FAMILY CAT
The Leopard 43 is built by South Africa’s Robertson & Caine – that country’s largest boatbuilder – and Sirène is the second of the model in New Zealand. She belongs to Hamilton’s Wayne and Helen Giles who moor her at their bach on the Whitianga Waterways, the ideal launch pad to the glorious cruising ground that is the Coromandel.
They’re more than delighted with her – for multiple reasons – not the least of which is her space and the ability to host the entire whanau over Christmas. But absolutely the best part for her, says Helen, is the stability: “Some years ago I used to take ‘Paihia Bombs’ to combat seasickness – I think they worked because they made me ‘float’ across the decks. But I’ve not once felt the need for medication on Sirène – she’s very kind to me.”
As seasoned cat enthusiasts (they’ve owned one before) the couple conducted a rigorous investigation into different marques before signing the Leopard contract – a research project that included a visit to the company’s Cape Town factory. They found much to admire about the
