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Within the family of luxurycatamarans there is fiercecompetition between theworld’s leading manufac-turers. The possible layouts ofthese 16-18 meter boatsmakes them extremelyadaptable, so capable ofseducing wealthy ownersas well as charter opera-tors and even a fewdefectors from the motorboat world. The 58,exhibited at the AnnapolisBoat Show, is still notwidely seen in Europe.So we went to Florida to try it out.

Text: Philippe Echelle

Photos by the author and DR

The advent of reliable electricwinches and furlers, combinedwith incredible advances in equip-

ment (clutches, blocks, deck organizers)and high resistance materials, have hel-ped further the development of XXLsized cruising catamarans. Certainyards play the high speed card, andemploy sophisticated building tech-niques to combine a good level of com-fort and equipment, with high perfor-mance. The Outremer 5X, theGunboats, the Sig 60, the Alibi alloccupy this niche, Catana sits betweenthe two, with its fast limousines (59’and 70’), but it’s the multi yachts wherethere’s been the most progress.Sunreef has championed the personali-zed interior, Lagoon that of conviviality

and reinvented spaces, brilliantlyFountaine Pajot is up there, but in thissector with the Sanya and the Victoria,Privilege is renewing its series 6 and 7known for the quality of their finish;numerous other prototypes and creativeprojects are trying to establish them-selves in this coveted demanding niche.

A FLAG SHIP IN KEEPING WITH THE TIMES

The Leopard 62 is the largest multihullbuilt by the Cape Town yard, its stret-ched design was seductive, but itsconcept, like its size is oriented towardscrewed charter. The 58 has a moremulti-purpose aim, offering a range offeatures which lend themselves either

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A modern profile equipped with a sailplan which is easy touse and an XXL flybridge.

Leopard58'

The space SHIP

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to high end charter or to family use, with orwithout crew.

A MASSIVE PROFILE WELL RECEIVED

Leopard and their naval architects, AlexanderSimonis and Marteen Voogt, have perfectlyintegrated contemporary catamaran develop-ment even to the point of becoming promo-ters of daring innovations. An example beingthat the forward cockpit is accessible fromthe deck salon. The exterior design of the 58skillfully marries current aesthetics. The ver-tical topsides blend elegantly with the stepjust above the waterline, the cleverly workedplexiglass portlights are implanted into therecesses (or more correctly flush-fitted), andthe style of the coachroof is contemporary.The eyes are drawn to the dynamic shape ofthe large tinted side panels, this effectincreases the perception of a fairly large fly-bridge and bimini. The sunshade in the for-ward cockpit integrates well into the linesand reduces (except from head-on) theabrupt appearance of the front view. Thelines of the bows and the steps are skillfullydrawn.

A FAIRLY ADAPTABLE LAYOUT

The section taken from the specificationslooks like a challenge! The 58 can be com-missioned in a “private yacht” version withtwo immense suites accommodated in thehulls for a short-handed crew of self sufficientpleasure-seekers totally masters of their ownboat, or, at the other end of the scale, the 6cabin charter version, a real challenge! Theshow-stopper in the latter version: the twocabins situated in the deck salon enjoy anexceptional position overlooking the forwardcockpit, giving an exclusive view from a sai-lor’s point of view! I’ll wager that this assaulton traditional catamaran living spaces will seta precedent and be copied (and not just in thebig boats!). It would be daring to conceive astructure such as this. The variable internallayout of the 58 is not limited to these two

versions, as practically everything in betweenor a combination is possible. This ability to beadapted to diverse requirements of infiniteprograms, private, crewed charter or bare-boat, must be the 58’s trademark, anddemonstrates opportunities which Leopardhad missed out on with the lovely but over-done 62.

A DÉCOR REVOLUTION ON BOARD THE 58

Feelings run high in Cape Town. Beyond anopen approach to layout, Leopard is totallyrestyling its signature by offering as standarda European-style interior characterized bylight colored or white laminates. The maste-ring of cherry versions has become a com-pany specialty and has been adorningLeopards since the 46, but the new conces-sions to interior design are just as seductiveand offer the opportunity to stick to the des-ign styles adopted by other builders.

