It’s hard to imagine now, but there was a time—not so long ago—when catamarans did not have a flybridge, or a raised helm station. Skippers were tucked away in the aft corner of the boat, peering awkwardly around the side, often docking with more hope than precision. Visibility was limited, line management was clumsy, and steering felt like an afterthought.
Since those early days, Leopard has kept redefining what the helm station can be, and has continued to lead the way, engineering helm stations that combine smart ergonomics with creature comforts. From introducing the largest flybridge ever seen on a 40-foot catamaran on their latest award-winning Powercat, to equipping every sailing helm station with all the latest bells and whistles – from electric winches and nav tech to fridge drawers and plush lounges, Leopard’s helm designs are more than functional, it’s aspirational.
Today, the Leopard helm isn’t just where you sail the boat, it’s where you live on it! And whether you’re docking in a tight marina, trimming sails in open waters, or hosting friends for a sunset cruise, it puts you at the heart of the action, exactly where a great captain belongs.
Here’s a look at how over three decades of award-winning innovation has positioned Leopard’s helm stations among the best in the industry, and why it is seen as a benchmark for luxury and comfort in todays’ multihull industry.
Solo Sailing, Perfected: The Helm That Changed Cruising Catamarans Forever
From the earliest days of offshore catamaran cruising, Leopard has been pioneering innovations to make handling their yachts easier, safer, and more intuitive, especially for those who sail solo.
One of Leopard’s most groundbreaking innovations came in the form of the central winch pod, a now industry-standard feature that was revolutionary when first introduced on the Leopard 40 in 2005. Prior to that, most cruising catamarans had winches positioned on either side of the coachroof, forcing sailors to scramble across the deck during maneuvers and shout commands over the wind.
Leopard’s winch pod design centralized sail control by placing dual winches next to the helm and integrating a turning block for the port side genoa sheet. This clever redesign meant that, for the first time, raising the mainsail or trimming sails could be done without ever leaving the helm.
This centralization was more than a convenience, it was a major advancement in offshore safety and functionality. Thanks to the electric winch placement at the helm, sailors could easily hoist the mainsail or manage sail trim even in challenging conditions.
But Leopard didn’t stop there. They also led the way in making reefing systems smarter and more accessible, introducing single-line reefing that runs from the clew of the mainsail through the reefing eyes, back to the mast base, and then to the winch pod. This system is available for both first and second reef points, meaning you can quickly trim back your sails at a moments notice without ever leaving your helm.
Leopard’s helm engineering ensures that all major sail and rigging controls are within arm’s reach. Winches, clutches, and sail controls are thoughtfully and ergonomically arranged to maximize efficiency. Electric foot switches enable hands-free winch operation, and the boom is deliberately kept low, improving sail balance, simplifying reefing, and giving you better access to the stack pack.
This isn’t just a helm, it’s a fully functional, one-person sailing station built for serious offshore performance, whilst still being in the middle of the social action. With no need to scramble or shout, every maneuver feels intuitive and smooth. And the best part? There’s a fridge with some cold drinks mere inches from your helm seat.
Clear Views. Confident Sailing.
Whether you’re at the elevated helm station of a Leopard sailing cat or cruising on the flybridge of a Powercat, the award-winning design team at Roberson and Caine have made sure that all of their helm stations are designed with optimal visibility in mind. Giving you true 360- degree views and taking the stress out of maneuvering your yacht.
From squeezing into a tight slip, keeping an eye on your sails, or just chatting with friends while you cruise, Leopard’s helm lets you stay fully aware of everything around you. No need to shuffle around or twist yourself into a pretzel to see what’s going on. The carefully designed unobstructed views in every direction means you can make decisions quickly, stay alert to changing conditions, and feel totally in control, even in tight spots or rough seas.
And this visibility doesn’t come at the cost of comfort or leaving the helm isolated from the rest of the boat. Unlike some helms that can feel isolated, Leopards helms are purposefully designed so that you stay part of the action. You can keep a hand on the wheel, an eye on your surroundings and still be part of the conversation in the cockpit or galley and share a laugh with friends lounging nearby.
The Most Social Helm In Cruising
Unlike some catamaran designs where the helm feels like its own zip code, Leopard puts the captain right where they belong – in the middle of everything. Whether you’re at the raised helm between the aft cockpit and the flybridge lounge, or up top on a spacious Powercat flybridge, you’re never out of touch.
Leopard Powercat and sailing catamaran helms are always designed to seamlessly flow into the yacht’s social spaces. Sightlines into the saloon and galley keep you connected with guests, while open layouts make it easy to communicate with crew, monitor activity below, or simply enjoy the moment together. It’s a helm designed for real-life cruising.
Weather Happens—Leopard’s Helm Has You Covered
Let’s face it, sun, rain, and wind don’t wait for you to dock. That’s why Leopard’s helm stations are built with serious protection from the elements in mind. Unlike canvas add-ons or aftermarket covers, Leopard integrates a solid coachroof directly into the helm design from the start, ensuring lasting durability and weather resistance.
This permanent structure offers real protection, not just from the blazing sun, but also from unexpected rain showers and wind.
