Next-Generation Seawind 1160XL To Launch at Sydney Boat Show 2025
August 28, 2025 | mhcadmin
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Sydney, Australia – 26 August 2025
Seawind Catamarans Unveils All-New 1160 XL: The Evolution of a Legend
Complete redesign of proven offshore performer features over 30 major improvements.
Seawind Catamarans and Australian distributors Multihull Central today announced the launch of the highly anticipated next generation Seawind 1160 XL at the upcoming Sydney International Boat Show in November.
A complete evolution of the award-winning 1160 design that has dominated the 38-foot performance cruising catamaran market for over two decades and building on the success of more than 200 Seawind 1160s sailing worldwide – with hundreds of ocean crossings and multiple world circumnavigations to their credit – the new 1160 XL incorporates over 30 major design improvements while retaining all the offshore capabilities and simplicity that made the original a global phenomenon.
The new styling aligns the 1160 XL with Seawind’s award-winning 1170 and 1370 models, both recent Boat of the Year winners, creating a cohesive modern design language across the range.
A full video overview is available here: FIRST LOOK: Seawind 1160 XL – Evolution of a Game Changing Catamaran
Enhanced Performance Through Proven Innovation
The 1160 XL features significant dimensional increases, with overall length expanded by 180mm to 11.83 meters (38’10”) and beam increased by 120mm to 6.6 meters. Most significantly, each hull gains 60mm in width, dramatically increasing buoyancy, load-carrying capacity, and interior volume throughout.
“The 1160 reached 20 years in production in 2024, proving the fundamental layout remains the best possible for a performance cruising catamaran,” said Richard Ward, CEO of Seawind Catamarans. “Rather than starting over, we’ve evolved this proven design with modern technology while staying true to the fundamentals that made it legendary.”
Working with renowned marine architect Stuart Bloomfield, the design team developed striking reverse bows that provide substantially more forward buoyancy, reduce hobby-horsing, and drive the boat more efficiently when sailing upwind close-hauled. The wider transom design prevents stern suction under speed, keeping hulls flat and powering through the water efficiently.
Critical for bluewater sailing, wingdeck clearance increases by 90mm, while the forward beam and trampolines sit 250mm higher, dramatically reducing wave impact in rough conditions. The optimized sail plan features a larger 60-square-meter mainsail and increased jib area, with extended jib tracks providing better sail shape when running deep downwind.
Category A Offshore Certification as Standard
The 1160 XL meets ISO Category A offshore standards – the highest rating for unlimited ocean sailing. Standard safety equipment includes four-strand guardrails at 800mm high, flatter deck areas to reduce slips, and 60mm wider side decks for safer crew movemen
Enhanced safety features include molded toe rails meeting latest CE standards, a new side gate for safer boarding access, and a more vertical transom face improving aft access security. All rigging runs back to the cockpit, minimizing the need for crew to work forward in challenging conditions.
Revolutionary Interior Volume
The beam increase creates massive interior volume gains felt throughout every living space. Level floors eliminate the traditional step-down into forward cabins, while more upright saloon windows provide greater head height and improved visibility.
Accommodation includes three genuine cabins with queen-sized berths. The aft starboard cabin now features a proper 1990mm x 1230mm double bed, utilizing the additional beam where couples need it most. The enlarged starboard forward bathroom and main owner’s head benefit significantly from increased hull volume.
Advanced Systems and Future-Ready Design
A redesigned flatter roof accommodates larger solar arrays for extended off-grid capability, while deeper forward storage lockers accommodate large fenders, rope storage, and folding bikes for comprehensive cruising equipment.
Larger outboard nacelles handle engines from 25HP to 60HP Outboards, with the boat show display vessel featuring twin 50hp high-thrust Yamaha outboards. Hybrid electric propulsion options are under development for 2026, offering quiet, efficient alternatives.
- Technical Specifications
- Length Overall: 11.83m (38’10”)
- Beam: 6.6m (21’6″)
- Draft: 1.29m (4’3″)
- Displacement: 7,800kg lightship
- Sail Area: 87m² upwind
- Fresh Water: 700 liters (185 US gallons)
- Fuel Capacity: 269 liters (71 US gallons)
- Construction: ISO Category A, CE certified
- Cabins: Three queen/double berth layouts
Proven Heritage, Modern Innovation
The original Seawind 1160, launched in 2004, pioneered modern catamaran design with its innovative tri-fold door system creating seamless indoor-outdoor living. The 1160 Lite, introduced in 2014, simplified operation and maintenance while maintaining offshore capability.
The 1160 XL represents Generation 3 of this successful lineage, incorporating decades of owner feedback and continuous improvement. Initial 2025 production focuses on the standard 1160 XL, with a high-performance 1190 XL Sport variant planned for 2026, featuring daggerboards and enhanced sailing systems.
“This new model is a major step up from what was already one of the best 38-foot performance catamarans ever designed for serious offshore sailing,” Ward added. “We’re confident we’ll see another hundred-plus boats of this new model joining the fleet worldwide.”
