Power catamaran leader launches new Aquila 50 sailing model with electric hybrid

Aquila, a world leader in power catamarans with more than 1,000 boats now on the water, has announced the launch of their first sailing model, the Aquila 50. The new cat has a total upwind sail area of 156 m2 (≈1,700 sq ft) and a hybrid propulsion system with twin Torqeedo Deep Blue 50i electric motors, an 80kWh battery and auxiliary diesel generator. Listen to this article as a podcast Aquila was formed in 2012 when MarineMax, the world’s largest retailer of recreational boats and yachts, approached the Sino Eagle Group to build a boat for its new Vacations charter business. The new venture enlisted Lex Raas, former director of development at Beneteau, Leopard Catamarans and others, to oversee the project in collaboration with J&J Design Group and their development arm, Seaway. The Aquila 38 power cat was born and was so well received by charter clients that a decision was made to produce a similar design tailored for the needs and uses of private owners. It became the foundation for a lineup that now includes models ranging from 28 to 70 feet built in a 27-acre (110,000 m²) site that employs a skilled workforce of 510 artisan tradesmen and administrative staff. Aquila 50 Sail developed by sailing experts While Aquila is best known for their influence on the power catamaran market, the company is no stranger to wind power. Raas is a former Olympic windsurfer who has also crossed the Pacific under sail. His sons Jean and Alain are both high level executives at Aquila and have US National Sailing Team, Hobie Cat racing and ocean crossing experience on their resumés. In 2023 they floated the sailing catamaran idea and found sailing enthusiasts and experts throughout the company eager to bring it to life. They include Chief Designer Jure Zule, Chief Revenue Officer Nick Harvey and Global Service Manager Gareth Wood, all of whom are long time sailors and have been involved in creating, marketing and managing sailing yachts for some of the best known companies in the field. “This team brings decades of real life sailing experience to the drawing board” said Jean Raas. Frank Xiong, CEO of Sino Eagle Group, aded that “We’ve proven ourselves in power catamarans, and now we’re leveraging the deep sailing experience of our team to enter this market with purpose and precision.” Aquila design, precision construction Aquila is known in the power boat world for innovative design and exceptional quality and the new sailing catamarans follow that lead. Two of the most striking aspects of the Aquila 50 Sail are the distinct roof profile that slopes down to the bow area, where the Aquila 50 has an enclosed foredeck instead of the trampoline seen on many sailing cats. That turns the bow into a roomy, comfortable and usable social area with seating and sunpads. Panoramic windows surround the salon and galley area, accentuating the generous space and width a catamaran offers. There are layouts with 4, 5, or 6 cabins, each with private entrances, ensuite heads and walk-in showers. The massive Sino Eagle/Aquila shipyard is home to a precision manufacturing facility that specializes in building powercats that can handle the structural stresses of running at 70 knots. The sailing yacht uses the same construction technique, with one-piece molds to create hulls, decks, and bulkheads as complete components. Temperature and humidity are controlled during all molding processes to ensure consistent quality and vinylester resin infusion is used throughout for better structural properties than standard polyester resins. All of the upholstery, stainless steel components, electronics, and woodworking are manufactured on-site. Twin Torqeedo Deep Blue 50kWs with 80 kWh battery Recognizing that sailboat owners are different from power boat owners and appreciate their silence and clean air, Aquila worked with electric motor manufacturer Torqeedo to develop a proprietary Hybrid Ocean Drive system. There is a a Torqeedo Deep Blue 50 kW (≈ 70 hp) electric drive in each of the catamaran pontoons and they share the 80 KWh storage capacity of a Deep Blue LiFePo4 battery. The low RPMs of the electric drives allow precise, silent manoeuvering in harbours and anchorages and the system can also be used in open waters. To extend range there are two generator options: 32 or 40 kW. Project leader Raas says “Our hybrid system isn’t an afterthought—it has been integrated from day one. We designed the entire propulsion architecture to ensure seamless transitions and optimal performance in every scenario.” As Nick Harvey of Aquila told Yachting News. “Hybrid is an integral part of the whole project and will be available from the very first hulls. It’s the direction the market is heading, and we want to lead the way”. In addition to the 50 Sail, two other sailing catamarans with electric/hybrid have already been announced by the shipyard – an Aquila 44 and an Aquila 63. The first opportunity to see the Aquila 50 Sail ...