/ 
Port exit: the unexpected luxury of near silence
As the year draws to a close, winter lights and calm welcome us for our test outing off Saint Raphaël. The weather forecast calls for a westerly wind of barely 5 knots. Barely out of the port of Santa Lucia, one impression dominates: calm. Not the "relative" calm of a well-insulated diesel, but the total silence that changes the atmosphere on board. On our unit, the propulsion is electric: all you can hear is the water flowing along the hulls.
On the Leopard 52, Joool's hybrid drive system is based on two 25 kW electric motors powered by two 27 kWh lithium batteries, recharged by 1600 W of solar panels and a 24 kW generator. In everyday use, at 5 knots, consumption remains contained at around 4 kW per motor, enabling the boat to last more than 5 hours on batteries alone in good sunlight conditions, which is an advantage for quiet maneuvers or coastal sailing without direct emissions. The addition of a generator changes the equation, with very substantial autonomy and real safety for long legs. But at full throttle, battery autonomy is less than 2 hours.
This type of propulsion provides acoustic comfort, flexibility of use for a discerning public, and reduced fuel consumption at moderate engine speeds. However, it requires careful energy management, and remains dependent on the genset to maintain increased autonomy over time. The main stumbling block is the price of this option, which is almost ?250,000 (incl. VAT) more expensive than conventional motorization.
All cockpit maneuvers: the real "plus" in short-handed operation
On the Leopard 52, the cockpit has been designed as a complete cockpit: all maneuvers are performed here. Code zero, sheets, halyards, reefs... the idea is to be able to manage without running around. This is exactly what we expect from a large, modern catamaran: less fatigue and greater safety.
The highlight is the direct access to the foresail sheets from the helm station. Not all cruising catamarans have this facility, and in light airs it's invaluable: you can adjust, trim, ease off and find the right compromise without leaving the control zone.
The helm station is comfortable and protected, with a sturdy roll bar, protection from the sun, easy-to-reach instruments and grouped controls.
Code zero outside: a logical response to light weather
In 5 real knots, getting out the code zero is almost a matter of course. We look at the tack on the bowsprit, designed to be removable or raised to make life easier in port. Here again, the philosophy is clear: performance without complication.
The Leopard 52 moves, and in these conditions, that's already a good sign. We wedge ourselves at reasonable angles, giving priority to glide.
The Leopard 52 gains around 17% more sail area than the Leopard 50, and the mast is raised by one meter. Here, the shipyard seeks to compensate with a more ambitious sail plan and pertinent rigging choices: overlapping genoa, adjustable traveler on the coachroof, rational maneuvering organization.
