Seawind ‘Big Cat’ Regatta’s Secrets of Success

by Brent Vaughan on 9 Nov 2005 28 Seawind catamarans carrying 170 crew jostled and sped their way around Sydney’s Pittwater recently in the largest regatta of its type so far in Australia. Clues to the secrets of the regatta’s ongoing success may lie in the challenging prerequisites for entry into the racing events – no extras, good stocks of food & drink onboard, the BBQ must be ready to fire, and a minimum number of fenders must be carried to raft up at lunch time.
Std Res :

However, the preparations were worth it. There was heavy competition in all categories and Mark Ridsdale’s Reality showed their superior tactics to win the Party Animal Award. Brian Marshall’s Overture won the Best and Fairest, and Steve Penny’s Caterina beat off stiff competition to win the Best Dressed Award. O yes, and there were racing results as well:

1 Artemis (P.Murray) Seawind 1000
2 Alize (P Amos) Seawind 1000
3 Endless Summer (R Walter) Seawind 1000
4 Seaduction(E Baker) Seawind 1160
5 Full Circle(R Waalkens) Seawind 1160

This was the 7th Annual Seawind Regatta and the increasing numbers each year say a lot about the increasing popularity of cat sailing and the Seawind brand. This year there were 3 new Seawind 1160’s on the course which were accompanied by an incredible 21 Seawind 1000s which gives some indication to the popularity of this model. The remainder were Seawind 1200’s and the earlier Seawind 850.
Std Res :

The Seawind 1160 and Seawind 1000 will be available for display at the Pittwater Boat Show hosted by the Royal Motor Yacht Club on the 11-13 of November. Next year’s regatta will be the 28th of October 2006.

For more information, contact Brent Vaughan: Mobile: 0418 670 751 :: Ph: 02 4285 9985 :: Fax: 02 4285 9984 Email: brent@seawindcats.com :: Web: www.seawindcats.com