New Leopard 51 Powercat Comfortable in 20-ft Swell

Leopard Catamarans recently launched their all new, spacious, Leopard 51 Powercat (PC), built by Robertson and Caine and designed by Simonis Voogd, who recently went out for a trial run on the new power catamaran in Table Bay, South Africa, during a severe winter storm with swells as high as 7 meters.

Drawing upon the success of the Leopard 39 PC and Leopard 47 PC, the company says that this contemporary and economically efficient catamaran uses less fuel than previous models. With standard engines this yacht has enough range to go from Florida to New York without refueling.

Leopard team member Peter Wiersema explains, “The 2014 Leopard 51 PC is expected to revolutionize the world of power catamarans. The Leopard 51 Powercat has a stealth-like hull that allows a cruising speed of 20 knots (based on upgraded 2 x 375HP engines) and top speed of 25 knots.”

The newest member of the power fleet brings with it a multitude of exciting features: a new sleek and stable design, a large forward cockpit, additional lounging areas, an expansive flybridge and a completely redesigned interior upgraded with modern appliances.

Designer Alexander Simonis felt the bad weather in Table Bay presented ideal conditions to show the power and ability of the new Leopard. He went on to say, “We headed out into the swell going full bore (20+ knots). The boat had nice dynamic stability at the speed and was launching off the crests, landing smoothly keeping up to speed and taking on the next one. Driving straight into the large swell, there was no water coming over the deck and only minor spray could be noticed at the bows as we were riding down the waves. Of course, with the Leopard 51 PC being delivered from Cape Town to world-wide destinations on its own bottom, she is entirely capable of handling these conditions."