Nicole and Kevin Love Everything About Their Leopard 42
Nicole and Kevin O’Donohue were in an unexpected situation at the Annapolis Boat Show.
“We didn’t expect to buy a boat at the show,” Nicole says. “We were just looking. And suddenly we were waiting in a room to commit to a brand-new boat.”
Why a BVI Charter Made Us Future Leopard Owners
While buying a boat at the show was a surprise, ending up with a Leopard was not the same shock.
“We looked at every boat we could,” Nicole said. “We looked at all the big cats during our search. But ever since we chartered a Leopard 44 in the BVI, I had it in my mind that I wanted to buy a Leopard.”
That memorable BVI charter trip included nine family members from three generations, all of whom had the trip of a lifetime. Nicole says everyone aged ten to eighty was comfortable on the stable boat, and the family had plenty of space.
Nicole particularly loved the saloon front door and the forward cockpit. These design elements create a comfy place to enjoy the view and fresh air, and provide a nice safety feature.
“If you have to check on something, you just walk out the front door,” she says.
Falling in Love with Life Aboard Their Leopard 42
Nicole and Kevin’s Leopard 42 fits the couple like a glove. The top deck lounge, the front opening doors, and the airy, bright space in the saloon checked important boxes for Nicole and Kevin. Add the boat’s reputation for quality and a rugged build for ocean sailing, and the love affair was inevitable.
The O’Donohues would have liked to spend more time on board in their first year of Leopard ownership. They kept it on the coast but lived inland, visiting when they could for weekend outings and brief vacations. This year, they finally got out for a full-time cruise to the Bahamas, where we caught up with them in Georgetown. Every day they’ve spent on the boat has made them even happier with their home away from home.
“It’s been great,” Kevin tells us. “We had some rough weather and inlets to deal with, even on the trip up the coast from Fort Lauderdale to Georgia in late January. The boat always made you feel safe, even when the situation felt dicey.”
Designed for Living: Why the Leopard 42 Works So Well for Us
The couple prefers the layout of the 42 over some of the larger models, especially the 42’s stair placement and galley.
“Some of the bigger boats have more open galleys, but I love being tucked into my U-shaped space,” she says. “We’re not exactly roughing it here, either, with a washer, vented dryer and dishwasher.”
“I like the usability,” Nicole adds. “I enjoy having friends over, and everybody can have their space.”
The owner’s version of the 42 gives them a desk area, plenty of drawers and hanging space, and a beautiful, spacious shower.
Kevin had a few upgrades scheduled for the boat before they headed offshore, and once the work was complete, they began to explore beyond the horizon for the first time. The couple is now officially hooked on cruising. They will spend hurricane season in the U.S. and head back to the Caribbean in the fall.
“Returning to our Leopard now feels like coming home,” Nicole says. “There are so many kinds of boats, and every time I see one, I still think ours is the best.”
She smiles, she adds, “Honestly, I can’t see why anyone would buy anything but a Leopard.”
