Aquila 45 Sail: The new sailing catamaran that combines comfort and performance

Aquila Catamarans expands its presence in the sailing catamaran segment with the debut of the new Aquila 45 Sail, presented at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026. This is the second model in the shipyard’s new sailing line, following the Aquila 50 Sail, bringing to sailing the design philosophy that has characterized Aquila’s production in the power catamaran sector: exceptional interior livability, generous social areas, and a focus on comfort during extended cruises.

With an overall length of 14.4 meters and a maximum beam of 7.75 meters, the 45 Sail offers significant interior volume, combining areas dedicated to outdoor living with interior spaces designed for long-term stays.

The Layout of the Aquila 45 Sail

One of the defining elements of the Aquila 45 Sail is the choice to maintain a fixed foredeck, transformed into an additional area dedicated to relaxation. Here, you will find plenty of comfortable seating and an enormous sunbed, creating an independent space relative to other deck areas.

Seamlessly connecting the different exterior areas is the bridge-to-bow access system, already featured on the Aquila 50 Sail, which allows free movement between the central area and the bow without interrupting the continuity of the outdoor spaces. The pathway also leads to the flybridge area, where the helm station is located. The layout of this area includes a U-shaped dinette, a coffee table, and a forward-facing small sofa. The configuration comfortably accommodates five people and transforms the flybridge into a true additional convivial space.

Stainless steel handrails and components have been integrated to facilitate movement on board even while underway.

The Aft Cockpit Becomes a Second Living Area

The aft cockpit was also conceived as one of the primary gathering points of the Aquila 45 Sail. The dining table can seat up to eight people, while the bar area, BBQ station, and lounge seating complete the space.

The cockpit communicates directly with the salon and galley through an aluminum sliding door and a vertically opening bar window. This solution keeps the interior and exterior spaces connected, creating a single social floor plan on the main deck. It is a design philosophy particularly suited for cruising: while at anchor, the different areas can function as a single space, whereas under sail, the layout offers more ways to enjoy the boat depending on conditions.

Bright Interiors Oriented Toward Long Cruises

Inside, large panoramic glass surfaces allow natural light to flood in and reinforce the sense of openness. The salon features an L-shaped dinette seating six people, while the galley was designed with extended stays on board in mind. Amenities include a full-height French door refrigerator, an induction cooktop, and Corian countertops.

The configuration thus reflects a precise identity as a cruising catamaran, where the galley and common areas are not merely functional for navigation, but become an integral part of the living experience.

Three or Four Cabins, Up to 12 Guests

Below deck, Aquila offers a choice between three- or four-cabin configurations. Both options feature private cabin entrances and en-suite head compartments with showers. The layout accommodates up to 12 people, expanding the catamaran’s versatility. For those operating the vessel with a professional crew, an optional crew cabin is available in the bow.

The flexibility of the layout allows the Aquila 45 Sail to target both private owners and the charter market.

A Sail Plan Derived from the 50 Sail

Regarding sailing performance, Aquila developed the 45 Sail while retaining key features introduced on the Aquila 50 Sail. The double-spreader fractional mast reaches a height of 21.5 meters above the waterline.

The standard configuration features a full-batten mainsail and a furling genoa, providing a total sail area of 125 square meters. To further increase configuration options, an optional square-top mainsail or a 111.5 square meter gennaker are available. The goal is to combine the ease of handling typical of a cruising catamaran with a sail plan generous enough to ensure true sailing capability. Standard auxiliary propulsion is provided by two 50 HP Volvo Penta engines with saildrives. Alternatively, two 60 HP Volvo Penta engines or two 57 HP Yanmar engines are available. The choice to maintain twin independent engines is naturally functional for managing a catamaran of this size, offering precise maneuverability even in tight spaces and during mooring operations.

Digital Technology for Managing the Aquila 45 Sail

The Aquila 45 Sail also integrates a C-Zone digital management system, designed to control and monitor the vessel’s primary utilities. The system manages electrical power, water, and waste, displaying tank levels in real time from multiple stations. This solution aims to simplify vessel management and provide the crew with an immediate overview of the status of major systems while cruising.

On the construction front, Aquila utilizes a vacuum-infusion technology with vinylester resin for the hull, deck, and bulkheads. No wooden elements are used in structural components. This is a construction method the shipyard employs for both its sailing and power ranges, aiming to achieve robust, durable structures through a composite-material manufacturing process.

Aquila Expands Further into the Sailing World

The launch of the 45 Sail consolidates Aquila’s strategy in the sailing catamaran sector. After building a solid reputation in the power catamaran segment, the shipyard is progressively transferring that same design philosophy into its new Sail range. Jean Raas, Chief Product Officer and CEO of Aquila USA, emphasizes this transition: “Having been a leader in the power catamaran segment, the 45 Sail solidifies Aquila’s role as a benchmark brand in the sailing catamaran industry. We now have two sailing models, with more in development, and the market response has been encouraging. Today, owners want a boat that delivers genuine performance under sail, but with Aquila they can also count on the space and comfort we have perfected on our power models. The 45 Sail offers both, and the layout flexibility makes it equally suited for a charter fleet as for a private owner.” The new 45 Sail is therefore not an isolated project, but a milestone within a broader program that will include additional sailing models currently in development.

Conclusion

With the Aquila 45 Sail, the shipyard strengthens its entry into the sailing catamaran world by focusing on a balance between sailing performance, comfort, and space flexibility. The generous dimensions, three- or four-cabin configurations, and the ability to accommodate up to 12 people make the model exceptionally versatile. Design continuity with the Aquila 50 Sail, evident in the sail plan and space arrangement, further confirms the brand’s intent to build a true family of sailing catamarans. The 45 Sail stands out as a model capable of appealing equally to private owners and charter operators, with a platform engineered to turn the catamaran into a true floating home during extended cruises.

Sources and References

Aquila 45 Sail – FAQ