Section 3 - Sailing And Control Of Your Vessel; Sailing In General; Loading; Checklist Prior To Making Way - Seawind 1600 Owner's Manual

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SECTION 3 – SAILING AND CONTROL OF YOUR VESSEL

3.1 SAILING IN GENERAL

Each vessel you sail will behave differently, there is no instruction to assist with this other than
spending time sailing your boat. Your Seawind 1600 is fast, stable and highly maneuverable
with plenty of space. One clear advantage of your catamaran is increased redundancy. With 2x
Daggerboards, 2x Engines, 2x Wheels, 2x Rudders you always have an operational backup
should one item fail.

3.2 LOADING

Multi-hulls should be treated like aircraft when it comes to loading. The 1600 is designed as a
light, responsive craft. Overloading can affect performance and handling, while excessive
overloading can also affect safety margins and additional wear on equipment. Always be
conscious of weight and take care not to carry unnecessary items. It is highly recommended
that you go through everything on board several times a year, and take off any items that do
not get used. This prevents the gradual buildup of unnecessary weight.
When storing supplies, keep all heavy items secured as low and central as possible. Avoid
storing items in machinery or fuel lockers. Unbalanced load distribution will affect the
performance and how the boat rides in the waves regarding pitch and roll.

3.3 CHECKLIST PRIOR TO MAKING WAY

• Have a sailing plan notify others and check conditions.
• All hatches closed
• Daggerboards and rudders set.
• Ropes all organized and untangled.
• Loose items stowed
• Engines can start and engage gears with sufficient fuel levels.
• Safety equipment present
• Steering in good operation with no loose linkages.
• Communication and Navigation equipment operational.
NOTE: when preparing for an offshore passage this checklist should be expanded to include:
• Check all turnbuckles, split pins and nuts
• Tie a safety line on the anchor
• Add a safety strop on the tender
• Ensure the boat is adequately provisioned
• Calculate distance and fuel usage to ensure you will make the next port of call in
adverse conditions.

3.4 CHECKLIST WHEN LEAVING VESSEL

This will vary depending whether you are leaving for long term harbor or short term and
include the following.
• Electrical – Equipment turned off as required