Seawind 1260 Information, Review, Specs

The Seawind 1260 began production in 2018, continuing Seawind's legacy of building robust cruising catamarans. The builder, Seawind Catamarans, has been in operation since 1982, with founder Richard Ward bringing extensive world cruising and racing experience to his designs. Seawind's design philosophy, at its core, emphasizes "Safety At Sea," aiming to create vessels capable of crossing oceans efficiently, even in heavy weather.

A defining characteristic of Seawind catamarans, including the 1260, is the integration of dual helm stations that offer 360-degree visibility, providing crucial awareness for navigating various conditions, 1]. The 1260's design features streamlined hulls to optimize performance while maintaining comfortable living spaces. Its reverse sheer on the deck is a notable design element, maximizing headroom belowdecks in passageways while simultaneously reducing windage and weight in the bows. While the 1260 is a direct evolution, some sources indicate it is a refinement of the earlier Seawind 1250 model, building upon its benchmark status in medium-sized cruising catamarans. The 1260 is available in both three- and four-cabin layouts, the latter often targeted for charter operations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Seawind 1260 is designed as a cruising boat that nonetheless sails efficiently. With a reported total sail area of 1013.96 sqft and a displacement of 18078 lbs, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) is approximately 23.49. This relatively high ratio suggests good light-air performance, allowing the boat to move well in lighter winds. Its Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of approximately 265.46 places it in the heavier cruising category, indicating a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than a light, ultra-performance-oriented vessel. However, for a catamaran, stability primarily comes from its wide beam (22.31 ft) and hull form rather than internal ballast, which is not reported in the specifications as it would be for a monohull.

Anecdotal reports suggest the Seawind 1260 is a "great sailer". Reviews highlight its ability to achieve speeds past 8 knots in moderate winds (around 15 knots, hard on the wind), showcasing its effective performance for a cruising catamaran. Owners and reviewers commend its ability to handle different sea states, even in "bad mood" weather, demonstrating its capabilities as an offshore-capable vessel. The twin helm stations are also praised for enhancing visibility and control while sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

The Seawind 1260 is known for offering a comfortable and adaptable interior layout that caters to both private ownership and charter use. The design prioritizes the Australian indoor/outdoor lifestyle, with the cockpit often integrated seamlessly with the salon. While the does not specify maximum headroom, reviews confirm ample headroom in passageways belowdecks due to the unique reverse sheer design.

The Seawind 1260 typically features an open galley design, which can be located either in one of the hulls (galley-down) or on the main deck (galley-up), though the 1260 usually features a galley-down configuration in one of the hulls. The galley commonly includes coordinated Polystone counter surfaces and timber accents, contributing to a quality finish. Interior lighting is provided by numerous 12V LED lamps and courtesy lights throughout the cabins and cockpit. The layout can vary between a three-cabin owner's version, typically featuring a dedicated owner's stateroom, and a four-cabin "charter" version, maximizing berth space. Storage is generally well-integrated, and the overall fit and finish are described as good, consistent with Seawind's reputation for quality build.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Seawind 1260 often praise its robust construction and its capability as a serious bluewater cruising catamaran. Many highlight the boat's comfortable motion in a seaway and its ability to maintain good speeds for a cruising vessel. The dual helm stations and excellent visibility are frequently cited as significant advantages for navigation and overall sailing experience. The spaciousness and adaptability of the interior, including the multiple cabin layouts, are also well-regarded.

Common strengths noted by owners include its ease of handling, even for couples or those with limited cruising experience, reflecting Seawind's design philosophy, 14]. The integrated indoor/outdoor living areas are a consistent favorite, enhancing the social aspect of cruising. Owners frequently commend the quality of the build and the attention to detail in the fit-out. While specific recurring weaknesses are not broadly highlighted in public reviews, general discussions in forums or owner groups often revolve around optimizing systems or minor maintenance tasks typical of any cruising boat. Some discussions, while not specific to the 1260, do touch upon preferences for galley-up vs. galley-down configurations in catamarans, which can be a personal preference point for potential buyers.