Yachting Art Magazine

Leopard Catamarans today announced that it has achieved a customer satisfaction rate of 95%, a rare feat in the nautical industry. This result illustrates a strong belief: the quality of a boat is not only measured by its speed or finish, but also by the attention paid to its owners throughout their journey.

Founded in 1997 in Cape Town, Leopard Catamarans was born out of a collaboration between South African manufacturer Robertson and Caine (R&C) and American charter company The Moorings, one of the world's largest charter operators. This unique alliance has resulted in a range of catamarans that combine robustness, performance and comfort, designed for sailing around the world and welcoming families in search of adventure.

For more than 28 years, Leopard Catamarans' philosophy has been based on a simple triptych: cutting-edge engineering, functional design and lasting customer satisfaction. To achieve its objectives, the brand relies on a customer-first culture, integrated at all levels of its organisation - from the initial design of the boats to the training of after-sales service teams.

Every customer review, every interaction, every experience at sea becomes valuable data for improving internal processes. The Leopard Catamarans management teams regularly review communications, warranty claims and feedback to translate feedback into concrete actions. This ongoing work has shaped a responsive, agile and forward-looking company.

In 2025, Leopard implemented several major changes to its customer support system:

• A revamped communication system that is more responsive and accessible, providing rapid assistance via dedicated digital platforms and international helplines.
• A redesigned warranty process that is more transparent and efficient, with shorter resolution times, simplified procedures and real-time digital tracking tools.
• Strengthened teams: Leopard has invested in training and recruiting new specialised technicians to offer high-quality global support, wherever its customers are located.

These efforts reflect a clear commitment to putting customer relations back at the heart of the brand promise, in a sector often criticised for its still overly reactive approach to after-sales service.

Testimonials from owners confirm the success of this approach. Antoine and Alex, a French-American couple who own a Leopard 50, recount their family's Atlantic crossing:

‘We faced some difficult passages, including a 19-day crossing, but we never doubted the boat's capabilities. It's a large catamaran, but it inspires confidence once you learn how to handle it,’ explains Alex.

‘Leopard has given us the perfect platform for living at sea full-time,’ he adds.

For their part, Nadim and Nayla Yared, who traded in their Leopard 45 sailboat for a Leopard 53 Powercat, testify to an exemplary experience:

"The Leopard team has been fantastic — always available, open and responsive. The construction is solid, and the flow between the cockpit and the saloon is incredibly smooth," says Nadim.

For these owners, the quality of service and the new warranty policy have helped to create a genuine relationship of trust with the brand.

One of Leopard Catamarans' great strengths lies in its heritage in chartering. This link with The Moorings has enabled the brand to incorporate a pragmatic approach focused on real-world use into the design of its models. Each boat is designed to withstand intensive use, with easily accessible systems and proven technical solutions.

This ‘field’ experience continues to feed into Leopard's service strategy today: understanding the concrete issues encountered by owners in order to better anticipate them. Unlike a traditional approach, where customer service intervenes in response to a problem, Leopard favours anticipation and prevention, thanks to active listening and customer feedback that is systematically integrated into production developments.

Behind customer satisfaction lies technical performance. Leopard catamarans are distinguished by hulls designed for the high seas, a design focused on stability and layouts optimised for life on board. The Leopard 50, for example, combines robustness and elegance with an uncluttered deck plan, fluid circulation and remarkable habitability for its size.

These qualities explain why successful transoceanic crossings are becoming increasingly common among Leopard owners, reinforcing the shipyard's reputation as one of the most reliable in the world.