While the 1160XL retains the lightness and agility of its predecessors, it features double steering wheels and a large three-section door opening onto the cockpit, and it has seen its hulls given a serious makeover with inverted bows, raised freeboard and, above all, a deck that has become completely flat and much wider. The manufacturer also offers molded footrests and 800 mm (31½”) high quad wire lifelines.
In terms of the sail plan, the new self-tacking jib and new mainsail gain 27% and 5% additional surface area respectively. The initial sea trials seem to have satisfied Richard Ward, founder and CEO of Seawind: the 1160XL managed to maintain a speed of 7 to 9 knots close-hauled with 20 knots of wind and a good chop and offered some nice surfing downwind under spinnaker.
The Seawind 1160XL will make its world premiere at the Singapore Yachting Festival from April 10 to 13.
Builder: Seawind Catamarans
Length: 38’10” (11.83 m)'
Beam: 21’6” (6.6 m)
Draft: 4’3” (1.29 m)
Displacement: 26,450 lbs (12 t)
Sail area: 936 sq ft (87 m²)
Asymmetric spinnaker: 1,119 sq ft (104 m²)
Fuel: 71 US gal (269 l)
Water: 185 US gal (700 l)
