From California Careers to Life Aboard: How Andy and Maki Built Their Dream on a Leopard 45
After leaving behind demanding careers and years of nonstop work, Andy and Maki traded life on land for a Leopard 45 and a new adventure with their twin boys. In this Ask a Leopard Owner feature, they share how they learned to sail, prepared for life aboard, and built confidence while cruising as a family.
From Zero to Hero: Learning to Liveaboard
The dream comes alive in many ways. For some, it’s a lifelong goal to go cruising. For others, they may find their inspiration living vicariously through sailing vloggers. Then there are those who are always seeking the next adventure. Maybe it wasn’t a lifelong dream, but an accumulation of hard work and planning, with a […]
The Family That Cruises Together, Stays Together
When the Wiggins family ”” Keith, Alex, and their daughter Dannii ””decided to chuck their traditional lifestyle in Sydney, Australia to become full-time cruisers, they didn’t have far to go.
Family of Four Makes Their Dream a Reality Aboard a Leopard 45
In the beginning it was just a dream, a conversation. Driving near their home along the Southern California coastline, Andy and Marina (aka: Maki) were watching boats sail around Dana Point. Andy remembers, “Marina looked at me and asked ‘Do you have to be rich to own a sailboat?’ To which I replied, ‘Well, yes and no.’ That conversation ignited thoughts, […]
How Kevin and Elizabeth Turned a Retirement Dream Into Full-Time Cruising
After years of planning, sailing lessons, offshore passages, and boat shows, Kevin and Elizabeth traded their Arkansas real estate business for life aboard a Leopard 50. In this Ask a Leopard Owner feature, they share how they chose their boat, prepared for full-time cruising, and the lessons they’ve learned during their first year afloat.
Not Your Typical Holiday Gift Guide for Cruisers
It’s that time of year again and we know that shopping for that perfect gift for that special sailor in your life can get tricky. Holiday gift guides can seem redundant, and what do you get for the person who has everything? After all, we know that when it comes to cruising, two is one […]
Sales Tax on a Boat: Can You Avoid it? (Updated 2026)
Understanding boat sales tax is an important part of purchasing a yacht, but the rules can vary significantly from state to state. This guide explains how sales and use tax work, which states offer favorable tax caps, when offshore closings make sense, and what every prospective catamaran owner should know before taking delivery in 2026.
Learning to Sail: What is the difference between RYA and ASA?
When you decide to pick up a new skill or hobby, there is no doubt that you will want training and lessons to build up your confidence and skill set. And when it comes to sailing, it is no different. Many new sailboat buyers have little experience on the water and they want to gain […]
Are Open Houses a Good Alternative to Boat Shows?
Open House I know what you’re thinking – the cancellation of many boat shows during the 2020-2021 year is disappointing. However, Leopard Catamarans has come up with a strategic way for you to view your boats of interest in a safe and social distanced manner. Over the month of October, Leopard has teamed up with […]
Lifetime Partners in Work and Play: Kevin and Elizabeth’s Owner Profile
If ever a couple was built for the close-quarters intimacy of full-time cruising, it’s Kevin and Elizabeth King. These Leopard 50 owners have walked through life side-by-side since infancy.