Leopard 46 / Moorings 4600 (2024) Information, Review, Specs

The Leopard 46 debuted at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2024, making its subsequent U.S. premiere at the Annapolis Sailboat Show. This new model succeeded the long-serving Leopard 45, aiming to offer considerable improvements in space, performance, and overall cruising experience.

Robertson & Caine, established in 1991, has a foundational ethos rooted in building high-quality, performance-oriented vessels that seamlessly integrate comfort and functionality. Their "integration simplified" design philosophy is evident in the Leopard 46, which was developed in collaboration with naval architect Alex Simonis and designer Anthony Key. The design goals for the Leopard 46 included delivering robust sailing performance, whether for charter operations or private ownership, while providing a versatile and luxurious interior. The sleek exterior design of this sailing multihull reportedly draws inspiration from the manufacturer's successful power catamaran lineage. Notable design features include stepped hulls and an enhanced sail plan, contributing to its performance profile. The Leopard 46 also offers an optional performance sail package and introduces a revolutionary hybrid electric drive option, showcasing the builder's commitment to sustainable sailing technology.

Sailing Performance and Handling

At 47.51 feet in length overall (LOA) and with a waterline length (LWL) of 44.03 feet, the Leopard 46 boasts a substantial beam of 24.11 feet, providing the inherent form stability characteristic of catamarans. Weighing in at a displacement of 38,924 pounds, she is designed for comfortable cruising. While traditional monohull performance ratios such as ballast to displacement are not directly applicable to multihulls, the Leopard 46 demonstrates a robust sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 20.76 (based on 1512 sq ft reported sail area), suggesting good power and responsiveness, particularly in lighter wind conditions.

Reviews consistently highlight the Leopard 46's good performance under sail and its "excellent sailing characteristics," noting enhancements that improve both performance and overall cruising refinement. Her design, featuring an enhanced sail plan and stepped hulls, aims for exceptional sailing, offering competitive speeds and an engaging experience for the helmsperson. The design ensures the boat stands up well to wind, translating to efficient passage making. With a theoretical hull speed of 8.89 knots, the Leopard 46 is capable of swift and comfortable voyages, living up to Robertson & Caine's reputation for building rugged and capable vessels.

Accommodations and Layout

The Leopard 46 places a strong emphasis on spaciousness and versatility within its interior, catering to diverse needs for both private owners and charter guests. The interior layout is notably flexible, offering configurations ranging from three to an impressive five cabins. This adaptability allows for various arrangements, typically including well-appointed V-berths or island berths forward, multiple heads with showers, a generously sized salon, a fully equipped galley, and comfortable quarter berths or additional cabins in the aft sections of the hulls.

The design features "spacious layouts and luxurious finishes," utilizing quality materials throughout to create an inviting and comfortable living environment. The optimization of the interior design ensures practical functionality alongside aesthetic appeal. Owners and guests can expect ample storage solutions throughout the vessel, designed to accommodate provisions and personal gear for extended cruising. While specific details on ventilation are not consistently highlighted, modern catamaran designs like the Leopard 46 typically incorporate numerous opening hatches and ports to maximize airflow and natural light, contributing to a pleasant onboard atmosphere.

Owner's Perspectives

Owner feedback on Leopard catamarans, including the new 46, often presents a balanced view of strengths and areas for improvement. Many owners praise the brand for its reputation of producing robustly built vessels that offer reliable performance and comfort, particularly for long voyages and open-water cruising. The dual owner/charter program versatility of the Leopard 46 is also well-received, allowing for broad appeal.

However, some owners have reported "nightmare warranty issues," a concern that has surfaced in various online discussions and video reviews. While some owners state they have experienced no issues with specific components like windows, there is an acknowledgment among some in the community of "known issues" with certain elements that might require attention. Despite these isolated concerns, the collective viewpoint from Leopard's own owner reviews tends to highlight overall satisfaction with the catamarans' performance, comfort, and durability. The widespread use of Leopard catamarans in charter fleets also contributes to a strong global community, where owners can benefit from shared experiences and readily available maintenance insights.