker. They have moved the mast back on this design versus previous models which gives you a more powerful jib and a nicely balanced sail set up (which is an old Prout trick by the way).

The 1370 has fixed keels so she won’t point as high as a daggerboard cat like the Balance 482 but she’s no slouch upwind, particularly when the wind freshens up.

Balanced Sail Plan The larger jib is somewhere between a traditional self tacking solent and a manual tacking genoa which will help in lighter winds without having to fly sails off the bowsprit. At only 11 tonnes, she will get going quickly.

The boom on the Seawind 1370 is low which lowers the centre of effort of the mainsail: all helping her seaworthiness and it also helps to improve the ride. The hull shape has been designed to reduce pitching and give you a smoother motion through the waves.

The hulls are chimed (a design feature perfected by Catana and something that has evolved from the 1600) to give you more living space, particularly in the aft cabin. The hulls are still slender and that means they will still slip through the water nicely.

Bridgedeck clearance is a decent 0.85m with a little wave breaker to help disperse wave energy in a seaway. The weight distribution (fuel, water etc) has been kept low, following the Seawind design DNA.

Fully Protected Helms….the Seawind Way The helm position is typically Seawind: fully protected with views forward through the saloon. All working lines lead back to the helm with 2 winches and clutches at each helm station. If you want even further protection, you can head to the forward facing nav station in the saloon. With covers and clears up, you can extend your protected area all of the way back.

Clear panels above the helms give you a view of your sails from the helm seat and if you want to go for more sailing feel, you can perch on the side of the deck and helm from there. It is noticeable that the design is more enclosed than the 1600 or even the 1260 which has more “half in, half out” double helms.

Options for your sail locker include a screecher, flown off the end of the longeron, gennaker and a spinnaker,

Construction

The 1370 is constructed using PVC closed cell foam: no balsa is used unlike some of the more popular French production catamarans. The hulls are reinforced with a combination of E-Glass and carbon fibre and the bow area has a skin of kevlar to protect against impact. This catamaran has been designed to be a tough boat for world cruising.

Living Space

The saloon and aft cockpit are on one level and the whole space opens up creating one big living platform. There are some nice touches here, like the breakfast bar that extends off the galley into the aft cockpit. The saloon table sits to port and a U-shaped galley is starboard behind the forward facing nav station.

Good Flow There’s a nice flow to the design with the starboard steps down into the hulls further forward. The forward windows open right up to maximise the ventilation at anchor.

It’s not huge in the saloon compared to other production cats, but that’s because the saloon is tucked behind the mast which is in itself positioned further back to balance the sail plan. That keeps the weight off the bow remember, you can’t have everything.

When you open the whole area up, however, there is plenty of space.

Thanks to those inboard and outboard chimes, there’s also plenty of room down below for such a nippy cat, particularly in the master cabin forward but also in the aft cabin(s) where you have a full double berth.

With over 2m of head height throughout the 1370, this is a boat that feels roomy down below. The master cabin has a big double arranged athwartships with views over the sea and plenty of ventilation.

3 Cabin 2 Heads version

The coachroof will fit 1900W of solar, more than they currently fit on the 1600. With an option for lithium batteries from Mastervolt, you can provide all of the power you need by running your engines every now and then to top up your batteries. This includes being able to run stuff like A/C, induction stove tops, electric oven and a microwave.

The standard power unit is twin Yanmar 40HP sail drives with an option to upgrade to 45HP, and maybe even 57s which have the same block size as the 45s. It’s worth the upgrade as you’ll get the same boat speed with less revs and with a lower fuel burn for a minimal weight penalty.

Is there an option for daggerboards? No. The 1370 has been designed as a robust world cruiser. She’s not bad upwind though.

What size dinghy is optimal for the 1370? Seawind are recommending a 3.6m tender

What is the Price of a Seawind 1370? How much does this catamaran cost? We will state our usual qualifier, which is that the price will heavily depend on the options you go for, but to give you an idea, you will start the conversation at around US$700,000 ex tax. Add around $150k for options. It is competitively priced against other cruising catamarans.

