Leopard catamarans: when comfort, on two hulls, comes from South Africa

For those who like high-end cruising catamarans with luxury amenities, the name Leopard Catamrans will certainly be familiar. These catamarans were born in the South African Robertson & Caine shipyards and bear the signature of architects Simonis & Voogd. In our country they are imported by the company Sail Italia, the first to focus on the construction and sailing qualities of these cat.

Leopard Catamarans – the range

The Leopard Catamarans shipyard now has three models in its range: the Leopard 42, 45, and 50. Three hulls accumulated by a distinct family feeling, including a large fly bridge with command station and outdoor living area, with a sheltered main cockpit. There are also three motre models that Leopard Catamarans is developing, namely the 40, 46 and 53. The motor-powered 40 will be new for 2023, while on the sailing front the upcoming novelty will fit between 55 and 60 feet.

Leopard Catamarans 42 – a great success

Voted Multihull of the Year in 2022 at the La Grande Motte Salon dedicated to multihulls, the Leopard 42 (12.67 long and 7.04 wide) is a modern cruising catamaran. The exterior styling is an evolution of the Leopard 50, a milestone in Leopard Catamarans production to such an extent that it also inspired the motor models. The sailing 42 features continuous side windows along the hull, a rigid hardtop, and what has become in effect an upper lounge area.

Leopard Catamarans – expert speaks

We asked for a “snapshot” of the range from Mimmo Longobardo of SailItalia, which has long since decided to bet on the South African shipyard’s catamarans.

“The characteristic of Leopard Catamarans is that they are marine boats. Think about the fact that in the past, SailItalia base often arrived at the SailItalia base by sea sailing in the Ocean, and we were delivered boats in impeccable condition despite challenging sailings. We have virtually every sailing model in our fleet with a permanent display of the 42, 45 and 50. As an upcoming novelty, there is a new model that will be between 55 and 60 feet and will replace the old 58 that has gone out of production. As for the motor-powered Leopards we will have the Leopard Power 46 which will be presented in Genoa, while for 2023 the Leopard 40 will also arrive. Then we also have the motor-driven 53, an evolution of the sailing 50, which was Leopard’s most successful boat. All marinef and well-built boats made for sailing.” Longobardo told us.

www.sailitalia.it

www.leopardcatamarans.com