S/V ESCAPE 2006 LEOPARD 43

The Leopard 43 holds a well-earned place among the most proven bluewater cruising catamarans of her generation. Built by Robertson & Caine in Cape Town, South Africa, the 43 was engineered from the keel up for durability, practical seamanship, and comfortable liveaboard living. Her four-cabin, four-head layout, spacious bridgedeck saloon, and twin shaft-drive engines made her a standout among bluewater cruisers and charter operators alike, accumulating hundreds of thousands of ocean miles as testament to her reliability. Notably, the 43's shaft drive configuration offers straightforward maintenance access and long-term dependability that experienced catamaran sailors specifically seek out.

ESCAPE stands apart from the typical Leopard 43 on the market today. When the current owner purchased the vessel four years ago, the first year was dedicated to systematic, ground-up mechanical improvements: both fuel tanks and all fuel lines were replaced, the Yanmar ignition panels at both stations were upgraded to C-30 units, and the entire wiring harness between the helm and engines was replaced. The all-weather cockpit enclosures were redesigned and rebuilt. Since then, ESCAPE has been maintained with discipline, with thoughtful upgrades along the way. In October 2025, she was hauled for fresh bottom paint, two new propellers were fitted, and three through-hulls and seacocks were replaced. One of the two AC units was also replaced at that time. The running and standing rigging including the mast were replaced in 2020, and the maintenance on the engines and systems is remarkably well-documented.

Based on the Chesapeake Bay in Galesville, Maryland, ESCAPE is cruise-ready and will make the perfect starter catamaran for a family or couple looking to sail away now!

Listing Highlights

• Layout: 4-cabin, 4-head 
• Propulsion: Twin 40hp Yanmar diesels 
• Systems & Comfort: Two Cruisair A/C units, 5.5KW onboard generator, 
• Electronics: Full Raymarine suite includes Autopilot ACU400, AIS700 transceiver, Quantum radar
• 12’ Dinghy, new in 2023 with 20HP outboard
• Location: Galesville, Maryland (Chesapeake Bay)

Propulsion & Handling

ESCAPE is powered by twin 40hp Yanmar diesel engines on shaft drives with approx. 5,500 hours, a configuration valued by experienced catamaran sailors for its reliability and ease of service compared to saildrive units. The engines are controlled by a single-lever shift/throttle at the helm, allowing one-handed operation underway and precise two-handed control when docking. The Yanmar panels at the helm have been upgraded to C-30 units, displaying both analog and digital engine vitals simultaneously. In October 2025, two new propellers were installed as part of a comprehensive haul-out.

Electronics & Navigation

The helm is outfitted with a complete Raymarine navigation system, including the ACU400 course computer and AIS700 AIS transceiver. The autopilot drive motor was rebuilt by Raymarine within the past year. A new Platismo compass rounds out the navigation station. The helm position offers a commanding 360-degree view of all corners of the vessel.

• Raymarine Axiom 9 Lighthouse 3 chartplotter
• Quantum Q24D radar
• EV-400 P70 Sail Pack autopilot (drive motor rebuilt by Raymarine, past year)
• AIS700 AIS transceiver
• ST60 depth sounder
• I60 analogue wind instrument with E2 sensor
• HS5 network switch
• New Platismo compass
• VHF radio

Electrical & Comfort Systems

ESCAPE is equipped with two Cruisair reverse A/ C units, operable on shore power or via the onboard 5.5KW generator. One of the two units was replaced in 2025.

• Three 265-watt solar panels feed a Midnite 150 MPPT charge controller
• Four GPL-6CT AGM batteries (3 years remaining on the warranty)
• A Promarine 60-amp battery charger
• NextGen 5.5KW / 50-amp generator
• LED lighting covers cabins, salon, cockpit, navigation, deck, and steaming positions
• Blue LED swim platform lights 
• Two Dometic/Cruisair 16,000 BTU reverse-cycle heat pump units
• A Spectra Catalina 300 Deluxe watermaker produces 10 to 12 gallons per hour

Galley, Salon & Accommodations

The light-filled saloon opens seamlessly to the cockpit, with windows on all sides bringing in natural light and views in every direction. Louvered salon windows deliver full visibility while shading the interior from direct sun — a practical detail that liveaboard sailors appreciate in warm climates and during Chesapeake summers. 

The four-cabin, four-head layout provides genuine privacy for owner and guests, with each cabin offering independent access. All four heads are electric with fresh water flush.

• A Force 10 two-burner stove and oven
• Two refrigerator/freezer units
• Microwave
• A large single-basin stainless steel sink, and a secondary utility sink
• A mahogany table with Caribbean island inset seats 6.
• A nav table with 12V and 110V panels adjacent
• Storage runs throughout the seating, and a 60-liter 12V cooler doubles as a bench seat at the table
• Black Corian countertops provide durable working surfaces.

Deck & Cockpit

The expansive hardtop cockpit is fully protected in foul weather by all-weather enclosures that were redesigned and rebuilt by the current owner, a meaningful upgrade over the original canvas. All cockpit cushions have been replaced. The layout naturally integrates guests and crew with the helm, the view, and the breeze, making it equally suited to long passages and evening anchorages. ESCAPE's signature sugar-scoop sterns provide easy water access for swimming, make fishing straightforward, and allow safe, simple dinghy boarding. The dinghy replaced in 2023 is fitted with a 20HP outboard and sits on a fixed platform, secure and stable in rough conditions and at sea. Stainless paddle board racks are also installed near the swim platform.

• The cockpit dining table seats 7 to 8
• An extra bench with storage provides additional seating
• Propane locker with a 12-foot quick-release hose for a portable grill
• A mahogany fishing pole rack
• Flex-A-Teak non-skid covers the aft half of the decking and cockpit

Sailplan

The rig was fully renewed in 2020. All running rigging and standing rigging were replaced. The mast is a 61-foot AWL spar. A Stack Pack and lazy jacks are fitted for easy sail handling.

• Roller furling 110% genoa, new November 2020
• Fully battened mainsail
• 61-foot AWL mast
• Stack Pack with lazy jacks
• All running and standing rigging including the mast replaced 2020

Safety & Anchoring

Primary ground tackle is a 45-pound Mantus anchor with 180 feet of 3/8-inch BBB chain. A 45-pound Claw anchor with 100 feet of 1-inch line serves as backup. Four large Taylor fenders, 5/8-inch dock lines, and two extendable West Marine boat hooks are aboard.

ESCAPE carries a Revere 6-person Coastal Commander 2.0 self-inflating life raft (due for recertification), an EPIRB, a throwable horseshoe ring, a life sling; and 16 life jackets. 

Three through-hulls and seacocks were replaced in October 2025, ensuring the vessel's underwater fittings are current.

ESCAPE is a meticulously maintained Leopard 43 with a documented history of owner investment in the systems that matter most. The combination of ground-up mechanical upgrades completed in the first year of ownership, consistent upkeep since, and fresh October 2025 haul-out work means the next owner steps aboard with confidence rather than a project list. Located on the Chesapeake Bay and available for inspection and sea trial by appointment.