Understanding the relationship between two of the most recognized names in catamaran cruising.
One of the most common questions we hear from prospective owners is: What is the relationship between Leopard Catamarans and The Moorings? Are they the same company? Are the boats identical? And what are the differences between buying a Leopard for private ownership versus purchasing a yacht through a charter ownership program?
The answer is simple: Leopard Catamarans and The Moorings have shared a unique partnership for more than 30 years, but each brand is designed to serve a different type of owner. Here’s how the relationship began—and how it continues today.
In 1994, The Moorings, one of the world’s largest yacht charter companies, partnered with Robertson & Caine, a South African yacht builder, to develop a new generation of sailing catamarans for its expanding charter fleet.
The mission was clear: build catamarans that were exceptionally durable, easy to maintain, simple to operate, and comfortable enough to withstand years of charter service while also completing ocean deliveries around the world. Robertson & Caine’s expertise in performance yacht construction made them the ideal partner, and together they established a reputation for building reliable cruising catamarans that quickly became favorites among charter guests.
As more sailors experienced these yachts firsthand, demand grew from customers who wanted to own one privately rather than simply charter one.
To meet that demand, Leopard Catamarans was launched in 2000, offering privately owned versions of the same proven platforms that had earned such a strong reputation in charter fleets.
Today, Leopard Catamarans focuses exclusively on building yachts for private ownership, while The Moorings continues to offer charter vacations and yacht ownership programs. Although the brands serve different markets, they remain closely connected through their shared builder, Robertson & Caine, and decades of continuous product development.
While Leopard and Moorings yachts begin with the same proven hull designs and construction methods, they are built with different owners in mind. Leopard Catamarans are designed for private ownership and long-term cruising. Owners can personalize their yacht with a wide selection of factory options, layouts, electronics packages, comfort upgrades, and cruising equipment. Features such as owner’s suite configurations, larger storage areas, watermakers, solar packages, upgraded navigation systems, air conditioning, washer/dryer options, and premium finishes allow owners to tailor the yacht to their cruising lifestyle.
The Moorings yachts, on the other hand, are configured specifically for charter service. Equipment and layouts are standardized across the fleet to simplify maintenance, servicing, and guest experience across destinations worldwide.
Both yachts are built to the same high manufacturing standards at the Robertson & Caine facility in Cape Town, South Africa, but each is equipped differently depending on its intended use.
Not exactly.
Every Moorings sailing catamaran or powercat begins life as a Leopard platform, but it is outfitted with specifications chosen specifically for charter operations. A privately owned Leopard can be configured very similarly to a Moorings yacht if an owner chooses many of the same options. The primary differences come down to equipment, customization, branding, and intended use rather than the underlying hull or build quality.
Many current Leopard models have corresponding versions in The Moorings fleet, built from the same hulls by Robertson & Caine.
Examples include:
(Model availability may vary by region and charter fleet.)
More than three decades after their partnership began, Leopard Catamarans, The Moorings, and Robertson & Caine continue to shape the global catamaran market. Thousands of owners first experience a Leopard while chartering with The Moorings before eventually purchasing one of their own.
Today, Leopard Catamarans are found cruising coastlines and crossing oceans around the world. With innovative designs, award-winning sailing and power catamarans, and a reputation built on quality, the partnership continues to provide both private owners and charter guests with yachts designed for adventure, comfort, and reliability.
Whether your goal is to enjoy unforgettable charter vacations or own a catamaran built for long-term cruising, Leopard Catamarans and The Moorings offer two distinct paths built on the same proven foundation.
