A number of multihulls made their debut in Cannes last week, and all of them are promoting comfort, performance and lifestyle. Here are just two examples...

The new Leopard 48 at Cannes

The new Leopard 48 made her first appearance at the Cannes Boat Show.


Leopard 48


A good example for sailors is the Leopard 48, the latest model in the Leopard range built in South Africa by Robertson and Caine.  The Leopard 48 features a large forward cockpit with direct access from the saloon. This, together with the large and open aft cockpit, provides a large amount of light and open space ideal for entertaining and conversation. The raised helm station, which is easily accessible from the cockpit and side deck, allows conversations with friends and family in the aft cockpit to continue while providing excellent visibility. The helmsman is protected from the elements by the hardtop and all sail handling and engine controls are within an arm’s length. An added bonus is the comfortable seating for three people at the helm.

The Leopard 48 comes with option of a three or four-cabin layout and both feature Austrian walnut laminate flooring and cherry finishes. All heads are ensuite with separate stall showers. The starboard hull is entirely dedicated to the owner’s suite in the three-cabin layout. The walk around centre-line queen sized bed allows for easy side access. With a comfortable couch, or optional storage unit, there is plenty of storage space in the passage way. The large master head features a stall shower with bench and a dedicated locker for a washer / dryer.

Flashcat 47 at Cannes Boat Show

The powerful Flashcat 47.


Flashcat 47


For power boaters the FlashCat 47 is well worth a look. Built in Valencia, Spain, the FlashCat 47 features a large and totally flat stern platform providing same level access through the cockpit into the light and airy saloon. A unique feature is the ability to fully customize your boat to your lifestyle onboard.

Custom packages include the Diving Pack with its hydraulic platform, compressor and special storage for tanks and suits, underwater lights, jet tender, personal GPS/radio for every diver and so on. Other packages include a Fishing Pack, Media Pack and Green Pack with its hybrid/electric engine, solar panels, water maker, waste water tank and “green fibre” for the boat construction.

Additional engine options include Cummings, Yanmar and Volvo IPS.  Standard engines are 220hp giving the boat a maximum speed of 20knots with the maximum engine option of 485hp providing a top speed of 27knots.

Interested in other boats that made their debut at Cannes? See Oxygene AIR 77 to Stun at Cannes.

Written by: James Nolan
James Nolan is a former General Manager of YachtWorld.com and Boats.com. He has managed a number of well known companies including Autohelm, Barlow and Navtec. He has his own PR/marketing agency and writes a monthly column for Boating Business in the U.K.
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