The recently redesigned Leopard 40 sports an increased interior volume and modern interior layout. A unique saloon to bow access door gives easy access for sunbathing and chilling out on the deck. With a bright and uncluttered design and a helm with excellent visibility, the Leopard 40 provides the safety expected for the bluewater lifestyle in a comfortable package.

DESIGN – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

Designed and built by South African firm Robertson & Caine and along with Naval Architects Simonis-Voogd, the Leopard 40 attempts to set a new standard for cruising catamarans. Based on customer and owner feedback, the most recent Leopard 40 has a redesigned configuration. As an evolution of the Leopard 39 design, the increase in hull volume, innovative interior layout, and enlarged windows and doors give the impression of a much larger catamaran.

The aft cabins have been redesigned and now have semi-island berths, improved access steps, recessed LED strip lighting as well as more space overall than the previous version. Within the owner’s suite, the desk and storage units have been repositioned to allow for a more refined and practical layout. 

Short-handed sailing is made easy as all lines run back to the helm, all within reach, and with an electric winch for convenient control. The helm offers superb visibility to all corners of the boat and is easily accessible from the cockpit and deck. The cockpit has a full hardtop cover and a hard Bimini protecting the helm station. One of the biggest drawcards of this model is the forward access door at the front of the saloon, which accesses a semi-covered outdoor lounge area, perfect for relaxing and watching the world go by.

The Leopard 40 is available in two versions, a three cabin and two head version, or a four cabin and two head version. Customizable with your choice of interior and exterior colors, as well as a comprehensive list of optional equipment from reputable brands, the Leopard 40 can be outfitted to suit your intended sailing method and lifestyle.

DECK

The well thought out design of the Leopard 40 provides the comfort and safety expected for the Bluewater lifestyle. The deck is clear and uncluttered, hatches are finished flush, and numerous grab handles are well positioned for safe sailing.

The Leopard 40 has a forward deck area accessible from the saloon, but unlike the larger boats by Leopard, this area is not a dedicated cockpit. Although, with the addition of some cushions, the area would make a great space to lounge when the sun is shining from aft and it does provide some shade with the extended brow / louvre. There is good under-deck storage in the foredeck area where the optional generator is stowed. Ample space is available on the deck suitable to store your favorite watersports equipment, such as paddleboards and kayaks.

Handholds are installed along the entire top of the cabin, providing safe access to and from the deck. However, the steps that provide access to the cabin top are challenging, especially if the area is wet. The sail controls are simple, and the helm station is raised to provide an excellent position to sail from and to simply enjoy the views.

SALOON

The latest model, Leopard 40 has a reinvented saloon and galley with an open-air concept that is a fusion of the indoor and outdoor living spaces. The large forward window and access door, combined with the sliding windows and doors aft provide occupants an almost all-round view from the saloon. While the smoke grey-tinted saloon windows and rectangular side windows, give the catamaran a very modern look.

The internal volume of this catamaran has been maximized by the design that incorporates vertical sides to the saloon. The saloon lounge is L shaped and located against the aft sliding windows, it contributes to the large open space feeling, and the saloon and cockpit areas become one. The generous interior dining area can seat eight comfortably, and the dining table converts into an additional double berth.

The oversized vertical forward window and door to access the bow area increase the natural light in the interior. The galley in the latest model has been relocated, facing forward beside the foredeck door, and is also an L shaped configuration. The modern galley is well finished and supplied complete with large Corian countertops, deep stainless steel sink, front-opening energy-saving fridge/freezer, and a three burner stovetop and oven.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Leopard 40 is available with either a 3 or 4 cabin layout. The increased volume in the hulls is noticeable in the generous size of the cabins and berths, with both layouts providing excellent comfort in all cabins with ample storage lockers. In addition, the light interior fit out in the owners, and guest cabins add to the open and airy feeling.

The three cabin layout has two guest cabins in the port hull, sharing a good-sized head complete with shower. The owner’s cabin fills the entire starboard hull. The spacious berth is situated aft and comes complete with a vanity table/desk and adequate storage space. It also has a sliding entry door for privacy. A private head and shower are located forward in the hull in the owner’s version. And this private head and shower are replaced by an additional double berth in the four cabin version.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• LOA: 39 ft 4 in / 11.99 m 
• LWL: 38 ft 1 in / 11.62 m 
• Beam: 22 ft 1 in / 6.72 m 
• Draft: 4 ft 5 in / 1.35 m 
• Mast Height: 63 ft 10 in / 19.45 m 
• Bridgedeck Clearance: 2 ft 4 in / 0.7 m 
• Engine: 2x 29 hp 
• Engine No. Cylinders: 3 
• Fuel: 95 gal / 360 L 
• Water: 206 gal / 780 L 
• Mainsail Area (Standard): 445 sqft / 41.4 sqm 
• Mainsail Area (Square Top): 607 sqft / 56.4 sqm 
• Genoa Area: 425 sqft / 39.5 sqm 
• Spinnaker Area: 1292 sqft / 120 sqm 
• Code 0 Area: 580 sqft / 53.9 sqm 
• Total Upwind Area (Standard): 871 sqft / 80.9 sqm 
• Displacement: 23215 lbs / 10530 kg 
• Load Carrying Capacity: 9612 lbs / 4360 kg 
• Holding Tank Capacity: 29 gal / 110 L 
• First Built: 2008 
• Builder: Robertson and Caine
• Designer: Simonis Voogd

PRICE RANGE

The Leopard 40 is available for approx. $500,000. Expect another $100,000 to fully equip it with everything need to be ready to go cruising.

CONCLUSION

The design of the Leopard 40 is well thought out. The open-air concept combining the interior and exterior areas creates a comfortable and enjoyable living space from the front deck, through the saloon, and extending out to the cockpit. The accommodations are well-sized, light, and well ventilated. The forward-facing galley is modern, well finished, and practical. Overall this catamaran, with its large interior volume and well thought out design, would provide an exceptional level of comfort and safety to those who wish to enjoy the Bluewater cruising lifestyle.