Scoop : Aquila 50

The arrival of a powerful and ambitious manufacturer onto the sailing catamaran market is a major event in terms of competition for the existing players. But is it really that surprising? Perhaps not so much, when you take a closer look at the people behind the brand. Lex Raas, the founder, is a former Olympic windsurfing qualifier and has already completed a Pacific crossing - under sail, of course. Lex has also worked for many years with Robertson & Caine, Moorings, and Sunsail. His son Alain, Global Brand Director, is a keen Hobie Cat sailor. As for Nick Harvey, Chief Revenue Officer, he has been sailing all his life...

The sailboat project began in 2023 with the stated aim of moving from being the world leader in motorized multihulls to being the world leader in all multihulls.

The first model will be the Aquila 50, whose design by J&J Design skillfully combines the Aquila DNA, as exemplified by the traditional bow shape (i.e., not inverted as is the current trend in Europe) with the usual sailing codes - as evidenced by the high freeboard without being excessive, a relatively sleek rig, and a coachroof with large forward arches, a subtle design touch reminiscent of Privilège and Outremer.

The Aquila 50 has been designed with large living space on board and features a forward deck/cockpit with access from the nacelle, a flybridge with dual fore and aft access, and a hydraulic platform for the dinghy. The very large cabins offer particularly attractive, bright layouts. The first two models will feature four cabins, while subsequent models will have up to six. In terms of propulsion, a Torqeedo electric drivetrain has been chosen, although the yard will also offer diesel engines.

The Aquila 50 is set to be launched very soon, at the forthcoming Miami International Boat Show (February 11-15, 2026), as hull #1 has already been removed from its mold. Construction uses the infusion process, in a single piece, in an ultra-modern 110,000 m² (27-acre) factory located near Shanghai. The Aquila 50 will then be unveiled in Europe at the International Multihull Show in La Grande-Motte, France, and then in Asia.

Two other models have already been announced by the shipyard - an Aquila 44 and an Aquila 63.

Technical specifications

Builder: Aquila Boats
Length: 49’1” (14.97 m)
Beam: 25’9” (7.86 m)
Draft: 3’4” (1.7 m)
Air draft: 82’6” (25.15 m)
Light displacement: 50,600 lbs (24 t)
Mainsail: 968/1,037 sq ft (90/96.4 m²)
Motors: 2 x 50 kW or 2 x 50/60/75 HP
Fuel: 222 US gal (865 l)
Water: 232 US gal (880 l)
CE Certification: A12/B12/C20/D30