Leopard 38

boat reviews home page

Over the last decade, South African company Robertson and Caine has become one of the world’s leading multihull builders, thanks in no small part to its association with charter companies The Moorings and Sunsail. For many years it has produced boats under two names—its own Leopard brand name, and that of the Moorings. The latest cat to emerge from this busy company is the Leopard 38, aka the Sunsail 384. We sailed the Sunsail version of the boat, so we will refer to it as the 384.

Like its larger siblings, the 384 was designed by the Californian partnership of Morrelli & Melvin. With boats like the record-setting Playstation and a host of other high-performing multis to their credit, it’s obvious that M&M know how to make cats go fast. Making a production cruising cat go fast is another matter entirely. They’ve given it their best shot, with hull lines refined to generate more lift and less drag, a “step” in the topsides that increases volume where it’s needed for furniture and elbow room, and a rig that is generous for a cruising cat. They have also done their utmost to trim excess, speed-killing weight. MORE

Archives

Alerion 33

The new Alerion 33 daysailer with an all-electric drive system More

See all of our boat reviews

Renovatio: The Passport 615

A Dream World Cruiser More

See all Flagships stories

Best Boats 2010

See the winning boats in SAIL's annual Best Boats contest here More

See all Best Boats stories


Passport 615

Although there were many well-executed new ideas for systems on several boats, the award for "best systems" goes to the Passport 615

More Videos



SAIL BUYERS GUIDE

  • Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41

    The new Lipari 41 is a further refinement of the simple, strong, spacious craft this builder has always produced More

  • J/97

    The J/97 is as user-friendly as any reasonably competitive performance boat could ever be More

  • Island Packet Estero

    A sailor-friendly coastal cruiser More

  • Lagoon 620

    The Lagoon 620's flybridge is just one of the many features to entice multihull owners looking to move up. More

  • Sunreef 70

    The Sunreef 70 offers a streamlined aluminum exterior contrasting with the classic interior design with minimalist styling. More

  • Santa Cruz 37

    A racer-cruiser that proves fast really is fun. More