Ahhh, such a pretty boat.  A couple things to note about the Leopard 46 and why it is so desirable.  If I have more time and bandwidth I’d do an entire section on freeboard and hull shape compared to other production cats and show why the Leopard 46 outperforms them.  The lines on this boat are so well-proportioned, and the boat is not at all boxy or ungainly.  We have our fenders stowed in a custom-made rack on the bows, which frees up plenty of space in the forward lockers.  We have been in 50 knot sqalls and they haven’t budged!  The second exhaust port on the port side is for the generator.

Everything looks balanced on Fearless, even with the addition of the double solar panel rig.  The flush deck is clean and uncluttered, and the helmsman has a great view of the entire boat.  The hulls and cabin are not boxy or ungainly, and this means the boat is more “slippery” in winds and weather.  Boats with large pontoons that increase living space come with significant limitations when maneuvering in high winds and adverse conditions.  These are things that don’t get discussed at boat shows when you are looking at how “liveable” a boat is.  It’s so important to consider how the boat will perform underway, especially when it matters the most.  The trend is bigger and boxier.  No thanks.

If you are like me and spent most of your time on monohulls, calling this the cockpit is a gross misrepresentation of…something.  I guess you could call this the patio if you find your teeth grinding together in your head, but we fondly call this fantastic living space the cockpit.  We have sat 14 people around the table, and with the addition of soft light from solar powered Lucy Lights strung under the hard top, it really is a magical space for entertaining.  Glenn sleeps here duing passage, always behind the helm station.

We can’t take credit for this addition to the boat but this without a doubt something we would have done to enhance solar production.  The supports for the arch provide convenient storage for paddleboards and the double step of solar panels provides power and shade for both the aft part of the cockpit and the dinghy.  Another important point is that this configuration allows air to circulate under the panels, which keeps them cool in the tropical sun.  Solar panels will drop offline if the surface temp exceeds ~120C.

The raised helm station is located on the starboard side of the cabin and is fully enclosed.  The two electrically powered primary winches are activated by foot switches, so one person can manage the sails in just about any set of conditions.  We have been hit broadside with really nasty squalls gusting to 50kts in driving rain, but we have remained dry and comfortable.   The electric winches really are force multipliers onboard, especially in foul weatherl.

Fearless only carries three sails in her inventory, but all are high quality.  The mainsail and headsail were designed and made by Dave Calvert in 2019, and they are both excellent.  The main is full-battened with three reef points, and the jib is slightly overlapping.  Our downwind sail is affectionally named “Pumpkin Spice” and is a Quantum gennaker with a carbon cone and snuff sock that makes her easy to deploy and douse.