We really like the look of the Seawind 1370 and there are some nice design touches on this catamaran. Seawind have obviously focused on the detail, an example being the design of the anchor and bridle system. She looks a great compromise between comfort and performance and has been built to withstand some knocks.

I’d need to test out that helm position and visibility sailing and when in the marina. She is going to be easy to back into a berth with dual controls for the engines- it’s more manoeuvring around the marina and trimming your sails that I’d want to test. Your only problem might be getting hold of one, as the demand for this new design has been so high.

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Seawind 1600 Boat Review

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: July 20, 2020

One of the things I like best about baseball is watching a batter swing for the fences, and at the crack of the bat, he knows that he can afford to take a leisurely jog around the bases because he just hit the sweet spot.

I had that same kind of feeling one day this past February when I stepped from the dinghy onto the transom steps of the new Seawind 1600 catamaran . Right away, I knew I was about to go for one fine sail—and on a near-perfect day to boot. Blue sky. Thirteen knots of breeze. Could it get better? Not until the sails were up.

Built in Vietnam, at 52 feet LOA the 1600 is ­Seawind’s largest catamaran. It was ­designed by Reichel Pugh as a luxury catamaran with equal measures of cruising comfort and sailing performance. Let’s talk about the sailing first.

The 1600 sports a square-top full-batten main and solent rig with a screecher for light-air reaching and a self-tacking jib for heavier breezes or sailing upwind. There’s an option for an inner forestay and furling storm jib, and also a sprit for flying a spinnaker, which we did on our test sail (more on that in a moment).

Headsail sheets are led to winches adjacent to each helm station. There is no traveler. Instead there are two mainsheets that run through blocks on either side of the stern and then to a central winch on the transom, where reefing lines are also led. This mainsheet arrangement provides lots of control over a big and ­powerful sail.

On a beam reach with the screecher set, our GPS speed hovered in the high 7-knot range, and when the chute went up, so did our speed, to 8.5 knots and a little higher in any puff we caught. The 1600 uses Lewmar Mamba steering, and the helms felt as smooth as could be. Headed ­upwind and home, we rolled out the self-tacking jib and still made a respectable 6.6 knots, and thanks to ­retractable ­daggerboards, were able to point quite well.

So now, on to the comforts.

The Seawind comes in either a three- or four-cabin layout. On this boat, the owner’s hull was to starboard and included a queen bunk aft, lots of storage, and a spacious head and shower up at the pointy end. The opposite hull had two cabins. The forward one felt a bit narrow because of the fine entry of the bows, but still, it had a double berth and adequate storage space. The aft cabin had two single berths and a filler that turned them into a double. A shared head was amidships.

With windows all around, the saloon was a bright and sunny place to be. ­Opening ports forward allow a breeze to blow through, and large ­sliding windows at the ­aft-facing ­galley permit the cook to join any party ­taking place at the large dining ­table located to starboard out in the cockpit. There’s an ­indoor table with U-shaped seating as well to port of a ­forward-facing nav station.

The cockpit is covered by a Bimini that is supported by stainless posts aft and short carbon-fiber risers forward. It provides lots of shade, and the breeze blows through the space between the hard awning and cabin top. This space can be closed off, as can the cockpit sides and back with clear panels. Eight solar panels sit atop the Bimini and keep the battery bank fed (though AGM batteries are standard, the boat we sailed had an ­optional lithium-ion system).

Furniture throughout the boat is built using a honeycomb foam core and ­veneers to save weight and for strength. Hulls, deck and Bimini are all cored and infused using vinyl ester resin. An outside layer of Kevlar is added to the hulls for protection and to strengthen the areas around the daggerboards; carbon fiber reinforces the chainplates, bulkheads and stiffeners.

For power, the 1600 comes standard with 57 hp Yanmar diesels; the boat in Miami had a pair of optional 80 hp Yanmars that pushed us along at just over 8 knots at cruising speed and better than 9 in get-home-fast mode. With the larger engines and lots of other options, the 1600 carries a price tag of right around $1.2 million, delivered to the US East Coast. For that, you can enjoy your own sweet spot.

