The design also appeared as the Leopard 38, Sunsail 384, and Moorings 3900—a useful reminder that what looks like the same boat on the dock may carry three different names. Robertson and Caine built 126 examples in the Leopard 39 and Moorings 3900 configuration.
Design and Construction
The Leopard 39 measures 37 feet 6 inches overall, with a beam of 19 feet 10 inches and a displacement of 9.11 tonnes (20,073 lbs). Fitting a saloon, galley, and cabins into less than 12 meters was the central challenge of the design brief, not an afterthought.
The Moorings 3900 and Leopard 39 versions received a polyester bimini molded as a continuation of the coachroof. A rigid cap shelters the steering position, giving the helm permanent protection rather than a snap-on canvas cover.
The naval architecture is credited to Morelli & Melvin, the same partnership behind the 2009 Leopard 38 and 2004 Leopard 40. That places the 39 within a coherent generation of Morelli & Melvin catamarans for the marque.
Rig, Engines, and Handling
The fractional sloop rig carries a mast 62 feet 8 inches above the waterline. Sail area comprises a 614-square-foot mainsail and a 377-square-foot genoa, with an optional 1,012-square-foot gennaker.
In a period test, a 31-knot gust and a good wave drove the catamaran to 17.6 knots under full sail. That result shows the platform’s outright pace when the breeze fills.
Twin 21-cv engines provide propulsion. This configuration is typical of cruising catamarans and suits close-quarters maneuvering without relying on wind alone.
Accommodations and Tankage
Buyers could choose three or four double cabins, allowing the same hull to favor either owner privacy or charter capacity. The boat carries 780 liters of water and 350 liters of fuel, supporting extended stays away from the dock.
The coachroof extension and protected steering position also make the cockpit a usable living area rather than simply a passage through the boat.
Known Issues and Ownership
The authoritative record provides limited information about known physical characteristics beyond the construction choices already described: the polyester bimini, the rigid helm cap fitted to the 126 examples, and the charter-grade build specification.
Because the Leopard 39 was built to charter-company specifications, many hulls entered the market after fleet service. Owners taking on a former charter boat should expect the wear profile associated with commercial use. The 126-boat Leopard 39/Moorings 3900 run with factory hard biminis represents a distinct subset within the wider model family.
The multiple model names also make careful identification important. A survey should confirm the actual hull configuration rather than relying on the broker’s label.
Verdict
The Leopard 39 is a purpose-driven sub-40-foot catamaran that turns a tight length constraint into a coherent cruiser. It offers real speed under sail, three- or four-cabin layouts, and a protected helm as standard on the 126-example run. The Morelli & Melvin pedigree and charter-origin discipline give it a sensible backbone, though its several aliases demand careful identification at purchase.
Pros
- Observed speed of 17.6 knots under full sail in strong gusts
- Choice of three or four cabins in less than 12 meters
- Factory hard bimini and rigid steering cap on the 126-example Leopard 39/Moorings 3900 run
- Twin-engine drivetrain for confident docking
Cons
- Multiple model names complicate hull identification
- Charter-spec origins imply varying levels of service wear
