To date, Aquila has been best known for its wide range of motor catamarans. Now, the US brand is looking to gain a foothold in the sailing catamaran segment whilst also strengthening its presence on the European market. The first model to be launched was the larger Aquila 50 Sail in early 2026, which, following its world premiere in Miami, was unveiled in Europe for the first time at the International Multihull Show in La Grande-Motte.
The Aquila 45 Sail is the second, and slightly more compact, model in the new range of sailing boats. Visitors to the Cannes Yachting Festival were able to see the catamaran up close for the first time.
More premieres in Cannes
An enclosed platform instead of a trampoline
What is particularly striking is the cabin superstructure, which extends well forward. The hulls, too, are very voluminous, particularly in the foredecks. Below the pronounced bilges, however, the waterlines remain comparatively slender. This is intended to ensure decent sailing performance despite the strong focus on living comfort and space.
Between the hulls, the deck is completely enclosed and extends right to the bow tips. Aquila does not feature a conventional trampoline. The design principle is therefore reminiscent of the cruising catamarans produced by the French brand Bali. The fixed bow section creates space for a recessed forward cockpit with seating and additional sunbathing areas. From there, a watertight door leads directly into the saloon.
Plenty of space on the flybridge
There is another large lounge area on the open flybridge. This features a U-shaped seating area with a table, as well as an additional forward-facing bench. To the side of this is the raised helm station. It is connected directly to the aft guest cockpit via a flight of stairs.
A distinctive feature of the Aquila is the raised gangway, which is further secured by a railing. It leads from the helm area and the flybridge, over the cabin roof, directly forward to the bow cockpit. This allows quick access to the foredeck without first having to descend to the lower side deck. All halyards, sheets and trimmers are routed back to the helm and operated there via two large winches. These can be electrically assisted on request. An aluminium mast with two spreaders is fitted as standard. In addition to the conventional mainsail, Aquila offers a larger square-top version as an option. An overlapping furling genoa is provided as the headsail; a self-tacking jib, however, is not available.
Three or four twin cabins
Below deck, the Aquila 45 Sail can be fitted out with three or four double cabins. In the owner’s version, the master cabin occupies the entire port side of the hull. In addition to the transverse double berth, it features a seating and work area, plenty of storage space, a walk-in wardrobe and a large bathroom with a separate shower.
Two further double cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom, are planned for the starboard hull. Alternatively, Aquila offers a largely symmetrical charter version with four double cabins and four separate bathrooms. In addition, one or two small skipper’s cabins can be fitted in the foredecks. In total, the shipyard states that the yacht can accommodate up to twelve people.
High-quality construction in China
Aquila Boats is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, USA. However, the catamarans are manufactured by Sino Eagle Yachts in Hangzhou, China. The hull, deck, bulkheads and structural reinforcements are produced as GRP sandwich constructions using the vacuum infusion process. Power is provided as standard by two Volvo Penta diesel engines with Saildrives.
For customers in Europe, the shipyard quotes a base price of 756,250 euros gross, including 19 per cent VAT. The Aquila 45 Sail has been nominated for the European Yacht of the Year 2027 award. The trials will take place in mid-October 2026 in Palma de Mallorca. The comprehensive test report will then be published in YACHT magazine and on the YACHT website.
Technical Specifications: Aquila 45 Sail
- Designer: Aquila Boats
- Fuselage length: 14.38 m
- Width: 7.77 m
- Draught: 1.56 m
- Weight (unladen): 16.15 t
- Mast height above the waterline: 21.55 m
- Mainsail: 78.0 m²
- Mainsail (square-top); 82.20 m²
- Furling genoa: 47.58 m²
- Code Zero: 95.0 m²
- Engine: 2 x 50 PS (Volvo Penta) / Saildrive
- Optional engine: 2 x 60 PS
- Fuel capacity: 620 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 880 litres
Further articles on the subject of cruising catamarans
- The new Nautitech 41 Type S in the YACHT test / Part 1 / Part 2
- Oyster Yachts unveils plans for a large cruising yacht for the first time
- The new Aventura 43: modest in size, but packed with substance
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology