Aquila expands into sailing catamarans with stylish & innovative 44, 50, and 63-foot cruising models
by Aquila 13 Sep 08:22 UTC
Aquila, the premier manufacturer of power catamarans, has announced its expansion into the sailing catamaran market with the introduction of three new models: the Aquila 44ES, 50ES, and 63ES sailing catamarans.
"This expansion represents our next phase as a global boat manufacturer," said Frank Xiong, chief executive officer of Sino Eagle Group who manufactures the Aquila portfolio. "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."
Signature, Purpose-Built Design Elements
The Aquila signature shows in both form and function with features like bridge-to-bow stairs for easy access and clean, contemporary lines throughout. These new sailing catamarans also feature a distinctive fixed forward cockpit that transforms what other manufacturers overlook into the ultimate social zone. Each cabin maintains complete privacy with its own private entrance with ensuite heads and walk-in showers. Additional features include a spacious salon bar area, Aquila's patented (optional) tender crane, and a roomy salon and galley area with panoramic windows to maximize natural light.
Hybrid Propulsion System
The Aquila sailing catamarans feature an optional integrated hybrid system combining electric and diesel power. This system—called Hybrid Ocean Drive™—provides silent electric propulsion for precise maneuvering in harbors and anchorages, with diesel power available when conditions demand it. "Our hybrid system isn't an afterthought—it's integrated from day one," explained Raas. "We designed the entire propulsion architecture around this dual-power approach, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal performance in every scenario."
Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
Sino Eagle—the Aquila shipyard—operates a precision manufacturing facility with extensive experience building power catamarans, Olympic rowing shells, kayaks and surfboards. The facility applies rigorous construction standards developed for ocean-going vessels:
- Hulls, decks, and bulkheads built as complete components using one-piece molds
- Vinylester resin infusion is used throughout, providing superior structural properties compared to standard polyester resins
- Computer fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) applied to every hull design and structural component
- Temperature and humidity controlled during all molding processes to ensure consistent quality
- No wood used in bulkheads, stringers or other critical high structural load areas
- Upholstery, 316 stainless steel components, electronics, and woodworking manufactured on-site
- CE Category A approved for unrestricted ocean passages.
Seasoned Sailing Veterans Lead Development
The Aquila sailing catamaran project brings together industry-leading expertise across design, manufacturing, and distribution. "This team brings decades of actual sailing experience to the drawing board," said Jean Raas, CEO and chief product officer of Aquila. Including Raas—himself a former member of the US National Sailing Team and former director of purchasing and logistics for The Moorings / Sunsail—the team also includes:
- Lex Raas, co-founder, former director of development at Beneteau, Leopard Catamarans innovator, ex-CEO of Moorings, and competitive sailor
- J&J Design, contributing over 400 production boat designs—including many sail boats—for 70 boat builders from 30 countries
- Nick Harvey, chief revenue officer with immense sailing catamaran knowledge, former Lagoon distribution manager in Europe and executive at Groupe Beneteau
- Jure Zule, chief designer, former project manager at Seaway, involved with Shipman and Swan and others, and a life-long enthusiastic sail boater
- Alain Raas and Gareth Wood, seasoned competitive and recreational sailors, and veterans of multiple ocean crossings.
Proven Distribution Partner
Aquila believes that exceptional design and manufacturing must be paired with experienced distribution to deliver the best customer experience. In the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, the Aquila 44ES, 50ES, and 63ES sailing catamarans will be exclusively distributed through The Catamaran Company. "Since 1987, The Catamaran Company has been exclusively focused on catamaran sales and chartering," said Staley Weidman III, chief executive officer of The Catamaran Company. "This partnership with Aquila brings together our sailing catamaran expertise with their proven design and manufacturing capabilities. We're excited to offer our customers sailing catamarans designed by sailors, for sailors."
The new Aquila sailboat line will debut at the 2025 Annapolis Boat Show with scale models and printed materials available to discover. The first opportunity to see the actual Aquila 50 sailboat in person will be at the 2026 Miami Boat Show.
Pricing and delivery information will be announced at upcoming boat shows. International distribution arrangements will be announced soon.