Aquila Catamarans has so far made a name for itself primarily through a wide-ranging range of motor catamarans. The US brand is now expanding its range to include a standalone series of sailing catamarans, whilst also seeking to strengthen its presence on the European market. The series kicked off in early 2026 with the Aquila 50 Sail, which was unveiled in Europe for the first time at the Multihull Show in La Grande-Motte following its world premiere in Miami. The second model to follow is the more compact Aquila 45 Sail. Its world premiere is scheduled for the Cannes Yachting Festival from 8 to 13 September 2026.
The design features a distinctive and striking aesthetic: the cabin superstructure extends far forward, whilst the hulls are particularly voluminous, especially in the fore section. Beneath the pronounced bilge lines, however, the waterlines are designed to remain comparatively slender, thereby creating the conditions for good sailing performance.
A fixed platform instead of a trampoline
Particularly striking is the fully enclosed platform between the hulls, which extends right to the bow tips. There is therefore no trampoline. The design principle is 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 sun loungers. Directly behind this, a watertight door leads into the saloon.
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A second large lounge area is situated on the open flybridge. It features a U-shaped seating area, a small table and an additional forward-facing bench. To the side of this is the raised helm station, which is connected directly to the aft guest cockpit via a flight of steps. All halyards, sheets and trim lines are routed back to the cockpit in a bundle and are operated there via two large winches, with the option of electric motor assistance. A special feature is the raised gangway, secured by an additional railing, which leads from the helm area and the flybridge forward to the bow cockpit. This allows the foredeck to be reached quickly without first having to descend to the lower side deck.
Large genoa instead of a self-tacking jib
The standard specification includes an aluminium mast with two pairs of spreaders. Aquila fits this with a fully-battened mainsail featuring a conventional head and a sail area of 78 square metres. A sportier mainsail with a square-top and a sail area of 82.2 square metres is available as an option. In addition, there is an overlapping furling genoa with an area of 47.6 square metres. A self-tacking jib, however, is not available as an option.
Three or four twin cabins
Below deck, there is a choice of layouts with three or four double cabins. In the owner’s version, the spacious master cabin occupies the entire port-side hull. The double berth is situated in the bow, transverse to the direction of travel, complemented by a seating and work area, ample storage space and a walk-in wardrobe. At the stern is a large bathroom with a separate shower and a partitioned toilet. In the starboard hull are two further double cabins, each with its own bathroom and separate shower.
Alternatively, a largely symmetrical layout featuring four double cabins and four en-suite bathrooms is also available, for example for use in the charter business. In addition, one or two small cabins can be fitted out in the foredecks for the skipper. Aquila states that the yacht can accommodate up to twelve people in total. The various layouts and fit-out options can be viewed in the image gallery above.
Made in China
Aquila Boats is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, USA. However, the boats are built 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. The shipyard uses osmosis-resistant vinyl ester resin and foam cores of varying densities depending on the load requirements. Power is provided as standard by two Volvo Penta diesel engines, each rated at 50 PS, fitted with Saildrives. The shipyard has not yet announced a price for the Aquila 45 Sail. Further details are expected to follow by the time of the world premiere in Cannes at the latest.
Technical Specifications: Aquila 45 Sail
- Designer:
- Hull 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
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology