Leopard Catamarans, in collaboration with builder Robertson and Caine and naval architects Simonis Voogd, has announced the Leopard 43, a next-generation replacement for the widely sailed Leopard 42, which also flew the flags of the Moorings 4200 and Sunsail 424 in charter fleets around the world. The new boat makes its worldwide debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2026, followed by a U.S. debut at the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis in October.
The performance numbers are the headline. Compared to the 42, the Leopard 43 carries a mast raised by three feet and a 12 percent increase in upwind sail area, backed by wave-piercing hulls with reverse bows designed for a sportier, more responsive feel across a wider range of conditions. The sailplan upgrade is meaningful for a boat that spends much of its working life in trade wind sailing conditions, where pointing ability and upwind efficiency matter to owners who actually want to go places under sail.
“The Leopard 43 reflects our focus on improving performance without compromising comfort,” said Michael Robertson, design manager at Robertson and Caine. “From hull form and rig proportions to weight distribution and deck layout, every decision was made to enhance the sailing experience and onboard livability.”
Below and in the cockpit, the 43 continues the indoor-outdoor living logic that Leopard established on the 46 and 52. A sliding glass companionway door connects the aft cockpit and saloon into a single entertaining space when open, while wraparound saloon windows eliminate the structural obstructions that have traditionally darkened interiors in this size category, delivering 360-degree visibility and natural light throughout. The coachroof lounge has been moved forward, directly adjacent to the helm, improving sight lines and communication between skipper and guests.
On the foredeck, Leopard’s signature forward cockpit access door is retained, now paired with a new upholstered settee in the forward cockpit for a protected seating area with better ventilation and safer foredeck access. Private owners wanting a cleaner foredeck can opt for a composite longeron in place of the traditional aluminum bowsprit, allowing aftermarket Code 0 and Code D retrofitting.
Energy management gets a practical upgrade as well. Integrated glass solar panels positioned aft of the coachroof lounge generate up to 1,365 watts, a significant increase over the 42’s output, while eliminating the heavy stainless steel solar arch that typically accompanies such systems and improving overall weight distribution in the process.
The Leopard 43 will enter The Moorings fleet as the Moorings 4300, available in three- and four-cabin versions, and the Sunsail fleet as the Sunsail 434 in a four-cabin configuration. For private buyers, the boat is available directly through Leopard Catamarans. Further information at leopardcatamarans.com.
