The plans for the new Leopard 50 once again come from Simonis/Voogd. The designers have already drawn the new 45 for Leopard Catamarans (test in YACHT 13/17) and thus heralded the new generation within the model series. Now the larger Leopard 50 follows as the successor to the 48, which was introduced as a new model in 2013 (test in YACHT 16/13). The Leopard cats are built in South Africa by Robertson & Caine.
The new designs differed from the previous designs with even more and larger windows, higher freeboards and a generally much more angular appearance. With the new Leopard 50, the shipyard has also made some significant conceptual changes compared to the previous model. In particular, customers can now choose whether they want the boat with a hardtop or with a beautiful lounge area as a flybridge. In the latter case, a fixed seating area with table and additional sun lounger is installed on top of the solid bimini; in both cases, however, the steering position remains elevated to the side. In the flybridge version, a staircase leads from the helm cockpit to the second floor. Leopard catamarans are known for their front cockpits, which are directly accessible through the saloon. This is of course also the case with the new ship.
If the buyer opts for the flybridge, the main boom is raised slightly higher for safety reasons than in the standard version without the seating group at the top. Different sail plans are also available for both versions. The sportier version has a larger, more flared mainsail. The size of the overlapping genoa remains unchanged and a self-tacking jib is not provided.
Another exciting feature is the option of a lowerable bathing platform, on which the dinghy can also be stored and effortlessly lowered into the water at the touch of a button. This innovative detail was introduced by competitor Fountaine Pajot on the new Saona 47 (test in YACHT 10/17). Leopard has probably made use of this good idea. However, the standard for Leopard remains the usual bracket, on which the dinghy can be retrieved and stowed almost as easily and uncomplicatedly.
The interior is offered in versions with four or five cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom and shower option. Of particular interest is the layout for the owner's cabin forward in the starboard hull with separate access from the saloon. The double berth in king-size format is installed transversely here, but this is at the expense of the front cockpit, which is therefore smaller on the Leopard 50 than on the 45.
The first Leopard 50 boats are expected to arrive in Europe in summer 2018. The premiere will be at the Miami Boat Show in February 2018 and a detailed price list with all options is not yet available. However, the shipyard representatives can already give an initial price indication: the standard version of the Leopard 50 with hardtop will cost EUR 748,500, including 19 per cent VAT.
