At this year’s Miami International Boat Show in February, visitors at the Museum Park Marina – one of the show’s six locations – were eager to tour the yachts on display and Leopard’s booth drew a good crowd, with the new Leopard 46 sailing catamaran as its highlight.
The model had its premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2024 before making its US debut the following month at the Annapolis Sailboat Show. This year, it follows its Miami appearance with its Asia debut at the Singapore Yachting Festival (April 10-13) and a display at the International Multihull Show (April 23-27) in La Grande-Motte, France.
Having already won awards such as Boat of the Year: Best Full-Size Multihull 45ft to 50ft and one of the Top 10 Best Boats 2025, the Leopard 46 model in Miami attracted sailing enthusiasts of all ages to marvel at its innovative design.
With a refined layout that provides a seamless integration between the aft cockpit and saloon, the spacious-yet-sporty cruising catamaran offers plenty to help those on board enjoy their voyage.
INNOVATION MEETS SUSTAINABILITY
The Simonis Voogd-designed Leopard 46 feels more spacious than expected, facilitating versatility for personalisation. The 46-footer’s exterior design draws inspiration from its powercat siblings, featuring a sleek and modern design, with wraparound windows to maximise natural light.
While retaining the popular features of its predecessor, the Leopard 45, the elimination of the skipper cabin creates a roomy configuration. Owners can choose to have three cabins plus a utility room, a four-cabin layout, or five double cabins each with en-suite head or shower.
A comfortable environment for onboard living and cruising is enhanced by the sliding door, which seamlessly integrates the aft cockpit and interior saloon.
From a distance, the sailing catamaran looks ready to deliver a high-performance experience for eco-conscious sailors. This cutting-edge yacht features an optional hybrid electric drive, boasting integrated solar panels that increase autonomy and reduce reliance on the generator.
Equipped with twin 45hp Yanmar diesel engines as standard, it offers the option to upgrade to 57hp. Meanwhile, with the optional hybrid electric drive system, which includes a power management box, electric propulsion pod, high-voltage lithium-ion battery, solar array, and range-extending generator, the boat’s power source is diversified. This includes solar panels, sailing regeneration, shore power, and a range extender.
The innovative system makes charging and discharging efficient, providing power for both propulsion and house loads.
The Leopard 46 can reach propulsion speeds over 8 knots and regeneration capabilities up to 1.8kW per hour per hull. Such versatility extends to the stepped hulls and powerful rig with overlapping genoa, which provides optimal handling in all wind conditions. For single-handed offshore sailing and long-distance voyages, the protected helm station makes it a pleasant experience.
Guests can easily get aboard by using the symmetrical staircases on both sides of the aft platform. Wraparound double railings offer guest safety when guests walk along the side decks around the boat.
The four-panel glass door creates a smooth integration between the interior and exterior. The cockpit has a forward-facing sofa and an extendable foldable table, making the dining experience more spacious.
The forward saloon door, a signature feature of Leopard models, allows ease of access to the foredeck. The sunpads in the middle of the bow area create a perfect space for relaxation, while the storage space beneath in the base cleverly hides clutter.
The port-side stairs located at the cockpit lead to the flybridge, a vast outdoor space. The C-shaped sofa and a table fitted with multiple cup holders allow guests to stay seated while enjoying cool drinks and conversations.
Visible to the helm to starboard at the deck level, the captain, either seated at the double bench seat or standing upright, can keep an eye on the guests for their comfort and safety. The spacious flybridge offers a prime location for panoramic views, sunlight and wind.
LUXURIOUS INTERIOR
From the foredeck, the saloon can be accessed through a forward door. It can also be accessed from the aft cockpit. To starboard are the refrigerators, stove and oven. The L-shaped galley includes a sink, dishwasher, and ample storage space.
The countertop, with its neutral colour, creates an aura of sophistication. A television screen and power controls are above the countertop, providing entertainment and easy access to various indicators. To port, the L-shaped sofa, cosy pillows and large windows create an airy space for socialising.
For the four-cabin version, the owner’s stateroom with forward-facing double bed is located aft in the starboard hull. It has its own companionway, television, vanity mirror, workspace and cabinets. Equipped with en-suite showers and heads, this version creates a comfortable onboard living environment.
In the five-cabin version, there is an extra stateroom with bunks to starboard near the middle of the boat. Moreover, there is an option for a utility room in the port hull forward cabin that’s equipped with washer and dryer, as well as extra storage space. There are plenty of opportunities for owners to choose their desired configuration.
The soft light that glows along the edges of the beds and the ceilings in all the cabins creates a luxurious ambience. For extra privacy, the windows can be covered with shades. The wooden pattern of the cabinet surfaces and the carpets in an earthy tone resonate with the natural theme.
The Leopard 46 raises the bar in sailing catamarans with its innovative, luxurious, and eco-conscious design.
For owners who care about mechanical and sail performance in the water and convenience within living areas, options for upgrades include the hybrid electric propulsion system, large capacity inverter, a full lithium battery bank, electric induction cooktop, and a water maker to reduce environmental impact. A taller mast and optional performance sail package can improve the sailing experience.
For watersports enthusiasts, there is an optional lifting tender platform to make it more convenient when enjoying a day on the water in a tender or with marine toys.
Robertson & Caine, one of South Africa’s leading yacht makers, crafts the Leopard 46 in Cape Town. It also builds charter-specified versions branded for The Moorings and Sunsail. The Leopard 46 is available for charter and private owners under a management programme through The Moorings, which also offers the most affordable entry into the world of Leopard’s renowned catamarans.
leopardcatamarans.com
This article was first seen on YachtStyle.com
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