Seawind

Our first brush with a Seawind catamaran was in 1983 when the original Seawind 24 made its way into the local sailing scene in Singapore and with much chagrin, carted off the most prestigious Tatler Trophy at the peak of the Northeast Monsoon. As they say, all good things spring from humble beginnings and today the Seawind marque are well respected true blue ocean cruisers.

Our most recent exploit with a Seawind, 6 Days, 780nm's, SW1260 delivery from Nha Trang, Vietnam to Singapore. This allowed us a lot of time to get a good feel for the 1260 'offshore' as well as collect a fair bit of data. The delivery occurred mainly due to the exorbitant shipping fees currently in place. So instead of shipping their 1260 back to the UK, the owners decided to sail deliver to Singapore and then kick-off their worldly adventure from Singapore. This was just towards the end of lock-downs but there were still numerous restrictions in place that added to the complexity of paper work!

The story is here,

1600

1370

1260

1190

1160

RESORT

Seawind's range of catamarans encompasses 52, 45, 41, 38 and 36 foot platforms. The 1100 series is the stalwart of the marque with a high proportion of these circumnavigating the globe and if the small boats can cope with that, then the 52 is going to make short work of it! Seawind's seaworthy reputation is the result of countless hours of crossing some of the most treacherous seas. Richard Ward, owner of Seawind used the Bass Straits and the Tasman Sea as his playground. The thousands of accumulated sea miles was the breeding grounds for what has become Seawinds DNA, slim hulls that are easily driven, robust monocoque construction that wraps ergonomics shaped by time onboard.

SEAWIND 1600

From the onset the 1600 was designed as a performance craft that was capable of ocean passages in a safe, sure-footed and comfortable manner. The 1600 appeals to the owner who can appreciate the more delicate helm feel that only a dagger board design can offer. Currently we have 1600 for viewing right here in sunny Singapore. Click on the images below for more info'...

Polar diagram

Very few cats will give you the polar parameters, such was the emphasis from the start to create a performance platform. A clean-sheet design from Reichel Pugh the big Seawind encapsulates the best attribute of a performance cat and wraps them with Seawinds seastately manners. @0 knots at 100 degrees true wind, that should get you there quick enough!

1600 on deck

The passage from the cockpit to the forward trampoline area is a flat runway no toe-bashing obstructions. Visually, you can't even tell that the platform has high aspect daggerboards as these are captive with no through-deck cavity as with most performance multi's.

1600 below deck

One of the clever details not readily apparent is the generous interior volume of the hulls. The 1600 has a performance shape but in the cross-section the hull has been shifted off vertical so that the outer surface of the hull is vertical while the inner side lies more atan angle. This clever orientation created more interior volume while not impacting the performance-critical hull:beam ratio for maximised speed.

1600 runway

Wide, flat, unobstructed. The decks make access around the platform safe, sure footed and easy. This is as equally important for professional crews as it is for recreational guests.
The lower sidestay is terminated right next to the hatch of the daggerbaord onto the carbon ring frame while the upper sidestay terminates on a chainplate on the outer vertical surface of the hull. Splitting the sidestays in this manner creates more room on the runway and keeps the lower sidestay in a more vertical plane for better distribution of rig loads into the structure.
With the captive daggerboard wells, there are no cavities in the 1600's decks.

Retractable

Lift the hatch, lift the rudder and shallow grounds are all yours. The beauty of a multihull is its shallow draft. With retracable daggerboards and rudders, the 1600 can float where others can't. Leave the hatch open and it is possible to navigate shallow waters while retaining rudder control.

Windscreen

There is some debate about raked versus upright windscreens... Asthetically, it looks more pleasing to have raked screens. The question about heat soak, in the marina, screen blinds and air-conditioning make short work of the soak.
But, the real benefit in this case is the fact that from this desk you have a full view of the sails, that includes a full view of the mainsail. So for those of us into trimming accurately this is the plus that upright screens can't offer.

1600 central pod

The central control pod on the aft beam has all the control lines coming up to a central winch that has great work space all around it. Uncluttered and safe and clean.
The twin benches to either side of the winch are the rope bins!

Now serving

While the wife drives, anyone can prepare a meal! One of Seawind's hallmark traits is their use of indoor/outdoor areas and finding ways to combine the spaces. This little nook on the 1600 is one of the nicest spaces on the boat as the world swooshes by!
At anchor, the large opening will allow all the air from within to escape and as soon the cabin hatches are opened, the exchange of air is rapid with owners commenting that it's really not necessary to use the air-conditioninhg on most oaccasssions.

