Seawind 1160 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

The Seawind 1160 stands as a transformative model in the history of Australian multihull manufacturing, representing the moment Richard Ward’s vision transitioned from a regional success to a global benchmark. Launched in 2004, this 38-foot (11.6-meter) cruising catamaran was designed to bridge the gap between performance-oriented multihulls and the "condo-maran" trend that prioritized volume over sailing characteristics. The 1160 is perhaps most famous for pioneering the "Tri-fold" door system, a design innovation that allows the cockpit and saloon to merge into a single, expansive living area—a feature that has since been emulated across the industry. Built with a focus on blue-water capability, the 1160 features a robust layup, low-aspect keels for grounding protection, and a silhouette that remains contemporary decades after its debut. According to Seawind Catamarans, the model was so successful that it spurred the development of several distinct sub-variants, including the 1160 Deluxe, the 1160 Lite, and the 1160 Resort.