Seawind Catamarans celebrates strong Annapolis results
by Seawind Catamarans 11 Nov 10:58 UTC
15-18 October 2026
Seawind Catamarans has concluded its most successful Annapolis Sailboat Show since the Covid pandemic, achieving outstanding sales results and exceptional customer engagement at America's largest in-water sailboat show, held from October 15th to 18th, 2026.
The renewed consumer confidence and excitement over Seawind's new model lineup signifying a strengthening market and strong interest in the blue water capable cruising catamaran space.
With the Seawind 1160XL, 1170 and 1370 on display, the Australian catamaran builder attracted strong interest from experienced sailors, prospective owners and cruising enthusiasts across North America. New orders across the Seawind range reflected growing confidence in the brand's proven designs, offshore capability and commitment to practical innovation.
The results were particularly significant against the backdrop of a challenging recreational boating market, demonstrating Seawind's ability to convert strong customer interest into new ownership commitments.
Twenty years later: Richard Ward retraces a historic journey
Among the highlights of the show was the Seawind 1160XL, making its Annapolis appearance following its U.S. boat show debut at Newport in September.
The occasion marked a special chapter in Seawind's history. In 2006, the original Seawind 1160 arrived in Newport, where it received Boat of the Show recognition before sailing to Annapolis and going on to win major industry awards from Cruising World and SAIL Magazine.
Twenty years later, Seawind Founder and CEO Richard Ward, together with Kerry Fahey, retraced that memorable journey, sailing the new Seawind 1160XL from Newport to Annapolis, just as Richard had done with the original model two decades earlier.
The voyage celebrated not only the evolution of an iconic design but also Seawind's enduring philosophy of building genuine sailing catamarans, developed through real experience at sea.
Richard Ward reflected on the passage:
"With seas of 3-4 metres and winds gusting above 35 knots, this was a testing but extremely satisfying sail on our latest model. Seeing boat speeds of 19.5 knots while surfing waves down the coast, the experience absolutely justified the significant design effort invested in further developing the already successful 1160 into this latest-generation XL model.
With a new hull shape, elevated wingdeck and powerful reverse bows, the boat was remarkable in challenging conditions and confirmed for me that she's a truly capable, sub-40-foot cruising catamaran that can take you anywhere."
Already nominated for the 2027 Cruising World Boat of the Year and SAIL Magazine's Top 10 Best Boats, the 1160XL continues the award-winning heritage of its predecessor.
Interest at Annapolis also extended across the Seawind 1170, 1270 and 1370, with new orders reflecting a wide range of cruising ambitions, from coastal adventures to extended offshore passages and life aboard.
Corsair Marine also contributed to the group's commercial success with new trimaran order, reinforcing continued demand for performance-oriented multihulls.
More than a boat show: a growing Seawind community
Beyond its commercial achievements, Annapolis provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with Seawind's expanding North American sailing community.
A special Seawind Owners Evening on the October 16th brought together owners, prospective customers, dealers and the Seawind team to share experiences, celebrate sailing adventures and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
The gathering reflected one of the company's greatest strengths: an international community built not only around its catamarans, but also around shared experiences and a genuine passion for sailing.
Looking ahead to 45 years of Seawind
The strong Annapolis performance comes as Seawind prepares to celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2027.
Founded in Australia in 1982, Seawind has built its reputation on genuine sailing performance, practical innovation and proven offshore capability. Today, that heritage continues to inspire confidence among a growing generation of owners around the world.
The anniversary celebrations will include four major Seawind Owners Regattas in Türkiye, Thailand, the United States and Australia, bringing the global Seawind community together.
The year ahead will also see the planned U.S. debut of the new Seawind 1270 at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2027.
With its strongest Annapolis results since before the pandemic, growing international recognition and an expanding worldwide owner community, Seawind enters its 45th anniversary year with strong momentum and confidence in the future.
45 Years. Four Major Regattas. One Global Seawind Community.