Twins

As with all performance craft, twin helm stations are a must! In the case of the 1600 both helm stations offer great protection from the elements and an unimpeded 360 view of the platform and surrounds.
If you wish to sit as you would in a raceboat - sit on the outside of the seat. If you want protection, sit on the inside of the seat. It's a real simple solution!

Salon

The bridge deck salon on the 1600 is one of the most impressive of all the cruising cats and particularly those on the 50' category. Expansive and very comfortable in the bay or underway the 1600 is built to perform.

Evolution

Ten years ago, 1600 interiors looked less modern and more classic. Evolution is a good thing and while the interior furnishings and loyout have evolved, the good aspects have been retained. The unimpeded view of the sails offered by the raked windscreens remains as a big plus from current owners and the opening hatches to create that all important air flow throughout.

Discover the 1600. Click images for more info'.

Ample amenities that don't encroach on the performance critical hull length:hull beam ratio.

A first for a cruising cat. Performance polar diagram.

SEAWIND 1370

The 1370 breaks new design grounds for Seawind and since being annouced, it has gone on to become one of the most sort-after cruising cats with paid orders already exceeding 60 units! The crisp design, copious interior and Seawind's enviable reputation as a blue water boat conspire to make this a sales success.

1370 clean and crisp

Like a new suit! A departure from the steadfast Seawind models, at 45' she sits perfectly between the 1600 and the 1260. The interior space almost rivals the 1600 while its a big performance step away from the 1260.

1370 outdoor indoor

Modern ergonomics surround the traditional low stance Seawind helm. The fully protected helm station that allows an uninterrupted 360 view of the proceedings. The helm station has been purposely kept low to keep the low centre of gravity for safe and comfortable passage making. The cockpit area becomes a part of the entertainment area with Seawind's patented sliding, folding, retracting doors.

1370 entertaining

The patented Seawind door system brings the great outdoors, inside! With the doors retracted, the entertainment area is virtually doubled and yet when the weather is bad, the salon can be secured into a cosy space.

1370 comfort

Clever use of the bridgedeck to hull join allows the 1370 to have the cabin space normally only offered by much larger craft. Tasteful appointments adorn the interior and coupled with mood lighting, create wonderful spaces the play on light in a very fresh way.

1370 amenities

Perus the designer has created a truly wonderful design that is framed by Seawinds legendry seaworthy attributes. This is one tough, good looking boat.

Discover the beauty of what became the internet hit, "Ruby Rose".

Modern design has endowed this Seawind with a voluminous interior space to rival much larger craft with layouts to suit varied useage.

SEAWIND 1260

Part of the award can be attributed to Seawind's easily driven hulls. The basis for a performance catamaran platform starts with the hull length:hull beam ratio. Fat hulls have volume and rob speed. Seawind have kept their hulls as slim as possible to allow them to slice through the water while the living volume is palced into the hull flair above the waterline for the best compromise on space versus performance. We have a new 1260 arriving in Singapore in the first half of 2022, let's hope the borders are open so we can all stretch our sea legs!

1260 Hardtop

The hardtop is a winner. Not only does it protect the twim helm stations but also creates a huge living space where the outdoors can connect to the indoors.

Seawind frsh air

One of the greatest features of all Seawinds is the use of hatches throughout to generate air flow. This is easpecially so on the bridgedeck where the forward facing hatches can all allow the fresh air in. Most often, the airconditioning is not really required.

Low CoG

Seawind keep the design with a low on the Centre of Gravity. This is a deliberate practice as it really comes into its ownwhen sailing in rough conditions. This low centre is not only safer but is far more comfortable.

Uniterrupted views

Not only is the helm low on the CoG and fully protected, it also has an uninterrupted view of the four corners of the platform. Whether docking or crunching the numbers while blasting along, having a surronding view adds confidence to passage making. Sit on the helmseat for comfort. Perch on the coaming for the wind in the hair feeling or stand to the side and be totally out of the elements.

Locked down

Seawind's patented three-way doors can secure the salon area offering privacy and security when required.

Below decks

Clever use of space creates comfortable spaces. Seawinds are 'narrow' hulls so all the amenities are designed to maximise living space without interfering with the hull beam so that the platform remains a delight to sail.

Galley down

A great feature of the 1260 is the galley down arrangement that does not detract from the spac e available in the salon. The galley is located in the most airy part of the hull where the headroom is greatest. The large windows offer plenty of light while opening hatches within the ports keep good ventialtion flowing throughout.

Boat Of The Year 2019 but evolved from years of blue water tradition

Seawind's patented door system allows the salon to join the cockpit for a hugeb entertainment space. From the helm, all four corners of the yacht are visible.