Leopard Catamarans recently announced that the new Leopard 40 will make her U.S. debut in mid-February 2015 at the Miami Boat Show. This catamaran, currently in production, is a product of South African boat builders Robertson and Caine and includes a unique, modern design thanks to experienced naval architects Simonis and Voogd. She resembles her predecessors in speed, agility, and blue-water performance, but her enhancements include an increased volume in the hulls, allowing for additional interior space and an innovative interior layout.
Franck Bauguil, Vice President of Yacht Ownership and Sales for TUI Marine expressed his expectations for the Leopard 40, saying, “The result of the very fruitful partnership between Robertson and Caine, TUI Marine and the architects Simonis and Voogd, the Leopard 40 is the logical progression of the Leopard mid-range model, based on the worldwide success of the Leopard 48 with added features. The Leopard 40 feels like a much larger and more powerful catamaran. A new exterior and a completely updated interior make this model very innovative while staying with the tradition of a strongly built, well performing cruising catamaran.” Bauguil went on to discuss the main saloon and the aft cockpit, saying, “Opening the large sliding doors allows for a fusion of the outdoor living area and the indoor living area. When the sliding door is closed it is a temperature controlled main saloon with spectacular panoramic views.”
The Leopard 40’s interior design is unlike any Leopard before her. Her galley is located forward and the settee and dining area is now located aft. This allows for a panoramic view with large sliding glass doors between the saloon and the aft cockpit. This arrangement promotes easy communication for guests and an open flow between the saloon and the aft cockpit. In addition, the galley area includes a large forward-facing window and an access door to the forward platform of the boat. The access door enhances the open concept feel and easy navigation in and around the yacht. It also promotes ventilation throughout the interior.
John Robertson, Managing Director and Co-founder of Robertson and Caine, also expressed his views of the Leopard 40, saying, “The Leopard 40 is the final step in our complete Leopard model range update which concentrates on unifying the gathering areas on modern cruising catamarans. This has been achieved by a door in the front of the saloon giving access directly to the forward area and trampoline. As in our other new models, taking the full height of the saloon forward has given the added attraction of panoramic views ahead as well as better through flow ventilation when needed in tropical climates. In addition, the Leopard 40 has taken the unifying concept dramatically further by a complete redesign of the seating arrangement from the cockpit to the saloon and moving the galley forward. A large door and window combination opens to allow flow between the two areas, and the floor and seating throughout is on the same level aiding social interaction.”
Like the rest of the Leopard line, the new Leopard 40 includes a light blonde interior with a light, modern and airy feel. Her upholstery is a light cream color, and the cabinets and flooring are an Alabaster oak. She also features a light Grey King Tree flooring. This new interior design has been extremely popular, increasing the demand for multiple Leopard models. The Leopard 40 sticks to the standard 3 or 4 cabin layout with 2 heads. In the 3 cabin owner’s version there is an additional desk area located in the starboard hull, extra storage space, and a private head. The heads are fitted with Corian counter tops, a shower and an electric flushing toilet.
The Leopard 40 will also be built to Moorings specifications and entered into the Moorings Yacht Ownership program as the Moorings 4000 in 2015. This innovative and performance driven Leopard 40 is sure to excite anyone interested in a new catamaran in the 40 ft range. Her unique layout and ergonomic design are both aesthetically pleasing and practical, while her agility and maneuverability make her a must see for any avid sailor who appreciates a quality built, blue-water capable catamaran.
For more information visit http://www.leopardcatamarans.com/catamarans/Leopard-40
Principal Specifications:
Length Overall 39 ft 4 in / 11.99 m
Hull Length 38 ft 1 in / 11.62 m
Beam 22 ft 1 in / 6.72 m
Draft 4 ft 1 in / 1.25 m
Sail Area 1032 sq ft / 95.9 sqm
Engines 2 x 29 hp
Fuel Capacity 95 US Gal / 360 l
Water Capacity 206 US Gal / 780 l
Berths 8 + 2 in fore peaks, or 6 + 1 in fore peak
Displacement 20,591 lbs / 9340 kg
Heads 2 + Forepeak head
Showers 2 + Transom shower
