With a beam of 26 feet 9 inches and a displacement of just over 45,000 pounds, the Leopard 52 is intended for blue-water passagemaking and long-term liveaboard comfort rather than weekend coast-hopping.
Design and Construction
The 52 follows the design direction of earlier Leopards but adds modern touches, including vertical bows and a long hull window that runs nearly 80 percent of the catamaran’s length. Robertson & Caine uses advanced composite infusion construction, along with a one-piece hull mold and a reverse deck mold. Expansive glass saloon windows provide panoramic views, while the construction approach delivers hull and deck strength.
Simonis Voogd optimized the hull shape to reduce pitching and improve turning compared with previous models. The deck plans were also completely revised to improve crew accommodation. A forward watertight door provides safe access to the foredeck and excellent natural ventilation, while panoramic wraparound windows bring plenty of light into the saloon.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
Simonis Voogd designed the Leopard 52 for both performance and easy handling. It can be sailed short-handed or even single-handed.
The powerful rig combines an overlapping genoa with a stepped hull design, plus a taller mast and longer boom than those of the Leopard 50. Together, these changes provide 17 percent more upwind sail area than the 50. The boom also sits slightly lower than on previous models, improving upwind performance and making the stack-pack easier to reach for safer sail handling.
An optional square-top mainsail and Code 0 are available in Ulman’s Aramid fabric. The Code 0 is capable of exceeding the true wind speed. At Leopard’s signature protected helm station, all lines lead aft for single-handed sailing. The upgraded twin-seat helm also provides superior visibility and easy access to the controls and both social areas.
Cockpit and Interior
The Leopard 52 offers 438 square feet of integrated indoor-outdoor living space, including three distinct outdoor areas. Stackable sliding doors open the saloon fully to the expansive aft cockpit. There, an L-shaped bench to port and a seat to starboard surround a table for six; an optional folding table joins the interior table. A built-in chaise longue and customizable table configurations provide further space for gatherings.
The forward cockpit has sunbeds for more secluded lounging. Next to the elevated helm, a coachroof lounge keeps crew connected while underway.
Inside, oak flooring with rounded corners helps define the interior. The forward-facing galley overlooks the trampoline and includes full-size appliances. The saloon table converts from a coffee table to a full dining setup.
Ten layouts are available across 4-, 5-, and 6-cabin configurations. Optional forward and aft utility rooms can house workbenches and a washer/dryer.
Equipment and Systems
Standard equipment includes Raymarine touchscreen navigation, digital switching, and system monitoring. The hardtop is solar-ready and can carry a factory-integrated array of up to 1,600 watts to support greater energy independence.
The optional Electric Thrust System from Joool includes:
- 2 x 25kW electric drives
- 2 x 27kW lithium batteries with integrated fire suppression
- A 24kW range-extending genset
- Hydro-regeneration under sail
- Touchscreen monitoring at the navigation station and helm
Standard propulsion comes from twin 57-hp Yanmar engines, with 80-hp units available as an option. Comfort options include a dishwasher, wine fridge, induction stove top, and built-in grill at the swim platform.
The Verdict
The Leopard 52 is a thoroughly modern flagship that refines a proven charter-and-cruiser lineage into a boat suited to either private ownership or fleet use. Its revised deck plans, short-handed sailing capability, and genuine blue-water brief make it a serious liveaboard catamaran rather than simply a deck-saloon showpiece.
Pros
- Simonis Voogd hull optimization reduces pitching and improves turning compared with the Leopard 50
- 17 percent more upwind sail area and a taller rig than its predecessor, combined with a protected helm for single-handed sailing
- 438 square feet of integrated indoor-outdoor living space across three distinct outdoor areas
- Factory-integrated solar capacity of up to 1,600 watts and an optional Joool hybrid system with hydro-regeneration
- Ten layouts covering 4- to 6-cabin configurations, with optional utility-room upgrades
Cons
- A fully specified boat with the optional hybrid system and comfort equipment implies significant systems complexity for owners
- The vertical bows and large-window styling favor light over the more sheltered foredeck feel of older generations
