The Seawind 1160XL has earned nominations from two of the sailing industry’s best-known publications: SAIL Magazine’s Top 10 Best Boats 2027 and Cruising World’s Boat of the Year 2027. The dual recognition places the new cruising catamaran in front of two independent award programs as sailors begin evaluating the latest generation of offshore-capable multihulls.
The 1160XL builds on the established Seawind 1160 series rather than abandoning the qualities that made the platform successful. Its design continues to emphasize practical sailing performance, offshore confidence, useful living space, and a direct connection between the cockpit and saloon. The XL updates that formula with additional space and design refinements intended to make extended cruising more comfortable without losing the responsive character associated with Seawind.
One of the model’s defining features is Seawind’s signature trifold saloon-door system. Opening the doors connects the saloon and cockpit into one large social and working area, while closing them provides protection when conditions demand it. Light-filled interiors and a layout designed around real cruising needs reinforce the same goal: create a catamaran that remains enjoyable both underway and at anchor.
The nominations also recognize the importance of balance in this size range. Cruising sailors want space and comfort, but they also need a boat that can make efficient passages, respond predictably under sail, and support the systems and storage required for time away from the dock. The 1160XL’s combination of proven offshore performance and thoughtful design innovation is what makes the model relevant to both award judges and prospective owners.
Awards are not a substitute for a careful boat comparison or a demonstration sail, but they are a useful signal that a new model deserves closer attention. Recognition from both SAIL Magazine and Cruising World gives sailors two reasons to examine how the 1160XL approaches performance, livability, visibility, cockpit flow, and bluewater capability.
For Seawind and its dealer network, the nominations mark an important early milestone for the 1160XL. For sailors, they create an opportunity to look beyond specifications and consider how the design’s features work together in real cruising use. Windcraft Multihulls can help prospective owners review the model, discuss current availability, and arrange the next step toward experiencing a Seawind 1160XL firsthand.
