Seawind Cruising Club Events

by Brent Vaughan on 30 Jul 2007 Since 1998, Seawind Catamarans have been hosting the famous Seawind Regatta annually (except 1999), which has now grown to a size where it is widely recognized as the biggest 'Big Cat' regatta, and considering that all of the boats are from the same builder, surely one of the largest regattas of its kind in the world. With around 27-28 boats becoming a regular turnout, this is a phenomenal sight on the water.

Though the scale of the event allows for some tight and exciting racing among one-design boats, it has always been the laughs between races that bring the Seawind family of owners back each year. Whether it’s the cocktail parties, a BBQ lunch onboard the 7 boat-long rafts, or the after party under marque at the secluded Basin… pig on the spit and Jazz Band included. Owners get to enjoy the company and camaraderie of like minded sailors, some who have sailed oceans on their Seawinds, and others who have just taken up sailing and eager to learn so they too can begin the cruising lifestyle.

It was the success of these regattas that encouraged Seawind to begin a series of Owner Rallies in Australia and the USA. 2006 saw the first Whitsunday Seawind Owner’s Rally which has gained legendary status amongst Seawind owners, following a week of racing and living it up from island to island, resort to resort around the Whitsundays. A dozen Seawinds made it to the first Whitsunday Rally including 50 people in total making the group noticeable from a distance.

During the week they enjoyed a cocktail party at Shingley Beach Resort, a Beach BBQ in Cid Harbour thanks to Whitsunday Rent A Yacht, a 1st class dinner at Hamilton Island, a Margareta & BBQ party and raft up thanks to Charter Yachts Australia and the finale dinner and dance at South Mole Island. This event is planned again for 2008.

Not to be outdone, Kurt Jerman headed up a crew of Seawind owners for the first West Coast Seawind Rally in the USA. 5 Seawinds made the trip to Catalina Island, west of Los Angeles in California for a long weekend of social racing and numerous raft ups. Considered a huge success, this event is set to maintain a yearly slot on the Seawind Calendar.

Apart from the great events that are hosted for owners, Seawind are proud to be supporters of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of Broken Bay plus a sponsor of the Lock Crowther Memorial Regatta in 2006.

Seawind continue to support the growth of catamaran sailing in Australia and were proud to be the major sponsor for the Seawind F18 World Titles that were held in Australia in February 2007, the first time outside of Europe. This saw the world’s best catamarans sailors verge on the shores of Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast for a week of hard racing action.