Design and Construction
The 1170’s structure features carbon-reinforced foam core throughout, resulting in a stiff, immensely strong construction that is also lightweight. Seawind builds the hulls and deck by resin infusion, using vinylester resin for all hull laminates, which increases structural properties and provides anti-osmosis protection. The bulkheads are composite laminates, and carbon reinforcement appears in high-load areas. Engineering is from Gurit of New Zealand, and the hulls were optimized by renowned naval architects for offshore cruising efficiency, with fine entry hulls aiding performance. The bows are raked slightly aft, generous freeboard is accented by a reverse sheerline, and a chine extending almost the length of the waterline increases interior volume in the belowdecks staterooms. A solid coachroof extends aft over the entire cockpit, with molded channels that catch rain and can feed a filtered hose directly to the water tanks.
Rig and Handling
All lines lead aft to protected twin helm stations, and the deck layout centers on safety and effortless sail handling, optimized for short-handed sailing. The twin wheels sit well outboard on the same level as the cockpit sole, giving direct line-of-sight visibility to all four corners of the boat and eliminating hazardous level changes during demanding blue-water work. Cable-driven steering provides tactile feedback that sailors who appreciate a connected feel prize, and the crew stays secure behind the coachroof in challenging conditions. A self-tacking jib and stub keels keep maneuvers simple; a fixed carbon bowsprit sets a code-zero-style screecher forward. Writing in Cruising World, test sailors found her touching almost 6 knots to weather with the self-tacking Doyle jib in 8 to 12 knots of breeze, and nearly 8 knots on a beam reach with the screecher, with steerage sweet and light anchor. Owners in their 70s report the boat is safe and easy to handle for two people, and a good beginning for sailors relatively new to sailing.
Accommodations
The 1170 maximizes its footprint with a highly functional interior that prioritizes open-plan living and natural ventilation. The galley sits in the hull, leaving the saloon a dedicated social hub with 360-degree panoramic views; the signature tri-fold saloon door and large opening forward windows merge saloon and cockpit into a single, open, ventilated space, with the door securing into the cockpit roof when open. Headroom runs 6 feet 5 inches throughout. The owner’s stateroom occupies the entire port hull, with an island berth forward and an en suite head with walk-in shower aft. To starboard, a straight-line galley is sandwiched by a pair of double staterooms fore and aft. A wraparound settee’s port side doubles as a day bed and navigation bench, and an offset table spins to seat guests or drops to form a berth. Light wood finishes and hand-crafted timber fitout underscore the European-market intent.
Known Issues
To meet the required CE standard, Seawind placed a cable spanning the bases of the guardrail stanchions, presumably because toe-rails were not included in the hull mould anchor. This is a compliance measure rather than a structural defect, but buyers should note the absence of conventional toe-rails where the cable substitutes.
Refits and Ownership
The base specification is blue-water capable with twin 29 hp Yanmar sail drives, 520 liters of fuel in two tanks, a 500-liter central water tank, and ample storage. Optional large solar arrays and lithium battery banks build on self-sufficiency; a Victron 900 AH lithium upgrade adds remote monitoring and charging modification. The test boat inspected by Cruising World carried a CZone digital switching system, lithium-ion batteries, and coachroof solar panels, and the builder claimed that arrangement could run an air-conditioning unit overnight anchor. A hose from the coachroof gutter can top off tanks in squalls, a neat offshore-living detail.
The Verdict
The Seawind 1170 is a thoughtfully executed small cat that delivers performance-oriented sailing without sacrificing the social and ventilation qualities couples want on a long cruise. Its carbon-foam structure, short-handed deck plan, and protected helms make it a rare blend of lively and manageable.
Pros
- Stiff, lightweight carbon-reinforced foam core hull engineered for serious offshore work
- Twin protected helms with full visibility and flat-level movement between stations
- Galley-down three-cabin layout with owner’s hull and open merged saloon-cockpit
- Easy handling for two, with self-tacking jib and all lines led aft
Cons
- No conventional toe-rails; CE compliance uses a cable at stanchion bases
- Shallow underwing clearance of 2 feet 2 inches limits rough-water bridge-deck clearance
