Her decks are remarkably clear of the lines, blocks and other gadgets that make sunbathing a pain in the back. All control lines and halyards run through a conduit beneath the deck, and her deck hatches are mounted flush with the teak. Sailing this maxi is a delight in any kind of wind. Light and responsive to the slightest touch on her giant carbon steering wheels, Leopard of London moves through the water with ease, quickly building up speed to match true wind speed plus a third in upwind conditions. Once off the wind, she is a greyhound capable of streaking along effortlessly at 25 knots.
Natural light adds to the feeling of space.
Some criticism must be leveled at the inevitable compromise her designers had to make between racing and cruising. Her light displacement hull form lacks the volume required for stowage that serious cruising yachts enjoy. Also, there is little space beneath the cabin sole, so the crew must pay particular attention to keeping the bilges dry. Her first season of charter highlighted the need for a bigger freezer, which will be attended to during her return to the United Kingdom this summer. Lastly, when racing, her interior restricts sail stowage to the point where it is almost impossible to move around belowdecks.