The 45-foot class of catamarans is particularly interesting not only for owners, but also for yacht charters. The new Leopard 46 is set to set new standards with three, four and five double cabins, each with its own bathroom. Other manufacturers do not yet offer this flexibility. Despite the same or even slightly longer hull length, the South African boat is slimmer than the competition. Another new feature is the forward cabin in the starboard hull, which is installed transversely to the direction of travel, allowing for a double berth that is just as wide as the rear. The different interior variants can be seen in the picture gallery above.
Typical for the brand, the Leopard 46 also has a large, deep and well-protected front cockpit in front of the deckhouse. The roof of the deckhouse is pulled far forward, which gives the Leopard 45 a special visual touch. Particularly in the Mediterranean, where catamarans are often moored with the stern facing the jetty or pontoon, only a forward cockpit offers the desired privacy. In addition, this area of the Leopard is directly accessible through a door from the saloon, which connects the generously designed living spaces. Further areas for enjoyment and relaxation are located on the flybridge. The sun lounge at lofty heights is now included as standard, which was not the case with the previous Leopard 45 model.
Increased performance in expansion stages
The halyards, sheets, reefing and trim lines are clearly laid out over the roof up to the helm. Despite the far aft rigging, Leopard continues to do without a self-tacking jib and also offers the new Leopard 46 only with an overlapping genoa and hoisting points on the coachroof. Ambitious sailors have the option of a larger and more powerful mainsail with a top-flap, as well as a gennaker or code zero for more power when sailing downwind.
The catamaran from South Africa is equipped ex works with two 45 hp (33 kW) four-cylinder built-in engines from Janmar. Two more powerful engines with 57 hp each are also available as an option. Leopard also offers environmentally friendly drive options for its new boats. The boat can therefore also be ordered with electric drives or a very comprehensive electric hybrid system. Of course, there are also various options for additional power generation on board for maximum autonomy on a long sea voyage.
According to the shipyard, the basic price for the Leopard 46 is 669,000 euros (831,800 euros gross incl. 19% VAT). The basic equipment is quite extensive and the sails are included in the price. The boat can also be purchased for use in yacht charters via the management programmes of The Moorings (model: Moorings 4600) and Sunsail (Sunsail 465). However, these boats always have a layout with five cabins and are only equipped with the standard diesel engines.
The first Leopard 46 vessel has apparently already been built and has already been shown overseas at the boat show in Annapolis (USA) as a world first. The European première will then take place in April at the International Multihull Show in La Grande Motte (southern France).
Technical data Leopard 46
- Designer: Michael Robertson / Robertson & Caine
- Hull length: 14.48 m
- Waterline length: 13.42 m
- Width: 7.35 m
- Draught: 1.59 m
- Weight: 17.2 tonnes
- Mast height above waterline: 22.9 m
- Mainsail: 86.5 m2 / optional: 94.2 m2
- Genoa: 57.9 m2
- Gennaker: 198.1 m2
- Code Zero: 79.0 m2
- Motorisation: Yanmar built-in diesel / 2 x 45 hp (33 kW)
- Optional motorisation: electric hybrid drive 2 x 25 kW
- Fuel capacity: 690 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 700 litres