Pricing and Availability
The Seawind 1160XL will be competitively priced against other production entry level catamarans with a significant introductory incentive is offered on the display Seawind 1160 XL that is scheduled for the Sydney boat show which is available to own. This vessel will also be built to AMSA survey for charter operations on Sydney Harbour or the Whitsundays with opportunities for charter management in boat locations.
About Seawind Catamarans
Founded in Australia and now manufacturing in Vietnam, Seawind Catamarans has built a reputation for producing high-quality, performance-oriented cruising catamarans. With models ranging from 35 to 43 feet, Seawind focuses on bluewater capability, innovative design, and exceptional value. The company’s boats have completed countless ocean crossings and circumnavigations, establishing Seawind as a trusted name in offshore sailing.
About Multihull Central
Exclusive distribtuors for Seawind Catamarans in Australia and New Zealand, Multihull Central are specialist catamaran reseller and offers a ecosystem of services to help new boat owners go cruising, from sail training, bareboat holidays, Cruz Club, charter management, launching and commissioning, warranty support and after sales service.
For media contact Brent Vaughan | M: 0418 670 751 | E: brent@multihullcentral.com
Other News
From New Zealand to France: A Professional Sailor’s Journey Home in an Outremer 51
When veteran ocean racer Mike Golding decided to transition from competitive sailing to family cruising, he knew exactly what he was looking for. The former Vendée Globe competitor, who had completed six around-the-world races in his illustrious career, needed a vessel capable of serious ocean passages while providing the comfort and space his family deserved. His choice? A late-model Outremer 51 purchased through Multihull Central’s New Zealand operation.
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Sydney, Australia – 14 August 2025
A new sailing podcast has been launched called ‘2 Hulls 1 Life’ hosted by Brent Vaughan, Managing Director of Multihull Central, who interviews inspirational sailors about their adventures cruising the world onboard their catamarans.
The show is designed to help educate, inform and inspire anyone who has considered the cruising lifestyle and explores subjects such as the Pacific rally, Sail Malaysia Rally, professional delivery crews, charter boat ownership, Seakeepers research and major passages crossing the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It will also delve into the design attributes of various cruising catamarans.
Fourteen knots of boat speed closehauled, 17 on a power reach and 20+ under kite – numbers normally associated with a supermaxi like Comanche, but here we’re referring to a pocket multihull that’s 24.2m shorter and a metre narrower, even with its amas outstretched like albatross wings.
The Corsair 880 is way easier to sail and considerably cheaper, and you can forget expensive ocean deliveries, marina fees,
slipping costs and the like. Drop the rig, raise the centreboard, fold the floats to reduce beam to 2.5m, then haul the little tri onto a dual-axle alloy trailer.
From Charter Investment to Pacific Paradise: How One Couple Made Their Cruising Dreams Reality
When Colonel David Burke first bought a Seawind 1160 and put it into charter, he had no idea it would become the foundation for an extraordinary Pacific cruising adventure. Now, sitting in the pristine Lau Group of Fiji aboard his upgraded Seawind 1260, David’s story demonstrates how charter boat ownership can be the perfect stepping stone to achieving blue water cruising dreams.
Paul Hooge and his wife transitioned from life in Colorado to full-time cruising after retiring. With little sailing experience, they purchased a Seawind 1370 and decided to commission it in Thailand instead of shipping it home. With support from local expert Phil Harper, they prepared the boat and joined the Sail Malaysia Rally—a multi-month cruising event from Langkawi through Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo.
The rally offered a mix of structured events and independent sailing, giving them access to stunning, less-traveled places like the Anambas and Natuna Islands. Along the way, they connected with local communities, joined parades, and received warm welcomes from various ports.
Despite initial inexperience, they successfully navigated the rally with help from fellow cruisers and the Seawind 1370’s performance. Paul praised the boat’s comfort, handling, and visibility, calling the journey both challenging and unforgettable.
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Sydney, Australia – 24 October 2024
Multihull Central, distributors for Seawind Catamarans and Corsair Marine are pleased to announce a new format cruising rally for boat owners and crew to explore Moreton Bay and in support of charity Sailability.
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Sydney, Australia – 16 October 2024
Multihull Central are excited to announce an all-new Regatta on Sydney Harbour dedicated to Multihulls, with an offer extended to all cruising and racing catamarans and trimarans with accommodation, including owners of Seawind, Corsair and all other brands who would like to enjoy racing on the world’s greatest harbour.
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Sydney, Australia – 25 September 2024
Seawind Catamarans returns to the Melbourne Boat Show with Australian distributor Multihull Central, showing a brand new Seawind 1160 Lite catamaran now available to bareboat charter with Riviera Nautic on the Gippsland Lakes.
Maritime shepherd the fleet away from a visiting whale.
It’s certainly been a different winter on Sydney Harbour than usual, while there’s been plenty of sunshine, the breeze has not been so forthcoming. Normally winter consists of light sou-easters and the occasional fresh westerly, this time we’ve had gloriously sunny days with westerlies around five knots or lower, week after week, with a number of races abandoned as a result.