Each helm station comes with a solid fiberglass coachroof—no flapping fabric, no wobbly poles, just strong, permanent coverage that stands up to whatever the forecast throws your way. It’s built to last and designed to keep you dry, shaded, and comfortable. The added isinglass enclosures let you quickly zip up the helm from the elements for even more protection, giving you a cozy, well-ventilated space to steer from.
Whether you’re dodging summer squalls or riding the winter trade winds, Leopard’s helm is built to keep you dry, shaded, and comfortable. Because staying protected from the elements should be standard, not a luxury add-on.
Smart Engineering That Actually Makes Sailing Better
Leopard’s helm design isn’t just about looking sleek or keeping you comfy, it’s about making your sailing life easier, safer, and a whole lot more enjoyable. Every detail has been engineered with real-world cruising in mind, not just marina showrooms.
Take the boom on the Leopard sailing cats, for example. It’s set lower than on many other cats, which might seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference. A lower boom provides easy access to the stack pack and rigging, and also creates a more balanced sail plan, which means better performance and easier reefing when the breeze picks up. No need to climb or reach awkwardly as everything is within easy reach of your helm station.
Then there’s the centralized line management. All your major sail controls are routed cleanly and logically to the helm, keeping your decks clear and your toes safe from tripping. You won’t be scrambling across the cockpit or foredeck mid-maneuver. Everything’s right where it should be, so you can sail smarter, not harder.
Whether you’re a seasoned skipper chasing downwind passages or brand new to the helm, Leopard’s design makes sailing intuitive, efficient, and just plain fun. It’s not just aesthetically pleasing and well-built, it’s built for real sailors who love to sail.
Double The Helm, Double The Confidence
At Leopard Catamarans we know that real world weather conditions can change in an instant. That’s why all of our power catamarans are designed with dual helm stations that offer flexibility and control, no matter what the day brings.
Cruising on a sunny day with a perfect breeze, there’s nothing better than being up on the flybridge. With full 360-degree visibility, the wind in your hair, you can easily steer and dock with confidence, and fully enjoy your surroundings.
But we all know the weather doesn’t always cooperate. When a squall rolls through or the midday heat gets intense on a long passage, that’s where the interior helm comes in. Placed forward in the saloon, the interior helm station offers full forward visibility and access to all essential navigation and control systems to let you keep cruising comfortably.
This dual helm setup is more than a luxury, it’s a thoughtful design feature that enhances safety, usability, and the overall ownership experience. The ability to transition effortlessly between an open-air helm and a climate-controlled one means you never have to choose between comfort and capability. It’s a level of design consideration that truly elevates the owner experience—keeping you in command, in comfort and totally in your element at all times.
A Helm Built For Real Life On The Water
Owning a Leopard isn’t just about having a yacht, it’s about having a better way to sail. From quiet early-morning departures to easy afternoons under sail with family or friends, the helm station on a Leopard is designed to fit into the way real owners live and cruise.
But unfortunately, the helm doesn’t always get the love it deserves when shopping for catamarans. Everyone’s busy looking at salon finishes, galley layouts, or cabin space. But if you’re the one driving the boat, you know that a perfect helm station can turn a good boat into a great one. And Leopard gets that.
Leopard Catamarans have long understood that the helm is central to the sailing experience and has consistently engineered its designs for efficiency, intuitive handling, and effortless solo sailing. But how does the Leopard helm station truly compare to other big names in the multihull world these days?
Lagoon’s flybridge helm looks impressive from the dock, but once you’re underway, it can feel slightly isolated and often requires extra crew for maneuvers, as all sail controls are not as easily accessible. Bali takes a more lounge-first approach, prioritizing comfort over functionality, which might be great for sunbathing guests, but not so much for the one doing the actual sailing.
Fountaine Pajot offers a semi-raised helm with better visibility, but access and protection can be hit or miss depending on the model—and seeing what’s behind you? That’s not always guaranteed. While Sunreef is known for their luxurious designs, and their helm stations are perfectly designed for panoramic views, they tend to prioritize high-end styling and lounging space over hands-on sailing functionality. Leopard, by contrast, focuses on ergonomic efficiency, centralized sail control, and intuitive solo handling, making it a better fit for owners who prefer to actively sail their own boat rather than rely on a crew.
In the end, Leopard’s helm design consistently ranks among the most user-friendly and skipper-orientated in the industry. It’s designed for owners who sail their own boats, thoughtfully blending ergonomics with real-world functionality, while also keeping the captain at the heart of the action.
More Than a Helm, It’s The Best Seat In The House
Leopard Catamarans have redefined what a helm station should be. It’s not just a functional necessity, it’s the heart of your sailing lifestyle.
With 360-degree visibility, intuitive controls, and smart ergonomic touches, Leopard has turned the helm into a true extension of the way owners live and sail. It’s where you sip your morning coffee underway, chat with guests as the sails fill and confidently dock your boat in a picture-perfect marina.
Whether you’re chasing horizons in the Exumas or island-hopping in the Med, the helm is where your adventure begins. And on a boat bult for sailors who sail their own boats, it’s also where you will feel most at home.
Want to learn more about what sets Leopard Catamarans apart? Explore our latest award-winning models here.
