Motoring

Luxury sailing catamaran: Leopard 45 boasts top speed and new exterior look

It seems like a sleek new look was the order of the day for the latest Leopard creation

Apr 16, 2017 | By LUXUO

The guys over at Robertson and Caine in Cape Town have designed a stunning new addition to the Leopard range: the 45. Working with Simonis & Voogd Yacht Design, they have managed to integrate all the best aspects of other Leopard models into a newly-styled exterior. What you end up with is a multihull sailing catamaran that is one of the best looking and fastest on the market.

From the outside, compared to its predecessor, the 44, onlookers will notice the redesign of the wrap-around deck. Gone are the curvaceous walking areas and in are sharper lines and angles. You’ll also find a stylish new rooftop covering the saloon. It’s large too, and reaches from the forward cockpit all the way to the aft cockpit. The new styling makes the Leopard look like it’s going fast, even when you’re moored at your home marina.

Owners will have the option of a three or four cabin layout, which revolves around entertaining guests. The aft area has increased in size and the open plan layout with L-shaped forward facing seating is perfect for lounging around or having that important business lunch. Meanwhile, the wrap-around windows are larger and let in a lot of light, while providing unparalleled visibility. There’s even a glass roof over the dining area and large sliding glass doors that open to the stern. When it’s dark out, hidden lights add a subtle illumination to the living space. Little touches like these make all the difference and adds to the quality we’ve come to expect from Leopard.

The interior is styled with wooden panels throughout and are lightly coloured with grey accents, lending the entire space an airy and modern feel. You’ll also find a large and well-equipped galley on the main deck. Thanks to the design, communication throughout is effortless and when you’re ready to make your way to the foredeck and trampoline, a weather-tight door allows for easy access.

As you head downstairs, you will not only find the spacious cabins, a small galley and several heads, but also a rest area for the crew. If you choose the three-cabin three-head layout, then the starboard-side hull is designed exclusively for the owner. There’s your main suite with a king-sized bed, a workstation and a large and well-appointed washroom with a nicely sized shower. The port-side features the other two cabins and washrooms. The four-cabin four-head layout has two washrooms on each side of the stairs on both hulls, while the cabins are located at the bow and aft of each hull. Perfect for taking family and friends on a memorable cruise. The three-cabin layout should definitely be the choice for private use, while the four-cabin layout is better for those wishing to charter out their yacht.

Like other catamarans from Leopard, the 45 is a tough, go- anywhere yacht that is as comfortable sailing around the Cape of Good Hope, where these cats are tested, as she is cruising in the calm waters of the Andaman Sea. On board, you get the utmost in luxury and strategically designed ergonomics, making this one of the most competent and comfortable catamarans available today.

This article was first published in Yacht Style 37.


 
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