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Sydney, Australia – 5th September 2024
The world’s most popular sailing trimaran is making a resurgence in Australia with two brand new pre-sold Corsair 880s arriving in Sydney this week for assembly by distributor Multihull Central, alongside a third also on display.
The Bay to Bay Regatta had been on my bucket list for a few years now and seeing this year it landed on my birthday, I decided it was an opportunity not to be missed. So I phoned up my mate Steve Medwell who I used to sail Tornadoes and F18s with and invited him along for a ride. The ride was our new award winning Corsair 760 trimaran.
Whether you are a first time sailor, or an experienced around the world circumnavigator, the iconic Australian-owned and founded Seawind brand has a boat and design for you for all levels of experience and planned adventures. But with four boats that are only a few feet apart in length, it can get tricky to decide which is the right boat to choose and the best fit for you. So, we have put together these special buyers guide to help unpack the design concept behind each and its characteristics, its pros and cons, and who we recommend them for to help you select not necessarily the most expensive boat, but the best boat for you.
Cruz Club is a 12 month program designed to help equip would-be cruisers who are inspired to set off exploring the world by sea but don’t yet have the skills, experience or a boat to do it on and want to get prepared and do it right and avoid making costly mistakes along the way.
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
The HH44 was met with enthusiasm and rave reviews at the Cannes Yachting Festival, when it made its international debut last month. Throngs of visitors came out to see the HH44, declaring it “spectacular”, “stunning”, “the future” and “the best boat in the show”.
Club Marine’s Kevin Green joins Multihull Central on the water to test the stunning HH50-SC Synergy.
HH Catamarans has named Multihull Central as the exclusive distributor for Australia and New Zealand as the up and coming brand of high performance catamarans releasing some innovative new designs and ramps up production for their new44 and 50foot models.
One of the world’s most popular and prolific YouTube sailing channels, Gone with the Wynns, have just announced their purchase of a new ecofriendly hybrid-electric HH44 sailing catamaran. The HH44 ‘Ocean Cruiser’ version is a high-performance cruising catamaran designed to sail around the world sustainably and efficiently while also providing a luxurious living platform for couples and families travelling the world.
Multihull Central announced the new Corsair 880 is on its way to Australia to be showcased at the upcoming Sydney International Boat Show.
A big day at Longreach as the first LR44 deck is turned following a successful resin infusion. Starting to take shape!
Tips for Delivery by Sea – Asia to Australia / New Zealand
The Summer of 2022 / 2023 has been and interesting journey for many of our customers taking delivery of boats over this period. With country borders being opened up in earnest, this saw new boat owners taking delivery of their cruising catamarans on mass, as we helped coordinate deliveries of 4 x Seawinds and 1 x HH50 from Asia back to Australia and New Zealand. We have gained some new and valuable insights for those considering taking delivery in Asia.
So here are some key points to consider…
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brent Vaughan from HH Catamarans distributor Multihull Central, takes the HH50-SC ‘Synergy’ out sailing off the Gold Coast to test how it sails in lumpy conditions and light winds. Here is the full account and transcript that accompanies the sailing video.
We plan to take our little Seawind 1000 catamaran ‘Seabbatical’ from Sydney Harbour, to Lady Musgrave Island. As I still have the demands of running a business and kids at school, this will be a mini seabbatical and so finding time is important but demanding.
‘Pirate Pete’ is the proud new owner of the brand new Seawind 1260, that Cumberland Charter Yachts will be welcoming in to the fleet in August this year. We asked him what his background story was in buying the Seawind 1260 and why he chose to have it chartered in the Whitsundays.
Here is his story:
The club has been formed with the objective of providing a means for multihull boat owners to build networks, learn about how others fix issues and engage in both cruising and racing/rallys whilst enjoying the social aspects that belonging to a club provides.
If you have ever considered swapping the suit & tie and air-conditioning, for deck shoes and salt air and running your own business, then a charter boat business might be just the thing you need to feed both your entrepreneurial and outdoor desires.
Charter boat ownership is a great way to accelerate buying your dream boat, profit from strong demand in the tourism industry and provides a fully managed solution to boat ownership while you are still busy working and with family commitments.
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sydney, Australia – 17 February 2025 This week 20 multihulls entered the 2025 Sydney Multihull
AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE… Sydney, Australia – 24 October 2024 Multihull Central, distributors for Seawind Catamarans
All over the globe there are people discovering new places both in the natural world and within themselves. The Seawind Life series of
MCYC is not just about Thursday night Twilight racing. We hold rallies to other ports and we support each other cruising around Australia
MCYC is not just about Thursday night Twilight racing. We hold rallies to other ports and we support each other cruising around Australia
The Award Winning 45 foot Seawind 1370 will be at the Seawind Display Day on Saturday the 5th of April at Multihull Central in Annandale
Join us as we chat with Scott and Sandy from the Red Sea onboard their Seawind 1160 lite catamaran, and explore their incredible
After a decent break for Christmas and January, TAGS has been back with a vengeance! The first race on February 6 was fairly light and
MCYC is not just about Thursday night Twilight racing. We hold rallies to other ports and we support each other cruising around Australia