SEAWIND CATAMARANS: 40 YEARS OF SAILING EXCELLENCE

For four decades, the name Seawind has been synonymous with quality, innovation, and a passion for crafting exceptional cruising catamarans. What began as a dream in a small Australian shipyard has grown into a globally recognized brand, synonymous with adventure, comfort, and the freedom of the open ocean.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion:

The Seawind story began in 1982 when founder Richard Ward, driven by his love of sailing and entrepreneurial spirit, saw a gap in the market for high-quality yet affordable cruising catamarans. Working from a small factory in Sydney, his first creations were beach cats and small trailerable cruising catamarans that quickly gained popularity for their performance and value.

• Maricat (Early 1980s): These 4-5 meter catamarans, built “off the beach”, became a common sight on Australian waters. The success of the Maricat laid the foundation for Seawind’s future growth.
• Seawind 33 (1984): This early model solidified Seawind’s commitment to comfortable cruising catamarans. Its spacious cockpit and practical interior were well-received.
• Seawind 24 (1987): This revolutionary design became a benchmark for small cruising catamarans, achieving global success with over 350 hulls built. Its affordability, performance, and ease of handling made it a favorite for both beginners and experienced sailors.
• Seawind 1000 (1988): Capitalizing on the success of the 24, the Seawind 1000 offered a larger, more spacious platform for extended cruising, setting the stage for larger models to come.

Innovation Takes the Helm (1990s-2000s):

Seawind relocated to larger premises in Wollongong and continued to innovate, with a focus on larger cruising catamarans designed for offshore adventures.

• Seawind 850 (1991): Launched during a global recession, the 850 defied the odds with its focus on comfort and livability. This model proved that even during challenging times, Seawind remained committed to pushing the boundaries of design and catering to the needs of cruising sailors.
• Seawind 1000 (1994): A refined version of its predecessor, this model won the prestigious “Australian Sailboat of the Year” award, solidifying Seawind’s position as a leader in the industry.
• Seawind 1200 (1998): This 40-foot catamaran marked a significant milestone, showcasing Seawind’s expertise in designing and building luxurious blue-water cruisers. Its success paved the way for larger and even more luxurious models.

• Seawind 1050 Resort (1998): This model demonstrated Seawind’s versatility by catering to the commercial charter market. It provided a stable, spacious platform for day trips, showcasing the company’s ability to adapt designs for different needs.
• Seawind 1160 (2004): This innovative design cleverly combined aspects of the 1000 and 1200, creating a spacious yet manageable catamaran that quickly became a favorite among cruising sailors.
• Seawind 1000XL (2007): This model demonstrated Seawind’s dedication to continuous improvement, offering enhanced performance, comfort, and a modernized design.

• Seawind 1000XL2 (2010): Building on the success of the 1000XL, this model featured a redesigned interior with a raised saloon roof, providing even more headroom and natural light. It also incorporated performance enhancements, including a new rig and sail plan.
• Seawind 1250 (2011): Building on the success of the 1200, the Seawind 1250 offered even more space and luxury, featuring a refined interior, a larger galley, and enhanced sailing performance.
• Seawind 1160 Lite (2014): This model offered a simplified and more affordable version of the popular 1160, making Seawind ownership more accessible to a wider range of sailors.
• Seawind 1600 (2015): Representing a new era of luxury for Seawind, the 1600 showcased their ability to create world-class cruising catamarans with cutting-edge technology, sleek aesthetics, and unparalleled living spaces.
• Seawind 1190 Sport (2017): Designed for performance-oriented sailors, the 1190 Sport combined a lightweight construction with a powerful sail plan and a sporty aesthetic, making it a thrilling catamaran to sail.
• Seawind 1260 (2018): This award-winning design perfectly balanced performance, comfort, and ease of handling, attracting both experienced cruisers and those new to catamaran sailing.
• Seawind 1370 (2020): This elegant and spacious model caters to those seeking the ultimate in comfortable long-distance cruising. Its intelligent design features maximize living spaces and create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living. Built in the Saigon Shipyard, the 1370 showcases the facility’s capability to produce large and complex catamarans.

Seawind Today: A Global Network of Craftsmanship & Support

Today, Seawind is a truly international operation, boasting a network of manufacturing facilities and service centers strategically positioned across the globe:

• Saigon Shipyard, Vietnam: Seawind’s primary production facility is a testament to the company’s commitment to advanced manufacturing. This state-of-the-art shipyard in Vietnam, with its skilled workforce of over 600 employees, utilizes the latest technologies and techniques to build Seawind catamarans to the highest standards.

Global Service Network: Seawind understands that owning a catamaran is about more than just the purchase. To provide exceptional support for its customers, Seawind operates dedicated Service Centers in key locations, including Thailand, Australia, and Turkey. The company is also finalizing plans to open a new Service Center on the East Coast of the US, further expanding its commitment to customer satisfaction.

A New Chapter: The Turkish Expansion & the Seawind 1170:

In 2021, Seawind marked a significant milestone with the opening of a brand-new, state-of-the-art production facility in Turkey. This strategic move not only allows Seawind to better serve its growing European clientele but also strengthens its global manufacturing capabilities. The Turkish facility’s first accomplishment was the launch of the Seawind 1170, a model designed for effortless bluewater cruising, further cementing Seawind’s dedication to innovation and comfort.

• Seawind 1170 (2021): Designed for effortless bluewater cruising, the 1170 emphasizes comfort and simplicity without compromising performance.

Values That Set Sail:

Through four decades of growth and expansion, Seawind has stayed true to the core values upon which it was founded:

• Quality Without Compromise: Every Seawind catamaran is built to the highest standards, using premium materials and rigorous construction techniques to ensure lasting durability and reliability.
• Innovation That Matters: From pioneering designs to the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies, Seawind continuously seeks new and better ways to enhance the sailing experience.
• A Passion for the Journey: Seawind understands that a catamaran is more than just a boat; it’s a vessel for creating unforgettable memories and exploring the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Setting Course for the Future:

As Seawind embarks on its next 40 years, the company is driven by the same spirit of adventure and dedication to excellence that has defined its journey thus far. With its expanding global reach, commitment to innovation, and unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, Seawind is perfectly positioned to continue its legacy as a global leader in the world of cruising catamarans.