Mike Slade’s LEOPARD 3 racing sailing yacht, as launched in 2007, is a new concept for a 100ft super maxi from Farr Yacht Design. LEOPARD 3 meets the demanding requirements of a luxurious, signature charter yacht, a passage record breaker and a race winning super maxi in a fantatic new concept developed by Farr Yacht Design. The yacht is 30 metres long, 6.8 metres wide, has a 5.5 metre draft, a 4.5 metre fixed bowsprit, one towering 47 metre mast and the keel cants 40 degrees either side of centreline.
LEOPARD 3 features a relatively wide, powerful hull which is a direct successor to Farr Yacht Design’s successful Open 60, Volvo 70 and Cookson 50 designs. Accordingly Farr Yacht Design has provided an ideal platform for exceptional speed with the volume for remarkable luxury yacht charters. LEOPARD 3 is a notable, and welcome, departure from the current mode of extremely narrow boats. Like the Volvo 70, the yacht’s wider hull concept is especially suited for high-speed sailing offshore. Interestingly her hull shape has been enhanced by the presence of a chine which improves water flow off the hull and reduces structural weight.
LEOPARD 3’s sleek world class racing hull is appropriately matched to a collection of efficient underwater foils including a canting keel, twin asymmetric lifting canards forward and a single rudder on centerline aft. The stability boost added by canting the keel is equivalent to 200 crew members sitting on the rail, without the added weight! Her rig towers 154 feet above the water and can carry up to 15,000 square feet of sail area. The rig design is focused on providing the power and flexibility for the many modes of operation of Leopard 3. From competing for line honors in offshore races to thrilling charter outings the right amount of sail area can set quickly.
The construction of Leopard 3, by McConaghy Boats, is in carbon with the structural design and detailing supplied by Farr Yacht Design. The interior and deck are styled by Ken Freivokh Design. Designed and styled by 'Ken Freivokh Design' in Fareham, UK, the Leopard interior will be fitted out in an ultra light, airy and modern idiom. The interior is fully removable for competitive racing.
Broad companionway carbon steps lead down to LEOPARD 3’s spacious saloon. The saloon is elegant yet modern and filled with home comforts and comfortably seats 12 guests. There is a large dining table to port and to starboard a carbon coffee table is surrounded by ample seating in appealing rich fabrics. In-house entertainment comes via the latest in flat-screen TV, DVD and Audio equipment.
Following the first 12 months of extensive racing Leopard will 'evolve' into phase 2 when three luxurious double guest cabins forward will be fitted prior to the yacht being offered to the termed charter markets of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
"Leopard will create quite a stir and enormous interest as she undertakes her day charter role in the Solent, whilst preparing to endorse her racing pedigree" - Owner, Mike Slade
Leopard provides a unique blend of on-board luxury coupled with out-and-out performance to make her one of the most desirable yachts available for charter today.
Leopard is available for charter in 3 different arenas:
- Corporate Charters – Leopard can entertain up to 20 guests making her the ideal platform for corporate or private functions.
- Racing Charters - Guests can join Leopard's own professional crew. (regatta dependant)
- Caribbean Charters (from 2008) - For overnight and termed charters Leopard can accommodate up to 6 guests.
Rolex Sydney - Hobart, Australia, Dec '07
Antigua Sailing Week, West Indies, April '08
Transatlantic Record Attempt, New York, May '08
Round Ireland Race, Ireland, June '08
Round the Island Race, UK, June '08
Channel Race, UK July '08
Cowes - Dinard, UK July '08
Cowes Week, UK, Aug '08
Rolex Maxi Worlds, Sardinia, Sept '08
Les Voiles De St Tropez, France, Oct '08
Rolex Middle Sea Race, Malta, Oct '08 |
