A legacy of adventure
Since its launch in 2004, the Seawind 1160 has held a special place among cruising catamarans. It earned numerous International Design and Boat of the Year Awards, was named one of the best multihulls of all time by Cruising World, and, perhaps most importantly, has carried hundreds of owners safely across oceans. A Kiwi couple were the first to circumnavigate the world on a Seawind which was the original 1160 design. From circumnavigations to family coast-hopping holidays, it became a byword for reliability and practicality.
A decade later, the 1160 Lite offered a simplified version, widening its appeal. And now, in 2025, the story enters a third chapter. The all-new Seawind 1160XL arrives as a complete redesign, shaped by years of owner feedback, modern naval architecture, and a fresh set of production tools. It’s not just an update, but a thoughtful evolution of a proven classic.
What makes the XL different
At first glance, the Seawind 1160XL looks familiar, yet more purposeful. The hull is longer—11.83 metres overall—and wider at 6.6 metres, with striking reverse bows and a raised underwing clearance that hints at its bluewater ambitions. These changes aren’t cosmetic. They improve buoyancy, reduce pitching in chop, and create a platform that’s both more comfortable at sea and more generous inside.
There are over 30 design updates built into the XL. Raised foredecks, a side boarding gate, expanded transom and extended transom step, and an optimised laminate schedule all contribute to a vessel that feels sturdier underfoot and more refined in detail. ISO Category A certification confirms its offshore pedigree, but what really impresses is how seamlessly the technical upgrades blend with the pleasures of onboard living.
Iconic features, re-imagined
The Seawind 1160XL retains the beloved features that made its predecessors so popular. Twin protected helms provide 360-degree visibility, letting the skipper steer with confidence in all conditions while remaining connected to guests in the cockpit.
The trademark tri-fold saloon door transforms the boat in an instant. Swing it open and the saloon and cockpit merge into one expansive living space, perfect for sundowners at anchor or a family breakfast underway. Forward-opening saloon windows ensure a constant flow of sea breeze, a hallmark of Seawind’s commitment to natural ventilation.
For couples or families planning to sail short-handed, all running rigging is led back to the cockpit. It means that sail handling is straightforward, even at night, without the need to leave the safety of the protected helm stations.
Inside the XL: space that feels like home
If earlier Seawinds were admired for their practicality, the Seawind 1160XL takes things a step further by creating interiors that feel warm, generous, and cohesive. Thanks to the widened hulls and raised freeboard, there’s noticeably more room in every part of the boat.
Headroom now reaches up to 6’5”, while wider cabin doors and flat floors throughout the hulls eliminate the sense of compromise often felt in catamarans of this size. Step into a forward cabin and you’ll find a queen-size island berth, abundant storage, and bathrooms designed with liveaboard comfort in mind. These touches transform everyday routines—whether it’s a morning shower or a quiet afternoon nap—into experiences that feel natural, not confined.
The galley is another standout. Positioned “down” in the starboard hull, it offers the space of a small apartment kitchen. There’s room for a full oven and stove, deep freezer, microwave, and generous pantry storage. Preparing meals at sea becomes less of a challenge and more of a pleasure.
Throughout, the interior finish balances practicality with understated style. Timber joinery, simulated flooring, and carefully chosen fittings create an atmosphere closer to a boutique apartment than a stripped-down cruiser.
Expanded living, inside and out
One of the joys of the Seawind 1160XL is the way it blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. At anchor, the tri-fold door slides open to connect saloon and cockpit into one unified entertaining area. It’s a natural hub where friends can gather, children can sprawl, and meals can flow easily between the galley and cockpit table.
The saloon itself has been rethought. Larger, more upright windows not only improve visibility while underway but also flood the interior with light. The effect is uplifting, creating a space that feels open, fresh, and well connected to the water outside.
For anyone considering life afloat, whether as a weekend retreat or a long-term liveaboard, these small but significant changes add up. They make the boat feel less like a vessel to endure and more like a floating home to enjoy.
Safety at sea, comfort at rest
A defining element of the Seawind 1160XL is its focus on safety. Side decks are wider, moulded toe rails add security, and the lifelines now stand at 800mm, a detail once reserved for charter models. For families with children—or for anyone moving forward in a swell—these are more than statistics, they’re reassurances.
Practical details abound. Deeper forward lockers swallow fenders and lines, while the flatter saloon roof is designed with solar panels in mind. The side boarding gate makes stepping aboard from a dock easier, especially when carrying groceries or helping guests. And the extended transom steps mean boarding from a dinghy or the water is safer and less of a balancing act.
Built to go the distance
It’s impossible to ignore the design pedigree behind the Seawind 1160XL. The sail plan has been refined with a larger mainsail and jib, improving efficiency. Carbon reinforcement in structural areas ensures the boat maintains Seawind’s reputation for strength without unnecessary weight gain.
For propulsion, the standard setup is twin Yamaha 25hp high-thrust outboards, with options for 50hp outboards or 30hp diesels. A hybrid-electric option is already in development, reflecting the broader shift towards sustainable cruising. With 700 litres of water capacity and 269 litres of fuel, the 1160XL is well prepared for both coastal hops and extended passages.
A catamaran for today’s sailor
What sets the Seawind 1160XL apart is the way it blends proven bluewater capability with features that speak directly to lifestyle. It’s a boat as comfortable entertaining guests on a sunny afternoon as it is crossing an ocean. It recognises that a yacht is more than a machine for travel—it’s a home, a holiday house, and sometimes even a permanent residence.
The appeal lies in the balance. Strength and safety are there in every structural detail, while the interiors invite relaxation and ease. It’s a boat for adventurers and homemakers, for dreamers and doers alike.
Carrying the torch forward
The Seawind 1160XL doesn’t discard its history—it celebrates it. By re-imagining a proven design with modern styling, expanded space, and thoughtful safety upgrades, it ensures that one of the world’s most successful sub-40ft cruising catamarans remains relevant for a new generation.
For sailors ready to chase the horizon, and for families looking to spend quality time afloat, the Seawind 1160XL offers more than a passage to new destinations. It offers a way of life, built on two decades of proven performance and refreshed for the future.
