From Cape City to Cannes: The Leopard 46 Makes Waves Worldwide
At this yr’s Miami Worldwide Boat Present in February, guests on the Museum Park Marina – one of many present’s six areas – had been desperate to tour the yachts on show and Leopard’s sales space drew a superb crowd, with the brand new Leopard 46 crusing catamaran as its spotlight.
The mannequin had its premiere on the Cannes Yachting Competition in September 2024 earlier than making its US debut the next month on the Annapolis Sailboat Present. This yr, it follows its Miami look with its Asia debut on the Singapore Yachting Competition (April 10-13) and a show on the Worldwide Multihull Present (April 23-27) in La Grande-Motte, France.
Having already gained awards reminiscent of Boat of the 12 months: Finest Full-Measurement Multihull 45ft to 50ft and one of many High 10 Finest Boats 2025, the Leopard 46 mannequin in Miami attracted crusing fans of all ages to marvel at its modern design.
With a refined structure that gives a seamless integration between the aft cockpit and saloon, the spacious-yet-sporty cruising catamaran affords a lot to assist these on board take pleasure in their voyage.
INNOVATION MEETS SUSTAINABILITY
The Simonis Voogd-designed Leopard 46 feels extra spacious than anticipated, facilitating versatility for personalisation. The 46-footer’s exterior design attracts inspiration from its powercat siblings, that includes a modern and fashionable design, with wraparound home windows to maximise pure gentle.
Whereas retaining the favored options of its predecessor, the Leopard 45, the elimination of the skipper cabin creates a roomy configuration. Homeowners can select to have three cabins plus a utility room, a four-cabin structure, or 5 double cabins every with en-suite head or bathe.
A snug atmosphere for onboard dwelling and cruising is enhanced by the sliding door, which seamlessly integrates the aft cockpit and inside saloon.
From a distance, the crusing catamaran appears able to ship a high-performance expertise for eco-conscious sailors. This cutting-edge yacht options an elective hybrid electrical drive, boasting built-in photo voltaic panels that enhance autonomy and cut back reliance on the generator.
Geared up with twin 45hp Yanmar diesel engines as normal, it affords the choice to improve to 57hp. In the meantime, with the elective hybrid electrical drive system, which features a energy administration field, electrical propulsion pod, high-voltage lithium-ion battery, photo voltaic array, and range-extending generator, the boat’s energy supply is diversified. This contains photo voltaic panels, crusing regeneration, shore energy, and a variety extender.
The modern system makes charging and discharging environment friendly, offering energy for each propulsion and home masses.
The Leopard 46 can attain propulsion speeds over 8 knots and regeneration capabilities as much as 1.8kW per hour per hull. Such versatility extends to the stepped hulls and highly effective rig with overlapping genoa, which gives optimum dealing with in all wind circumstances. For single-handed offshore crusing and long-distance voyages, the protected helm station makes it a nice expertise.
Company can simply get aboard by utilizing the symmetrical staircases on either side of the aft platform. Wraparound double railings provide visitor security when company stroll alongside the facet decks across the boat.
The four-panel glass door creates a clean integration between the inside and exterior. The cockpit has a forward-facing couch and an extendable foldable desk, making the eating expertise extra spacious.
The ahead saloon door, a signature function of Leopard fashions, permits ease of entry to the foredeck. The sunpads in the course of the bow space create an ideal house for rest, whereas the cupboard space beneath within the base cleverly hides muddle.
The port-side stairs positioned on the cockpit result in the flybridge, an unlimited outside house. The C-shaped couch and a desk fitted with a number of cup holders enable company to remain seated whereas having fun with cool drinks and conversations.
Seen to the helm to starboard on the deck degree, the captain, both seated on the double bench seat or standing upright, can regulate the company for his or her consolation and security. The spacious flybridge affords a chief location for panoramic views, daylight and wind.
LUXURIOUS INTERIOR
From the foredeck, the saloon may be accessed by a ahead door. It can be accessed from the aft cockpit. To starboard are the fridges, range and oven. The L-shaped galley features a sink, dishwasher, and ample cupboard space.
The countertop, with its impartial color, creates an aura of sophistication. A tv display and energy controls are above the countertop, offering leisure and quick access to numerous indicators. To port, the L-shaped couch, cosy pillows and huge home windows create an ethereal house for socialising.
For the four-cabin model, the proprietor’s stateroom with forward-facing double mattress is positioned aft within the starboard hull. It has its personal companionway, tv, vainness mirror, workspace and cupboards. Geared up with en-suite showers and heads, this model creates a snug onboard dwelling atmosphere.
Within the five-cabin model, there may be an additional stateroom with bunks to starboard close to the center of the boat. Furthermore, there may be an choice for a utility room within the port hull ahead cabin that’s outfitted with washer and dryer, in addition to further cupboard space. There are many alternatives for homeowners to decide on their desired configuration.
The delicate gentle that glows alongside the sides of the beds and the ceilings in all of the cabins creates an expensive atmosphere. For further privateness, the home windows may be lined with shades. The picket sample of the cupboard surfaces and the carpets in an earthy tone resonate with the pure theme.
The Leopard 46 raises the bar in crusing catamarans with its modern, luxurious, and eco-conscious design.
For homeowners who care about mechanical and sail efficiency within the water and comfort inside dwelling areas, choices for upgrades embrace the hybrid electrical propulsion system, massive capability inverter, a full lithium battery financial institution, electrical induction cooktop, and a water maker to scale back environmental impression. A taller mast and elective efficiency sail package deal can enhance the crusing expertise.
For watersports fans, there may be an elective lifting tender platform to make it extra handy when having fun with a day on the water in a young or with marine toys.
Robertson & Caine, certainly one of South Africa’s main yacht makers, crafts the Leopard 46 in Cape City. It additionally builds charter-specified variations branded for The Moorings and Sunsail. The Leopard 46 is offered for constitution and personal homeowners below a administration programme by The Moorings, which additionally affords probably the most inexpensive entry into the world of Leopard’s famend catamarans.
This text was first seen on YachtStyle.com
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