On Friday evening the 13^th of November, the annual Illawarra Business Awards gala dinner was held with close to 1,000 people attending, representing the business leaders of the region.

Seawind Catamarans were awarded “Best Exporter” for the outstanding export sales over the past 12 months, in defiance of a battered marine industry globally. The company’s export sales totaled $5.5 million in 2009, with the percentage of exports to domestic sales consistently increasing over the past 4 years to approximately 40% of sales.

This is a result of new markets being developed in the Caribbean and Europe, with two new Seawind 1160’s being sent to the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean and to La Spezia in Italy, plus a rigorous boat show schedule participating in 15 overseas boat shows per year, while continuously expanding the dealer networks in established export markets such as the USA.

The company’s innovative marketing approach was also noted with the Seawind Cruising Club Series including rallies in California USA, Mexico and the Bahamas in 2009.

The award comes following the recent launch of the new 41ft Seawind 1250 at the Seawind Pittwater Regatta in late October which was very well received and strong sales already confirmed.