The new Leopard 52 catamaran was developed as the successor to the successful Leopard 50 of which 246 units were sold under the Leopard and Moorings brands. When developing the new model, the Robertson and Caine shipyard focussed on maximum versatility without losing the brand's typical DNA. The catamaran is characterised by a spacious and robust design that has been optimised for blue water cruising. Particular attention has been paid to the seamless integration of the exterior and interior, with cockpit doors that can be fully opened or closed as required.
Seven layout options for different needs
The Leopard 52 offers enormous versatility with seven different layout options. Three- and four-cabin layouts are available for long-term sailors and liveaboards. The three-cabin version includes an extra-large owner's cabin, an extra-large guest cabin, a VIP cabin and a fully-fledged utility room. Alternatively, a fourth cabin can be selected instead of the utility room. The four- and five-cabin variants are particularly suitable for families, while a six-cabin configuration is available for charter operations. All cabins have en-suite bathrooms with showers. An optional crew cabin can also be integrated in the bow, which has separate access from the deck and is fully air-conditioned.
The saloon of the Leopard 52 has been equipped with a sophisticated rectangular table that can be folded out from a coffee table to a fully-fledged dining table. In the cockpit, there are two table options to choose from: a large rectangular table that forms a single space with the saloon when the doors are open, or a more compact table that allows more freedom of movement in the cockpit. The interior has been upgraded with new materials, different upholstery options, revised ceiling panels and indirect lighting. Howard Loveday from the design team at Robertson and Caine emphasises: "The lighting has been taken to the next level with modern, glare-free downlights, more concealed and accent lighting and embedded mirror lighting in the owner's bathrooms. This conveys a sense of luxury and comfort associated with a modern flat rather than a traditional yacht."
Technical improvements and drive options
The Leopard 52 offers numerous technical improvements over the previous model. Four optional 400-watt solar panels can be integrated in the stern area of the lounge. A built-in plancha grill or electric barbecue can be operated from the swimming area behind the aft cockpit without interfering with the seating. The helm station has been equipped with a comfortable seat for two people, providing comfort when steering. A patented electric dinghy platform is available as an option, which can be operated from inside the boat. The standard equipment includes a 5000 watt inverter and a microwave with convection function instead of a gas oven.
The rig of the Leopard 52 has been improved compared to the previous model to increase sailing performance. The mast and boom have been lengthened and the boom has been lowered, which also facilitates access to the stack pack. This results in a 17 per cent increase in sail area on the wind compared to the Leopard 50. Alexander Simonis from Simonis Voogd Design explains: "The rigging of the new Leopard 52 has become larger compared to previous generations. This was possible due to the reduced pitching motion that we were able to achieve through the improved hull design. The larger rig will be particularly beneficial in lighter conditions when more sail area is needed to make decent speed. We really expect less motoring and more sailing on this 52-foot catamaran."
Optional electric drives for environmentally conscious sailing
As an alternative to the standard 2 x 57 hp Yanmar engines, the Leopard 52 offers an optional electric drive. This comprises two 25 kW electric motors, two 27 kWh batteries with integrated fire suppression and a 24 kW range extender generator. The system enables both pure electric propulsion and energy recovery under sail. Franck Bauguil, Head of Development at Moorings/Sunsail/Leopard Catamarans, describes the system as an "ideal package for owners who would have chosen a lithium battery bank and generator anyway." The technology has already been extensively tested on the Leopard 45 and is now being offered as an option for the new Leopard 52.
The design of the Leopard 52 has been optimised for improved seaworthiness and performance. The catamaran has an "inverted" deck mould with struts to support the deck structure, similar to performance catamarans. The saloon windows are made of glass instead of acrylic and the hull is made in a one-piece mould for infusion.
Up to 1.5 million euros
The basic version of the Leopard 52 is available from around 900,000 euros. The complete list of options adds up to over 600,000 euros, depending on which cabin version, which engine and which intended use are desired. In addition to the purchase for private ownership, the new catamaran will also be available through The Moorings as the Moorings 5200. Interested parties can book the ship for charter trips or purchase it via the yacht owner programme.
Technical data:
| Specification | Leopard 52 |
| Length over all | 15.75 m |
| Overall length with lifting platform | 15.8 m |
| Waterline length | 15.31 m |
| Width max. | 8.16 m |
| Draught (empty) | 1.62 m |
| Draught (half loaded) | 1.7 m |
| Draught max. | 1.77 m |
| Mast height above WL (half loaded) | 24.715 m |
| Salon area | 23.6 m² |
| Displacement (empty) | 20.517 t |
| Displacement (half loaded) | 23.435 t |
| Displacement (max.) | 26.353 t |
| Loading capacity | 5,836 t |
| Engine max power | 41.9 kW |
