The Roberston & Caine shipyard (South Africa) announces the Leopard 50. This new model will be previewed at the Miami boat show and will be more accessible to the French at the Multihull boat show in La Grande Motte (April 2018).
The 50 replaces the 48, which was launched in 2013 and produces 190 units. To ensure such a great success for the new model, the shipyard did not hesitate to build a 1:1 scale model!
With or without fly, the boom is not at the same height, horn mainsail or not
Available in 2 versions
For the first time at the shipyard, the Leopard 50 will be available in 2 versions: "Lounge" and "Performance". The main difference will be the presence or not of a fly. On the "Lounge" version, the bimini will be equipped with a sunbathing area. To secure this area, the boom will be placed higher, reducing the mainsail area a little. Hence the name "Performance" for the second version with a lower boom and a larger mainsail. A horn mainsail is also available on both models to boost performance a little (more surface area, but be careful with the delicate tuning...).
4 or 5 cabins
On the layout side, the 2 versions are identical. This catamaran can be delivered in 4 or 5 cabins (with 4 or 5 toilet compartments). The forward cockpit protected from the sun by a cap and accessible through a door from the saloon (trademark of the range) is still in use.
At the stern the cockpit receives a table without the table in the saloon being removed. The choice to sit inside or outside is still possible for the crew. Under the deckhouse, in addition to the beautiful galley facing the sea, there is a real chart table (rare enough to be reported!).
Asymmetrical hulls
The arrangement of the two hulls is asymmetrical. Indeed, on the starboard side, there are 2 companionways which allow 2 separate and completely autonomous cabins. On the port side, the only companionway gives access to the 2 other cabins. In the 5-cabin version, the last one is located in the centre of the starboard hull.
Light above all!
A lot of work has been done on this boat to increase the view outwards and bring light by reducing the structures. This can be seen in the saloon where the beams holding the deckhouse are refined (reinforced with carbon) and in the cabins with large portholes. Without forgetting the light wells on the ceiling of the deckhouse which illuminate the room and give a view of the sails.
Like the rest of the range, this Leopard 50 will be available for purchase, but also for management at The Moorings under the name Moorings 5000.
