Robertson and Caine - Leopard 43
by Isabelle Blainey
The Moorings Yacht Brokerage
Built in Cape Town South Africa by Robertson and Caine, the Simonis-Voogd/Robertson and Caine designed Leopard 43, is the improved version of the award winning Leopard 42 launched in 2002. By 2007, it was the highest production model of all Robertson and Caine Leopards with 65 private and commercial hulls.
To date the Leopard 43 is still found in the most prestigious charter fleets as well as sailing worldwide with some of the most fanatic Leopard cruisers. As the market is the ultimate litmus test of the success of any brand or model, in the case of the Leopard 43 and the global demand for this yacht, the market has spoken and the message is clear.
While it is obvious from the first glance that the Leopard 43 is a solid global cruiser, in my opinion the real appreciation for this yacht comes as soon as the dock lines are slipped and the yacht enters the environment that she was built and conceptualized to perform in. This was driven home on a recent visit to the B.V.I.’s where I once again revisited this model and had yet another opportunity to put a Leopard 43 through her paces.
It was a partly cloudy and breezy day as we motored out of the Moorings Roadtown Marina, I found the engines to be very quiet as we motored for a while at a speed of about 7 knots. As we reached the open waters, we hoisted the mainsail and the jib and headed Southward toward Peter Island.
We were in a close reach going out and coming back, clipping along at 9 to 9.5 knots with a wind speed of 18 to 19 knot, pointing quite high into the wind, I would say about 45 degrees. At times, we even touched on 10 knots. The boat handled well in the 4 to 5 foot seas and cut through the waves with grace. I found the Leopard 43 easy to handle and offering good visibility from the helm station through the opening between the coachroof and hard top bimini.
This particular Leopard 43, a 2006 model, was getting ready to retire from the Moorings fleet and I found the vessel to be in good condition from the rigging, to the hull sides, to the cabinet doors; all of which showed limited signs of wear and tear from its 5 years in charter. I think this is a testament not only to the quality of maintenance offered by the charter company managing the yacht, but to the design and obvious care the Roberston and Caine and the designers went through to make sure the yacht was solidly built yet easily maintained.
On the construction
The Leopard 43 hulls and deck are a sandwich construction GRP, vacuum-bagged with end grain balsa core. The hull-and-deck joints are solid fiberglass and are both through bolted and chemically bonded. The bulkheads are bonded to the hull and you will find a watertight collision bulkhead forward in each hull. The draft is just over 4 feet and 3 inches, which is a little higher than the average cat of that size but improves windward performance and hull protection.
The hull chine design deflects away the water from the hulls keeping the deck drier and provides for an expanded interior volume and minimizes wetted surface for more speed. The rudders are mounted on full fixed skegs that offer good grounding protection.
On deck
The cockpit space is well designed and spacious with a fixed table and molded seating dining area to the port side, the helm station and electronics to the starboard side. I like that the main sheet traveler is out of the way and located on the hard top bimini. The open and uncluttered cockpit area allows easy access to the transom and swim steps, which will also provide access to your dinghy. There is a removable gate to keep your child or pet in the cockpit. There is a large companion way door into the saloon allowing for lots of natural light and ventilation.
The traveler controls are led through the bimini to the cockpit while the mainsheet is led forward along the boom and then aft again to the cockpit. The jib sheets are mounted on the cabin roof allowing for tight sheeting angles. The Leopard 43 is fractional rigged. Its 63 foot mast height (from the water line), makes it very inter-coastal friendly. Yet, its sail area is ample at 1,248 square feet. One signature design feature of Simonis-Vogt is its forward louvered slats and steps which provide not only shade for the saloon, easy access to the cabin top and boom, plus great forward facing seating. A stack pack main sail and double purchase main halyard are both standard to the Leopard 43 and together make the full batten, full roach main sail easy to hoist and furl.
On the foredeck you find a large trampoline separated in two sections by cross support sections. Bow seats on both sides are nice added feature. I enjoyed sitting there to catch the breeze. The double lifelines and stanchions are sturdy and handrails on the cabin top add a safety element.
The starboard aft lazarette houses the generator. The charter versions are typically not equipped with generators, private versions most often have that option, but it can easily be installed after market. I like the location as it is away from the living space and cockpit area, it is so quiet you forget it is even running.
Inside
Leopard 43 Specs
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| LOA | 42'6" |
| LWL | 37'9" |
| Beam | 22'9" |
| Draft | 4'3 |
| Displacement | 19,030 lbs |
| Sail Area | 1,227 sq. ft |
The Leopard 43 comes in two different interior layouts, the charter version is a 4 cabin 4 head floor plan and the owner’s version is a 3 cabin 3 head floor plan. In the 4 cabin 4 head version, both starboard and port side are identical. Unique features to the 3 cabin version include: a starboard side master stateroom with a desk with drawers and shelves, a large head forward and lateral berth aft. I have seen Leopard 43s with a washer dryer unit located in the owner’s head, a very nice bar area located forward between the galley and the saloon.
In both layouts, the saloon features a v-shaped dining table large enough to accommodate eight guests. The saloon table can be converted to provide an additional double berth. I am amazed with the volume of storage you can find underneath the seating area in the saloon as well as behind the seats. The Cherry wood finished interior lends a classy look yet, being composite, is very low maintenance. There is a lot of light coming into the saloon from the clear entry doors, side windows, and portlights. The galley is up and located port side. Its U-shape features large Corian countertops for food preparation and serving, dedicated microwave area, easy access to the double sinks, propane stove and oven with broiler. There is ample storage underneath the counter space and in the adjacent double stainless steel front opening freezer and fridge doors.
The navigation station is located starboard aft in the saloon area offering a seating area with access to the electric panel. I thought that the designer made excellent use of the space combining elegance, practical and functionality aspects.
As far as water and fuel capacity, the tanks are good size. Water tanks are twin 103 gallons and the two fuel tanks total 95 gallons providing an extensive cruising range under power out of the twin 39 horse power Yanmar inboard diesels.
It was a beautiful day at sea and the Leopard 43 was a breeze to maneuver through the busy marina and getting her back into her very tight slip at the Moorings Marina.
The Leopard 43 is one of my favorite Leopards, a great combination of performance, comfort, ease of handling, excellent sea handling and proven reliability. And, with a 63’ fractional rig, it makes it an inter-coastal waterways friendly cat.
To date, over 800 Leopard Catamarans have been produced and cruising the waters around the world. Leopard is the number one brand of Catamarans in North America.
Give us a call and we will be glad to tell you about the Leopard 43, private and charter models, we have available at this time at attractive prices.
For additional information on the Leopard 43, or other Leopard models either new or used, feel free to contact the Moorings Yacht Brokerage at 954-925-4150 or info@mooringsyachtbrokerage.com | www.leopardcatamarans.com
Isabelle Blainey
The Moorings Yacht Brokerage
Dania Beach, FL
954-925-4150
isabelle.blainey@mooringsbrokerage.com
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View list of current Leopard 43's available for sale
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