A PANORAMIC DECK SALONIN EVERY VERSION

Next, a look inside our test boat (a 4 cabinversion finished in cherry). The 58 made avai-lable to us really demonstrates the formida-ble space of the salon, and the seductivefeature of access forward. Another strongpoint in this formula is that the traditionalmulti-purpose table has been replaced by aproper dining room with a raised positionright opposite the superb galley (a total suc-cess as much from an ergonomic point ofview as an equipment one!) This setup, justinside the sliding door, is very effective, as itcleanly separates the eating area from therelaxation area. The forward salon, orientedfacing ahead, encourages contemplation,reading, idleness, or watching the homecinema, since the 46 inch flat-screen TV issituated in the center of this seductive“club” space. The chart table desk is oppo-site to port (with optional steering joystickand engine control repeaters). On the sixcabin version this arrangement is quite different, since the two “balcony suites” are

1 - The Miami skyline, a glimpse of the amazing viewpoint from the 58’s forward cabins.

2 - A 123 m² mainsail for power, a self-tacking solent for ease of maneuvering, the 58 is a sensible catamaran.

3 - The design of the portlights (coachroof panels, vertical and horizontal plexiglass) has been given special attention on the 58.

4 - The key strength of the 58, the forward cockpit opens up the perspective of the boat.

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Model: Sunreef 58 Catana 59 Privilège 615 Sanya 57 Lagoon 560

Builder: SUNREEF CATANA PRIVILEGE MARINE FOUNTAINE PAJOT LAGOONUpwind sail area in m2: 198 198 214 175 207

Weight in T: 26 18.9 26.5 18.8 28Basic price (ex tax) €: 850 000 1 579 000 1 435 000 927 000 849 700

T H E C O M P E T I T O R S

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situated here. I did visit one ofthese versions just to appre-ciate the creative bravery.

3 OPEN SPACES OUTSIDE!

Cruising catamarans are gettingbigger on the inside, competingwith the imagination to creativeinteractive living spaces whichtransform even multihull usage,offering seclusion even withnumerous people on board. Onboard the 58, the traditional aftcockpit has become an openspace balcony which can beused as desired. There are nointegrated structures (benches,sun loungers or seats). So thespace is left to the owner tocreate a personalized ambiancewith contemporary furniture(bamboo, rattan or otherwisefor chairs and folding tables).The flybridge (which is also thehelm station) is covered by ahardtop bimini, and appears likea sailors’ lounge bar for a dozenor so guests, enhanced with anoutdoor galley, with hob, sinkand fridge. On the lower level,forward of the deck salon, thelittle forward “terrace” offersthe possibility of reverting totraditional use, or as a privatepatio for the charter version or 3cabin owner’s version. Alreadyseen and widely tested at seaon the 44 and 48, the initialconcerns over this concepthave been alleviated, and thisidea will likely set a precedent.

CABINS: CLASSIC LAYOUT, PRIVATE SUITES OR A ROOM

WITH A VIEW?

Our test boat was a nice 4 cabinversion, but without doubt it’sthe owner’s version (2 suites +a double/single crew berth orchildren’s cabin) and even moreso the combination with one ortwo forward cabins where the58 will be the most daring. Thefinish in cherry is done to order,but it’s the new light white oaklaminate which is the standardoption. There are of courseoptions on the finish for the twoforward crew cabins.

TECHNOLOGY ON BOARD

IT’s impossible to cover every-thing in this chapter, so let’stake a brief look at the principalsystems. The hydraulic steeringand its ancillaries are nicelyaccessible, located in a light andtidy compartment. The rudderbearings are by JP3 (a Frenchspecialist in this type of equip-ment); there is no intermediatesupport, but the diameter of thespecial stainless rudder stock(also by JP3) at 59mm is calcu-lated to limit any flexing. TheLecomble and Schmidt driveunits are directly connected tothe rudder stocks by a treatedmachine-welded spacer (whichallows this essential piece ofequipment to be removed andreplaced easily). Mechanicalaccess is good, you go down asolid and stable stainless ladder

THE VIEW OF ALEX SIMONISFOR THE SIMONIS-VOOGT DESIGN OFFICE

The Leopard 58 posed a unique set of challenges.The design had to be able to accommodate a largenumber of interior options varying from a 6 to 3 cabinlayouts. In the latter option (owners version) we wereleft with very little in place in terms of bulkheads in thebridgedeck area to accommodate the structuralrequirements.

To enable the interior designers to have their com-plete "Open Plan" salon and galley area, with near360 degrees panoramic views, the necessary structu-ral strength had to be fully built below the cabin soleand above the ceiling in the bridgedeck area. Thiswas achieved through making use of a "spaceframe"to take all the rigging loads.

This frame transfers all forces from the center directlyto the sides where there is sufficient strength in theglass structure of the hull/deck and bulkheads. Theframe has been engineered carefully using advan-ced FEA (Finite Element Analyses) modelling to opti-mize loads versus weight, resulting in a tapered framemade out of a high tensile steelcalled 3CR12 giving us the des-ired result of a stiff and safe struc-ture combined with a beautifulopen plan interior.

