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From its base in Cape Town, at the southern tip of Africa, Robertson and Caine builds catamarans designed to sail the world's seas. The shipyard has gradually built up a clear positioning: to produce units suitable for cruising and intensive use.
A shipyard born of ocean racing
Founded in 1991 by John Robertson and Jerry Caine, the shipyard's initial focus was on performance. The first creations were racing yachts and custom-built units, with a mastery of composites acquired on demanding programs.
This experience quickly translated into racing success. The 70-foot maxi Broomstick won the Cape to Rio in 1993. Other units make their mark on the international circuit.
But the turning point came with the agreement signed with The Moorings. The shipyard began producing cruising catamarans for charter. This new direction was to shape the company's long-term development.
An increase in industrial power
Since the late 1990s, Robertson and Caine has delivered over 3,000 catamarans. Today, the yard employs over 2,600 people and covers an area of over 66,000 m².
Production is organized by model, with dedicated units from molding to final assembly. Three catamarans roll off the lines every week, before being shipped from the port of Cape Town, mast in place.
This rate meets the needs of large rental fleets, such as The Moorings and Sunsail, which operate a significant proportion of the units produced.
A range built around the Leopard
Production is based around the Leopard range, which includes both sailing and power catamarans. On the sailing side, three models structure the range: Leopard 42, 46 and 52. On the motor side, the Powercat range includes the Leopard 40, 46 and 53.
These units cover a segment from 40 to 53 feet, with cruising-oriented programs. The emphasis is on space on board, ease of maneuverability and endurance.
Our boats are designed for intensive use, particularly in charter operations. This implies technical choices in terms of robustness, maintenance and equipment accessibility.
Use-oriented design
The design teams, based in Cape Town and Tampa, are working on a global integration of on-board functions. The aim is to reconcile performance, comfort and ease of use.
The plans incorporate feedback from rental fleets and private owners. This feedback enables us to make adjustments to layouts, on-board circulation and equipment choices.
The catamarans are then tested in challenging conditions off Cap des Tempêtes, an area known for its sustained winds and heavy seas.
Industrial construction processes
Construction is based on composite techniques combining hand lay-up, vacuum infusion and resin transfer molding. Hulls and decks are infused with multiaxial fiberglass fabrics and PVC foam cores.
This choice results in rigid structures with a good strength-to-weight ratio and a load capacity suited to cruising.
Vinylester resins and specific gel coats are used to limit hydrolysis and osmosis phenomena. Watertight bulkheads at the front and rear enhance safety in the event of damage.
Production also incorporates digital tools, notably 5-axis CNC machines for machining complex parts and making molds.
A global presence from Cape Town
While production remains concentrated in South Africa, distribution is international. Catamarans sail in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.
The North American market is an important focus, with a structure based in Florida for technical support and distribution. Over the years, Robertson and Caine has established itself as a major player in the cruising catamaran market, with standardized production oriented towards durability and intensive use at sea.
