Auckland Boat Show 25th Anniversary Spotlights Seawind, Excess and Local Multihulls

Seawind Catamarans returns to New Zealand with a headline presence at the 25th Auckland Boat Show, unveiling the Seawind 1170 at the Viaduct Events Centre from March 5–8. Multihull Central says the 1170 is “fresh from being named Multihull of the Year at the British Yachting Awards” and invites on-site enquiries; local contacts for Seawind are Brent Vaughan, M: 0418 670 751, E: brent@multihullcentral.com, and Steve Thomas of Icon Azzure, M: 0274 459 197, E: steve.thomas@iconazure.com.

Organisers and press notes peg the show as the southernmost on-water boat show in the world for its 25th anniversary, with roughly 150 exhibitors, more than 200 boats on land and water and “more than 1.3km of boats on the water.” The Viaduct Events Centre format features sea trials, on-water displays, hardstand exhibitions and dedicated zones for careers, sustainability, high-end charters and sea trials, with interactive activations and educational pieces across the site.

Multihull Central frames the Seawind 1170 as “the beginning of a new generation of performance-driven cruising catamarans for Kiwi sailors,” and notes the boat was newly built at Seawind’s advanced European facility in Turkey. The relaunch in New Zealand is “powered by a strategic partnership between Multihull Central and Icon Azzure, combining decades of multihull expertise with deep local knowledge of New Zealand’s demanding coastal and offshore conditions.” Multihull Central also offers a rapid info service at the show: “Looking for info fast? Select from any of our new or used boats below and we will send you an information pack. Or request any other specific request.” General enquiries for Multihull Central are Call Us 1300 852 620 Email Us info@multihullcentral.com.

Performance-oriented compact multihulls are also on display. BoatingNZ highlights the Excess 11, noting “At 37 feet, the Excess 11 delivers twin performance helms, a square top main and open cockpit living. It offers sailors a compact yet engaging multihull option in a market hungry for versatility.” Excess 11 appears among the models promoted in marina and on-stand listings at the Viaduct.

New hull previews include Rayglass, which BoatingNZ reports “will reveal the all new 2400 hull, offering an early look at a model years in development.” Rayglass will also show Rayglass 2700 and Rayglass 3000 models and is listed alongside RAM New Zealand on exhibitor schedules; the preview is being billed as a rare early look given Rayglass’ reputation for ride and build quality.

Trailer and powerboat brands are present too, with Tristram Marine promoting the Tristram 821 Offshore – APEX Edition and organisers noting that “Tristram’s new 821 Offshore – APEX Edition raises the specification bar.” Tristram stands are listed as Outside (Wynyard Wharf) Stand OS24 and Hardstand Outside Stand OS5 for hands-on viewing.

Local builders take a prominent role in the line-up. BoatingNZ and Sail-World feature the 13.8m Elite Kaeā, designed by Bill Upfold and built by Tauranga-based Marra Marine as the yard’s first new build, alongside images of Zaphira - 18m Elite from Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders and a Smuggler Marine amphibious bow-rider photographed at the show. Stand listings for key exhibitors include Vining Gulf Group/Icon Azure at Marina M22, Volpower NZ at VEC Ground Floor Stand 122 and Ocean Independence & Sunreef NZ at Charter Pavilion C1 for charter and multihull enquiries.

The Auckland Boat Show runs through Sunday March 8 with sea trials and on-water demonstrations scheduled across the Viaduct Events Centre marina; for immediate Seawind information contact Brent Vaughan or Steve Thomas, or use Multihull Central’s on-site rapid info request.