Alexander Simonis (April 2014)

5- The helm station is positioned forward on the flybridge, freeing up space for an amazing lounge bar, with fitted galley capable of hosting 12people.

6 - The navigation station is opposite the salon in this version, well done on the choice of club chairs.

7 - The salon opposite the step on the 4 cabin version or 3 cabin owner’s version is a success, it totally seperates the relaxation area from theeating area.

8 - On the charter version, forward of the table, the front cabins enjoy an exceptional marine viewpoint.

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9 - In the 4 cabin cherry version tested, the fusion between the dining areaand the galley is perfect, the relaxing salon forward enhances this effect.

10 - The galley on the 58: one of the most imaginative on the market, butalso one of the nicest.

11 - The new white laminate style is very effective in this owner’s cabin.

Looking at the polar diagram supplied by the designers shows that the

boat comes alive in 6 knots of true wind, but that it’s only from 12 knots

with the Code 0 flying that 8 knots of boat speed in achieved. In 14 knots

of true wind, the log shows 8.7kts and the 58 can bear away in a dynamic

fashion, keeping a good speed of 8.3 knots. It’s in the mid-range (16

knots) under the asymmetric that 9 knots is reached; the 10 knot mark is

passed in 20 knots true, and even 12.5 kts with the wind on the beam (11

knots with the asymmetric at 150° off the wind). The polar diagram is

consistent with what we felt out on the water, and it would be justified

to assume an ocean crossing with average daily runs of 180nm in a good

breeze, which corresponds perfectly with the “great family comfort”

definition given to the boat.

into the engine rooms and there isspace around the drivetrain. Thisconvenient provision owes much tothe compact V-drive transmission(the output shaft from the motorcomes out of the front of theengine, and a mechanical gearboxturning this through almost 180°transmits the power to the props-haft). This type of transmission isless common than the eternal sail-drive, even though it is much morereliable (the delicate mechanicalparts are on the inside!), but a littlemore noisy and more expensive.The two raw-water and fuel prefil-ters are perfectly visible from ondeck (with the hatch open), as wellas the coolant expansion tank, onthe same panel. Two large extingui-shers take charge in the event offire. The aircon power unit is to star-board, with the port hull housing thegenerator. There is no insulationinside the hulls, nor in the aft com-partment, yet this is a source ofnoise which would be easy to dealwith (like the stern anchor, anothernoisy locker!) The aluminum fueltanks are entirely visible, and arewell installed below the floors in thehulls. The joints and valves areclearly marked - well done! The twobanks of three batteries at 180A (4in series) are firmly seated in theirhousings, and chocked by stainlessbars secured by a threaded rod.Their chosen location (below thefloor at the entrance to the salon isprudent, and offers quick access tothe terminals without having to dis-mantle anything). The electric distri-bution board to port as you come in

is clear (despite the multiplicity offunctions) and groups together onone understandable panel the regu-lators for the solar panels and thegenerator, the 110/220V supply aswell as the domestic breakers.

SEA TRIAL

The small marina dug out of themangroves at the entrance to FortLauderdale is charming, if a littlecramped; so having a thrustermakes maneuvering this large cata-maran safer, and this option isrecommended if such usage islikely. Departing through the water-way takes half an hour before goingthrough the channel out into theopen sea, and this allows us time tomaster the deck layout. On thisowner’s version, the three Lewmar65s are electric, easy to understand,making things simple when short-handed. The sheet for the self-tacking solent and that for the mainare led back to lateral clutches onthe flybridge. The halyards and ree-fing lines are brought together at thecenter. Handling is easy, and theadjustment power is adequate.With the foot of the mast not beingat the same level as the flybridge, 2powerful organizers handle theangles required to get the lines backto the helm position. It wouldmaybe be an idea to have a sacrifi-cial stainless strip on the edging toavoid the gelcoat being chafed bythe halyards coming through theblocks at the mast foot when theyare loaded up. The 58m² self-tackingsolent is rigged on an optional electric

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furler, very versatile whenshorthanded. Unfortunatelythe traveler is not adjustableunder load. There was a slightsea on the Caribbean, with aWSW wind of 12-15 knots; thestability of the 58 bravely disre-gards this chop. We missedhaving a gennaker as condi-tions would have been ideal forone, but at 7-8 knots close-hau-led our Leopard wasn’t doingbadly, and this would likelybe improved by a flat-topmainsail. The polar dia-gram supplied by the navalarchitects is realistic(thanks to readings takenfrom our Garmin Quatis)even if overall we remai-ned 10% below the valuesthrough inexperience ofhandling this boat. Inside,the comfort is perfect andthe panorama crosses thedeck salon without dazz-ling. The all-round view ofthe surface from the fly-bridge allows maneuversfor coming alongside, aswell as under sail.

