At Home on Any Horizon: A Charter Cat Built to Go the Distance

Whether you’re weaving through the islands of the Caribbean or hugging the coastline in the Med, the right boat makes all the difference. A comfortable, capable catamaran doesn’t just get you from one anchorage to the next—it shapes the entire experience. 

Sunsail has long been a trusted name in chartering, and its latest additions to the fleet—the 464 and 465—show how the company continues to fine-tune that experience for modern sailors.

These two sister ships, built by South Africa’s Robertson and Caine, recently earned top industry honors. The Leopard 46, available as the Sunsail 464/465, was named the 2025 Multihull of the Year. It was also singled out as the Best Full-Size Multihull 45 to 50 Feet in Cruising World’s own 2025 Boat of the Year awards.

While accolades like these speak to quality, what matters most to charterers and cruisers alike is how a boat actually performs day-to-day.

Refining a Proven Formula

Catamarans in the 45- to 50-foot range are a sweet spot for many charterers: large enough for comfort, yet manageable for couples or smaller groups. The Sunsail 464 and 465 build on that legacy, bringing updated design sensibilities to a format that’s been well tested. With wide beams, open-plan living spaces and multiple lounging areas, both boats are designed to create breathing room at sea, even when traveling with a full crew.

The 464 has a focus on flow. The cockpit and salon connect through a wide sliding door, creating a shared social space that easily handles meals, games or a quiet morning with coffee. Forward, a sunken lounge invites relaxation under sail or at anchor, while the foredeck offers additional space for sunbathing or spotting sea turtles.

Belowdecks, the 464 offers a four-cabin layout with en-suite heads, dedicated shower stalls and enough storage for extended cruising. The cabins are thoughtfully arranged, with island berths, large windows and just enough separation from the salon to create a private retreat.

The 465 builds on this base with a fifth cabin. The boat features three standard guest cabins, one VIP forward cabin with additional volume and a small bunk cabin ideal for kids or extra crew. Whether you’re planning a weeklong charter or a longer sabbatical, this extra flexibility can make a big difference.

A Flybridge That Functions

While many catamarans in this size range now include flybridges, not all are created equal. The Sunsail 464 and 465 models offer a flybridge that’s more than a helm station. It’s a true gathering space. Cushioned seating wraps around the perimeter, creating an ideal spot for guests to enjoy the view, whether underway or on the hook. There’s still full visibility from the helm and easy access to sheets and winches, meaning skippers aren’t isolated from the group during sailing maneuvers.

This design evolution reflects the way many people use boats today: as floating homes, social hubs and adventure platforms. The flybridge becomes a place for sundowners, afternoon reading or even just a better vantage point to take it all in.

Handling with Confidence

Of course, space and comfort matter most when paired with solid performance. Both the 464 and 465 are powered by twin Yanmar diesels and feature a sail plan that strikes a balance between ease and efficiency. The raised helm and clear lines of sight make docking and tight maneuvers more approachable, especially for charterers who may not be full-time sailors. Underway, these cats are steady and predictable, with enough responsiveness to keep things fun even for the more hands-on skippers.

For those less interested in tweaking sail trim and more focused on covering ground, the boats motor efficiently, making island-hopping itineraries or beating a weather window that much more manageable.

Familiar Layouts, Wherever You Roam

One of the biggest advantages of chartering with a global company like Sunsail is consistency. The 464 and 465 are now widely available across Sunsail’s worldwide bases, meaning that once you’ve gotten comfortable on one, you can expect a familiar experience in a completely new destination. 

For repeat charterers, that familiarity is invaluable. It removes the learning curve when moving from the British Virgin Islands to Greece or Croatia, letting you focus on the sailing, not the systems.

Built on a Legacy of Feedback

Robertson and Caine have built more than 1,000 boats, many of them for charter fleets. Over the years, they’ve incorporated feedback from cruisers and charterers alike, refining layouts and features to better support life aboard. The Sunsail 464 and 465 represent some of the latest thinking: wide transoms with swim steps for easy water access, ample refrigeration, smart storage solutions and upgraded finishings that elevate the onboard feel.

While clearly built to meet the demands of a high-use charter fleet, these boats don’t feel stripped down or generic. Instead, they present as comfortable and well-considered.

For Sailors, By Sailors

Sunsail has been in operation for over 50 years, and much of the company’s appeal lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of sailors—from first-time bareboat charterers to seasoned cruisers. Their approach has long been guided by a “for sailors, by sailors” philosophy, and the latest additions to the fleet reflect that. They’re boats meant to be used, not just admired.

Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a reunion with old friends or a reconnaissance mission for your own cruising plans, the Sunsail 464 and 465 offer a solid platform. They’re easy to settle into, capable on the water and comfortable enough to feel like home—no matter which corner of the cruising world you’re exploring.

Start booking by visiting sunsail.com or speak to a Sunsail vacation planner directly by calling 877-486-7382.

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