Mark Pillsbury is CW ’s editor.

• More: catamaran , multihull , print june july 2020 , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , seawind
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Seawind Catamarans

Cruising catamarans for real sailors.

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Seawind Catamarans has enjoyed a stellar reputation of building performance cruising catamarans for over 35 years. Their success is due to their simple design philosophy - to build catamarans that sail exceptionally well, are engineered to the highest quality, can be sailed by anyone, and provide safety and comfort to those aboard. To that end, Seawind made a decision very early on to build catamarans with a focus on cruising couples and families.

All Seawinds are engineered to offshore standards utilizing innovative technologies and materials to create a strong, safe, and reliable boat. The narrower hull designs cut through the water efficiently, getting you to your destination faster and the lines and controls are led back to the cockpit optimizing these boats for solo or short-handed operation. The only twin helm design in the world that offers unrivaled protection from the harsh sun, rain, and wind by being located behind a major bulkhead. Add to this the panoramic windows that give you complete visibility and the flexibility to steer from either side of the boat when sailing so you can properly trim your sails or dock with an optimal twin engine control.

A very generous cockpit allows for a multitude of options. On the Seawind 1160 and 1190 models, add some foldaway deck chairs and a table, use the cockpit as a work area, set up equipment, or clean a freshly caught fish for dinner. The 1260, 1370, and 1600 models offer traditional lounge and seating spaces in the cockpit with built in tables for comfort while making way or entertaining on the dock or hook. The Seawind 1600 offers a sliding door system with opening windows, and all other models offer the innovative tri-fold door system to seamlessly tie the inside and outside living spaces together. The extra-large opening windows in the saloon, hatches and cabins on all of the Seawind models create outstanding ventilation and natural lighting.

The open galley on the Seawind 1160, 1190 and 1260 down in the starboard hull is similar to a Butler’s Pantry. It is completely separate from the living area and no space is wasted; creating a larger galley with storage and prep space. This results in a lounge/living area equal to that of a 50-footer. The Seawind 1370 and 1600 have a galley on the main level tied in seamlessly with the saloon living area. Regardless of style, these galleys make cooking a delight!

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Innovating Since 1984

HISTORY Corsair Marine International is a lightweight composite trimaran sailboat builder that specializes in building trailerable trimarans. Originally located in San Diego, California, the company was founded in 1984 by John Walton (son of Sam Walton, founder of the retail giant, Wal Mart) to build and market the Corsair F-27 trailerable trimaran designed by Ian Farrier.

The world's most popular folding and trailerable trimarans

Almost immediately, this new design was a huge success. The sailing public loved the versatility of this new trimaran with its patented folding mechanism allowing the Corsair sailboats to be easily folded to a width that enabled it to be trailered behind a family car or fit a regular marina berth. Once extended to its full width for sailing, this sailing trimaran design proved itself as an incredible performance sailboat.

Over the next decade, new designs were added and the company expanded to offer a full range of folding trimarans from 24ft through to 37ft.

The popularity of these amazing designs continued to grow – both in the United States and beyond with dealers appointed worldwide.

In 2006, Corsair Marine relocated its headquarters and production facilities from San Diego, California to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. Chosen for its central location, political stability, booming economy and large pool of talented labor, a number of key staff relocated to Vietnam from California to facilitate the migration of the business and the setting up and running of the factory.

Seawind Catamarans acquires Corsair Marine International

In October 2010, the company was purchased by Seawind Catamarans, Australia’s most prolific and successful designer and builder of performance cruising catamarans. Seawind Catamarans is the world leader in performance cruising sailing catamarans and exports its designs all over the globe. With over 30 years experience manufacturing and designing multihulls, the company has grown from strength to strength since its inception in 1982 when owner and Managing Director, Richard Ward started building ‘off the beach’ catamarans. As an experienced yachtsman and ocean racer, Richard built Seawind Catamarans up from grass roots but always with a philosophy of building safe, strong and great performing sailing boats ideal for bay or serious “blue water” sailing.

