After completely renewing its Powercat range, the South African shipyard is continuing the rejuvenation of its sailing boats. It starts with the Leopard 46.
The number 1 of the new series was built in the strictest secrecy and launched just as discreetly at Robertson & Caine in Cape Town. Although the catamaran has been practically completely redesigned, the angular look clearly identifies it as a Leopard.
In keeping with the spirit of the times, the new model is optionally available with an electric hybrid drive. This solution is made possible by a dedicated partnership with Fountaine Pajot. Thanks to this collaboration, demand has reached the critical quantity required for production. At 150,000 euros, the hybrid version is still not cheap, but in view of the large lithium battery pack, which also supplies the on-board electronics and a generator with electricity, it is fair.
By dispensing with the skipper’s berth in the bow, there is more space for up to five cabins and just as many heads compartments, which are therefore extremely spacious. Incidentally, the group’s charter companies offer the Leopard as the Sunsail 465 and Moorings 4600. However, the greatest demand is expected for the two owner’s versions. For the first time in this size class, they can be ordered in a version with three guest cabins and a master suite. The cat is also available in the traditional version with two VIP cabins and an owner’s suite, or as a three-cabin version with a utility room, which can be used as storage space, laundry room, workshop, office or for supplying diving, surfing and wings.
Even more power
Otherwise you will find the typical Leopard layout. In the saloon behind the galley, you can make yourself comfortable in the direction of travel and access to the cockpit is directly through the deckhouse. What is new, however, is the extra-wide glass door between the saloon and cockpit. It consists of four panels and blurs the boundaries between inside and outside. The mast has been extended to give the cat an even sportier ride. Together with the performance sail package, it delivers an impressive performance. The helm and maneuvering station, which is very well protected halfway up behind the coachroof, is even more comfortable than the previous versions. To meet the increasing demand for solar energy, four high-performance glass panels with a total output of 1600 W have been installed on the Leopard 46. The lounge area on the roof has been moved slightly forward and, as with the other models, should prove to be the ultimate place to spend time, especially at anchor.The Leopard 46 offers all the functions of a 50-foot cat, only on 46 feet, and could become a bestseller in view of its many advantages, just like its predecessor, of which 400 units were built. It will be on show in Europe for the first time in April 2025 at the Multihull Boat Show in La Grande-Motte. leopardcatamarans.com