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The Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 marks an important milestone for Leopard Catamarans with the presentation of the Leopard 52. Designed as the successor to the Leopard 50, this 15.75 m catamaran is designed to meet the expectations of yachtsmen looking for comfort, safety and performance in ocean cruising.
Evolution of design and sail plan
The Leopard 52 features a taller mast and 17% more sail area than the Leopard 50. This evolution offers a significant gain in upwind performance, with the option of a horn mainsail and a set of radial aramid sails. The presence of an overlapping genoa completes the sail plan, offering more power in light airs.
This design aims to reduce the use of the engine when sailing, thanks in particular to the CFD modeling work carried out by Simonis Voogd Design. Optimized bow and stern volumes help to limit pitching, while improving boat handling in heavy seas.
Comfort and interior modularity
Particular attention has been paid to the circulation between spaces. The aft cockpit and saloon can form a single convivial space thanks to sliding doors, while a watertight front door provides direct access to the foredeck.
The Leopard 52 is available in a range of configurations, from three cabins with a convertible equipment room to six cabins with private head compartments. This modularity meets the needs of both private owners and charterers. An independent crew cabin is also available as an option.
Performance and stability at sea
The Leopard 52's polar charts show a significant improvement in average speed over the Leopard 50, thanks in particular to reduced pitching and a stiffer hull. When tacking, the boat retains good acceleration, without needing to hold the genoa against the wind, which simplifies maneuvering with a reduced crew.
The helm station, protected and connected to the roof's relaxation area, allows you to steer alone in complete safety. Maneuvering lines are centralized, making it easy to reef or send a Code 0.
Energy and autonomy
The question of energy autonomy is at the heart of the Leopard 52's evolution. The model can accommodate up to 4 x 400 W solar panels integrated into the bimini. Optional electric propulsion is offered: two 25 kW motors combined with 54 kWh of lithium batteries and an integrated hydrogenerator, capable of producing energy under sail.
For thermal versions, the catamaran comes with two 57 hp Yanmar engines as standard, with an option for 80 hp engines. With a 900-liter fuel tank, range curves show a capacity of over 1,000 miles at economical cruising speed.
Changes from Leopard 50
Compared with the Leopard 50, of which more than 240 units have been delivered, the Leopard 52 brings several notable improvements. Its increased length provides more living space and a smoother flow of movement, thanks in particular to the front door, which facilitates ventilation and access to the deck. The 17% increase in sail area improves upwind performance and reduces the need for engine power. The interior layout is more modular, with versions offering up to six cabins and the possibility of integrating a technical room. Last but not least, the range of energy options has been extended, with the integration of high-capacity solar panels and an electric propulsion option, absent from the Leopard 50.
Construction, know-how and pricing
Built by Robertson & Caine in South Africa, the Leopard 52 is CE category A approved. This model is designed for ocean cruising, while remaining accessible to a reduced crew thanks to its ergonomic and circulation choices.
The basic price of the Leopard 52, in the standard 220 V version, is set at 899,000 EXCL. TAX . However, the many options available (electric propulsion, interior fittings, air conditioning, watermaker) can significantly increase this amount.