CONCLUSION

Well canvassed (180m²upwind), the 58 producesan honest performance,about average for this size,but then it’s not a racingboat. Even so, there shouldbe no hesitating in deploy-ing the code zero, the gen-naker or the furling asym-metric spi to maintain fullspeed in light to moderateconditions. 100hp motorswould be preferred, alongwith the indispensable ad-dition of three-bladed fol-ding propellers (this wasnot provided on ours);these options deliver power,torque….and reduced drag.I liked the amazing viewfrom the flybridge, butwas aware that it dimini-shed the thrill a little.Concerning the interiorbenefits, the designers’imaginations have taken

control and it is possible todefine your own layout withinthe classic options or the avai-lable innovations. The ability ofthis catamaran to adapt to thetastes of the buyer will proba-bly be the key to its success. Itwill have been the first produc-tion boat (and a 58’ at that) topopularize the deck cabin, untilnow the preserve of multi-yachts of over 80’.

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12 - The conventional passageway of our test boat.13 - The new interior design of the 58.

14 - High quality faucets and plumbing in the bathrooms intended for intensive charter use or for owners.15 - Mechanical access is good, via a solid and stable stainless ladder, here with the 100hp option with V-drive transmission.

TECHNICAL DATA

Naval Architects: Simonis-VoogdBuilder : Robertson and Caine, Cape Town, SouthAfricaConstruction : Balsa sandwich/glass/polyesterOverall length: 17.56mWaterline length : 16.50mBeam: 8.45mLight displacement: 24tDisplacement at half load: 28.5tBridgedeck clearance at half load: 0.98mMainsail area: 129m2Self-tacking solent: 58m2Gennaker : 220m2Motors : 2x75hp saildrive (standard), 2x100hp (optional)with V-drive transmissionFuel capacity: 900 litersFreshwater capacity: 1500 litersMast height above the gooseneck: 20.80m (27m abovethe waterline)Aluminium Sparcraft (South Africa) Mast section (1 setof spreaders): 340x205mmBasic price (ex tax): 919 000 eurosMain options in € (excl. VAT) - Yanmar motors 2x100hp + V-drive transmissions: 20 048- Bruntons three bladed folding propellers: 6 910- Bow thruster: 9 632- Raymarine electronics pack with autopilot: 8 600- Generator and ancillaries: 31 000- Air conditioning: 39 000- Electric sheet winch in addition to the standard: 5 800- 46” flat screen TV with Bose home video system: 6 500- 8x70w solar panels on the bimini: 9 600- Supplement for 6 electric WCs: 3 880- Watermaker 140l/h : 16 700- Code 0, bowsprit, fittings and running rigging: 9 200- Delivery to Cape Town: 18 570- Delivery to Florida: 27 150- Liferafts(2x8 man) : 5 800- Total of options and equipment on the boat tested: 364 200- Price of our test boat: 1 424 891

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The helm stationregroups

the helm, theinstruments et

maneuveringstation.

On our test boat thesolent was rigged on an electric furler,giving smoothnessand finesse to thefurling.

The 58m² solent isrigged on a boom,it is self tacking,but being able toadjust the stopsunder load would be a plus.

The horizontal and vertical portlights areelegant, they bringgood light into thebathrooms. Flush-mounted and integra-ted into the recesses of the hull and withopening hatches, theycontribute to the styleof the boat.

The control system forthe mainsail by blockand tackle is simple,but the lengths nee-ded to be hauled infor gybing could be

awkward.

The flybridge houses areal little lounge barwith fitted galley.

On the 58, the famous forward cockpit has becomean open terrace for the forward cabin or cabins:unique!

The topsides arevertical in linewith currenttrends, andblend with thesheerstrake,lengthening the boat’s profile.

The large section aluminummast(340x205mm) isequipped with a single setof spreaders. Access to thegooseneck would be easierwith a bimini ladder.

◆ No mainsheet traveler - detrimental with 125m2◆ No access to the top of the bimini◆ No feedback from the helm

◆ Innovative layout (with forward cabins)◆ Remarkable dining/galley space◆ Good build quality

The underwater hullsare modern, the

waterline almost atmaximum, and the

bridgedeck clearancegenerous at 98cm.

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