#5t We decided to buy a Leopard 45 Catamaran | Sailing Sisu

What is the best new 45ft Catamaran for us?

This week we looked at the two South African build catamarans; Maverick 440 and Leopard 45 from Robertson and Caine, at the Cape Town 2017 boat show.

Then there are the Leopard catamarans from Robinson and Caine. The Leopard 45 has been awarded 2017 Boat of the Year by Cruising World Magazine. This marks the 7th Cruising World Boat of the Year win by Leopard.

So, a new Leopard 45ft Catamaran it is.

No, seriously, I am biased because of my earlier crossing with a Leopard, but that made me compare any other catamaran with the Leopard. I am 1.96m (6’4”) tall and I need to be able to stand upright anywhere in the cat. This is not always the case in other cats. Then, I want good balance between performance and comfort. I like the lines of the Leopard 45. I like the layout of the Leopard 45. The way one can just walk right through. Which brings me to ventilation. The forward cockpit door and windows are great for this. Visibility throughout the cabin. I also like the forward cockpit, I think it is a neat addition, which cannot be found on other cats. The design is fast, not as fast as the Outremer, but fast enough to gain that knot or five over the other cruising cats. This video just thrills me!

So, I guess it is somewhat like buying a car and a house together. All in one go. You need to feel comfy because it is going to be your house, but you need to go places in an efficient manner with your house. It will come down at the end to what you can afford, what you are comfortable with, and what you like. Did I say I like the Leopard 45? No? OK, I like the Leopard 45 catamaran!