When Corsair Marine was acquired in 2010, the new owner commented,  “This is a marriage made in heaven. Both companies have products and manufacturing processes that strongly complement each other; For Corsair Marine and Seawind Catamarans, this signals new growth opportunities in the manufacturing and sales distribution areas and our loyal Seawind Catamarans customers will benefit in technology transfers as well as cost benefits of a larger overall manufacturing base and the integration of some common componentry while our Corsair Marine customers will gain benefits from strong management and greater financial strength. It’s an incredibly good fit for both companies allowing us to expand and remain competitive in a global market. Both brand products benefit from each other’s special expertise with a significant transfer of ideas, systems and personnel .”

The History of Corsair Marine

A successful past, a bright future.

A SUCCESSFUL PAST Throughout the history of Corsair Marine, our dedicated team of trimaran dealers continue to represent and service Corsair Marine’s trimaran sailboats in 6 regions of the USA and 20 further locations around the world including Europe, Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Throughout North America where large fleets are found in most States, ask a Corsair Marine trimaran dealer to show you first hand why the Corsair trimarans are the most versatile trailerable trimarans existing today.

A BRIGHT FUTURE The company has impressively built more than 2,500 trimarans through its global dealership network and continues to be innovative with new trimaran designs and construction methods. All Corsair trimarans are manufactured by hand using high tech composite construction and vacuum resin techniques in which it is a world leader. The Seawind Catamarans Groups continues its policy of constant improvement to increase its high standards of quality and design for which the Corsair Marine trimarans have always been associated.

A growing and dedicated team

The combined entities of Corsair Marine International and Seawind Catamarans employ more than 300 incredibly skilled and dedicated staff with both brands manufactured in the continuously expanding factory headquarters of HCM City, Vietnam.

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Why a Seawind

Benefits of a catamaran.

At Seawind catamarans we are regularly asked “Convince me why I should buy a catamaran instead of a monohull”. Like everything else, there are pluses and there are minuses and we try to give the person a balanced answer.

Of course, the benefits and compromises of owning a catamaran are more or less compelling for different people depending on their circumstances and their sailing ambitions. However, a growing number of sailors are coming down heavily one side and becoming firm catamaran converts.

Many converted ex monohull sailors are now passionate advocates of two hulls over one. For the cruising sailors, the advantages are simply too great to ignore.

We have witnessed amazing changes to how families sail together on a catamaran. For many families the catamaran has meant the kids can bring their friends without overcrowding the boat. Guests do not have to be yachties to enjoy the day and entertaining can be done with style and without stress.

The most compelling argument of all must be this: monohull sailors are converting to catamarans by the truckload. It is rare to hear of any of these ever going back. Once you become a catamaran sailor, you are hooked for life.

Seawind Catamarans has over 40 years experience manufacturing and designing cruising catamarans. We have grown from strength to strength since our inception in 1982 when multihull owner and CEO, Richard Ward, started building off the beach catamarans.

Design Philosophy

Designed to allow couples and families to cruise in safety and comfort through the use of innovative design, quality of finish, outstanding performance & sea handling ability, every Seawind catamaran is the product of a passionate and dedicated team of sailing professionals.

Seawind’s range of cruising catamarans are designed by Australians, uniquely for the purpose of allowing couples or families with limited or no cruising experience to safely and comfortably explore the bays, coastlines and islands and between Australia, Asia and across the Pacific.

Driven by renown founder and Australian cruiser Richard Ward, every Seawind model is capable of tackling the world’s oceans.

Richard and his team follow a simple successful formula – without compromise to build the best example of what a bluewater cruising boat should be, and allow anybody to feel safe and at home, regardless of the conditions, for extended time aboard…

The Australian coast line is one of the world's most demanding in the world and the Seawind range is designed specifically to handle the toughest of offshore conditions.

SEAWIND DESIGN

Why a seawind.

Learn more about how we design out catamarans and why we do things the way we do by watching our Seawind Catamarans design video series.

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