Featured Nominee: Leopard 46

Courtesy Leopard Catamarans

Leopard Catamarans has unveiled the Leopard 46 sailing cat.

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“The Leopard 46 is a testament to Leopard Catamarans and Robertson and Caine’s commitment to engineering excellence and elevated onboard living,” Franck Bauguil, global sales manager at Leopard Catamarans, stated in a press release. “We have meticulously designed and built a vessel that not only delivers exceptional performance but also provides an unparalleled level of luxury and comfort.”

The Leopard 46 has an exterior design inspired by powercats. Its wraparound coachroof windows allow for panoramic views and lots of natural light inside. The companionway sliding door fully retracts abaft the helm station, connecting the saloon and cockpit as a single area for relaxation and entertainment.

Courtesy Leopard Catamarans

Other key features include a hybrid electric drive option and integrated solar panels, both of which have the potential to make cruising more sustainable and efficient. Available with two standard 45 hp Yanmar diesel engines (or optional upgraded 57 hp versions), the Leopard 46 answers the call for sustainability with its optional Hybrid Electric Drive System. The system includes a power management box, electric propulsion pod, high-voltage lithium-ion battery, solar array, and range-extending generator. The boat’s power can be sourced from solar panels, sailing regeneration, shore power, and a range extender. The system can manage charging and discharging, providing power for both propulsion and house loads. Testing shows speeds over 8 knots and regeneration capabilities up to 1.8 KW per hour per hull.

Courtesy Leopard Catamarans

Leopard allows owners to personalize the 46 by ordering one of several layouts. Options include three staterooms plus a utility room; or four- and five-stateroom variations. Owners also can choose the configuration of tables and furniture in the saloon and cockpit.

Courtesy Leopard Catamarans

There’s an optional performance-sail package, as well as an optional lifting tender platform.

The Leopard 46 will be available for charter through The Moorings and Sunsail.

Leopard 46 Specifications LOA:47’6”LWL:44’Beam:24’1”Draft:5’5”Displacement:37,939 lb.Sail Area:1,554 sq.ft.Water:185 gal.Fuel:182 gal.Engines:2x Yanmar 45 hpWebsite:leopardcatamarans.com

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