It was foreseeable that the catamaran builders at Leopard would sooner or later replace their tried-and-tested 44-footer. After all, the Leopard 44 (test in YACHT 16/2012) was the last remaining Morelli & Melvin design in the new shipyard line. Now the company, based in Florida/USA, has also commissioned the designers in the Simonis/Voogd office with this complete overhaul. With the new Leopard 45, the line is now complete again and from a single mould with four types between 12 and 17 metres in length.
Surprisingly, and as has only just become known, the prototype of the Leopard 45 is already sailing. The shipyard has so far been very reticent to provide information to the press. The first public presentation is scheduled for October at the Annapolis Sailboat Show in the USA.
Compared to its predecessor, the Leopard 44, there are no major changes to the concept. However, the new ship will be around 70 centimetres longer and around 12 centimetres wider. This should correspond to an increase in volume of around 20 per cent. As is typical of the brand, the Leopard 45 also features a large, deep and well-protected front cockpit in front of the actual deckhouse. To achieve this, the roof of the deckhouse has been pulled very far forwards. This gives the Leopard 45 a special visual touch. Like all of the brand's cats, the new 45 is manufactured by the multihull specialists at Robertson & Caine in Cape Town, South Africa. All parts are built as a GRP construction with a balsa wood core in hand lay-up.
The shipyard has not yet published any data regarding the rig and sails (mast height, sail area, options). As can be seen in the photos of the prototype, the boat comes with what appears to be a very powerful rig with an overlapping genoa and the option of a code zero. As usual, the helm position is raised on the starboard side and can be covered with a fixed bimini if desired. The deck layout of the Leopard 44, which was praised in the YACHT test, is also implemented in the new model.
Below deck, the concept offers the familiar layout for catamarans of this size. For charter use, the Leopard is equipped with two cabins in both hulls, each with its own bathroom and shower compartment. Owners can also have the starboard hull converted into a large cabin with a huge bathroom in the foredeck and a desk. Unlike the previous Leopard 44 model, the seating area in the saloon is now arranged towards the rear. The galley, on the other hand, is arranged as a large U at the front and in the direction of travel.
The shipyard and sales department have also not yet communicated the prices in detail. However, the new Leopard 45 is expected to be only slightly more expensive than the smaller predecessor model. The 44 was last listed in the catalogue with a gross price of 440,000 euros.
