MIDDLE CHILD MAKES ITS MARK

After a world premiere at Miami in February and a European premiere at La Grande Motte in late April, the Leopard 46

Powercat is expected to arrive in Asia this summer. A sister of the 53 PC, the 46 is the ‘middle child’ in a powercat family set

to grow further next year.

The Leopard line is owned by THL Marine, which also owns The Moorings and Sunsail charter fleets, and is built by Cape Town-based Robertson & Caine, which has a long history in producing sailing and power cats. Although the cockpit is a little smaller than on the 53, it’s still big enough to host a group of eight comfortably due to the solid teak table and large wraparound lounge in the centre. Built for Entertaining this is a great social area and features a three-person helm bench seat in the starboard corner, while directly behind is a cooking station with electric grill, sink and fridge. On the opposite side is a C-shaped sofa with another teak table that seats up to eight, with loungers in front and behind that area. Drink holders are embedded into the armrests. The hardtop offers shade and a mini-windshield along the front provides protection from wind when the boat is running.

Typically, the middle child is seen as one that gets overshadowed by larger siblings, but the new Leopard 46 will hold its own with any big cat in its class. If you want a turnkey boat designed around practical amenities, smart use of space and a hull for rough water, this boat should be on your shortlist.

WORDS MICHAEL VERDON PHOTOS LEOPARD

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