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The Leopard 43 is the successor to a catamaran widely used in cruising and charter fleets. Designed by Robertson & Caine with naval architect Simonis Voogd, this model introduces several changes affecting navigation, deck organization and life on board.
Modified hull and sail plan for improved sailing performance
The Leopard 43 adopts inverted bows combined with a hull described as a wave piercing. The rigging has also evolved. The mast is about one meter taller than the Leopard 42, and the sail area upwind has been increased by 12%. This modification changes the overall balance of the boat. More sail area means more available power, particularly in the light winds encountered in summer conditions.
Michael Robertson, Head of Design at Robertson & Caine, sums up the logic behind the project.
"From the shape of the hulls to the proportions of the rigging, weight distribution and deck layout, every decision has been made to enrich the sailing experience and life on board. "
360° visibility in the square, an unusual choice for this size
The building site places particular emphasis on visibility from the saloon. Panoramic glazing almost completely surrounds the saloon, eliminating the uprights usually found in this area.
In practical terms, this has two immediate effects. Firstly, a continuous view outwards, useful when the boat is under pilot or when monitoring the environment at anchor. Secondly, it provides a significant amount of light in the saloon.
In a catamaran of around thirteen meters, this layout is not very common, as it requires a specific structural design. Loads normally carried by uprights have to be redistributed elsewhere in the structure.
The advertised result is a living space more open to the sea, whether the boat is underway or at anchor.
Circulation on board and communication between helm and crew
The organization of spaces remains true to a well-known Leopard characteristic. An interior door leads directly from the saloon to the forward cockpit.
This circulation has several advantages for cruising. It helps ventilate the boat when the trade winds blow. It also makes it possible to quickly reach the front of the boat without having to pass through the gangways.
The forward cockpit now has a bench seat dedicated to relaxation. This area becomes a real relaxation space, protected from the apparent wind when the boat is underway.
Another notable change is that the roof lounge has been moved forward to be in contact with the helm station. This arrangement brings the helmsman and passengers closer together. On a catamaran designed for family cruising or chartering, this proximity often changes the atmosphere on board, and facilitates communication during maneuvers.
Franck Bauguil, Head of Product Development, explains this orientation.
"With the Leopard 43, we've taken everything that makes up the DNA of Leopard yachts - space, performance, visibility and on-board circulation. We've taken it one step further."
A redesigned trampoline and preparation for light-weather sails
The shipyard offers two configurations for the bow of the boat. The classic version retains an aluminum spar that divides the trampoline into two parts.
A second solution replaces this part with a composite spar integrated under the trampoline. The front area then becomes a single piece. For some owners, this clearer front deck facilitates movement and frees up the relaxation area.
This configuration remains compatible with the use of light-weather sails such as a Code 0 or a Code D. The yard also indicates that these sails can be added later, even after a period of operation in a rental management program.
On-board power generation: bimini-mounted solar panels
Energy management has also evolved. Solar panels are mounted directly on the rear of the bimini.
Claimed power is 1365 W. This choice replaces the stainless steel hoop used on the Leopard 42 to support the panels. Integration in the bimini reduces the number of structural add-ons and lowers the weight slightly.
For a cruising program, this electrical production can cover part of the ship's current needs, such as refrigeration, electronics or recharging service batteries.
A catamaran also designed for rental fleets
The Leopard 43 is clearly aimed at two audiences. Private owners and rental management programs.
In charter fleets, it will take on two identities. At The Moorings, it will become the Moorings 4300 with a three-cabin owner configuration. At Sunsail, it will be known as the Sunsail 434, with a four-cabin charter version.
This positioning explains several layout choices. Wide circulation spaces, simple communication between cockpit and saloon, and relaxation areas distributed fore and aft.
The first public presentation is scheduled for the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2026. The boat will then be on display at the Barcelona boat show, followed by the Annapolis boat show in October 2026.
