Summary box
| Model: | Aquila 50 Sail |
| Shipyard: | AquilaBoats |
| Length: | 50 feet – 14.97 meters |
| Beam: | 26 feet – 7.86 meters |
| Electric Hybrid Propulsion: | 2x Torqeedo 40 kW electric motors + 40 kW generator + 80 kWh battery (diesel saildrive option available) |
| Sail Area: | 162.4 sqm upwind (96.4 sqm square top mainsail + 66 sqm genoa) + 103 sqm Code 0 |
| Maximum speed under power: | 9.2 knots in electric propulsion |
| Maximum speed under sail: | 6.2 knots with 5-6 knots of true wind |
| Electric range: | ~44 nautical miles (100% battery, without generator) |
| Cabins: | 4 (owner’s version) or 6 (charter version) |
| Price: | from 850,000 euros (less than 1 million dollars) |
| Tested in: | Fort Lauderdale, Florida — February 2026 |
If you thought the new Aquila 50 Sail was simply another cruising sailing catamaran, focused exclusively on volume, you were truly mistaken. This multihull manages to exceptionally harmonize interior and exterior spaces while simultaneously offering surprising sailing performance, decidedly comparable to that of more expensive “performance catamarans” rather than the often very poor performance of traditional cruising-oriented vessels.
Important claims that deserve to be justified with objective data—data we recorded during our sea trial.
How does the Aquila 50 Sail perform? The complete sea trial
It is early morning when I arrive at the Pier Sixty-Six Marina in Fort Lauderdale; the crisp morning air and the total absence of clouds already suggest it will be a beautiful day—an adjective that for us sailors, unfortunately, also means there will be little wind. A condition where cruising sailing catamarans normally suffer quite a bit (to use a euphemism).
I turn the corner of a pier and spot the Aquila 50 Sail waiting for us, moored alongside. At first glance, I am immediately struck by its sinuous profile; this catamaran has a silhouette light years away from the cubiform (and horrible) ones the market has accustomed us to.
I step on board and immediately begin to analyze the hybrid propulsion system, one of the innovations introduced by this cat. Powering us today are two 40 kW electric motors each, fed by an 80 kWh battery. A system produced by Torqeedo that guarantees us, on paper, about 40 nautical miles of range before having to start the 40 kW onboard generator which, in addition to providing charging power, also allows for the operation of air conditioning, induction plates, and all onboard systems.
The sail plan of this Aquila 50 Sail is decidedly well-structured; one can choose between a traditional mainsail and a square top—the one we have available today, measuring a full 96.4 square meters. A choice I agree with because the nearly seven extra square meters of canvas are at the top, exactly where they perform best. The genoa is slightly overlapping, measuring 66 square meters, bringing the upwind sail area to a total of 162.4 square meters. Completing the set is a 103-square-meter furling Code 0 which, I am sure, we will certainly use today.
We cast off and move away from the dock using the maneuvering thrusters and the engine throttles; maneuvering the Aquila 50 Sail is truly simple with all these aids. From the flybridge, visibility is perfect; the bows are clearly visible, and assessing the dimensions of this large catamaran is really not a problem.
We proceed under power along the canal leading to the ocean; at 6 knots, the consumption in kW is just over 10 kWh, which means we could sail for nearly 50 miles without having to start the generator. It also means that if we did start it, we would not only support the batteries but could even recharge them—a decidedly interesting energy balance! Furthermore, electric propulsion is inherently very similar to sailing; there is absolute silence, with only the sound of waves lapping against the hulls.
Sailing performance of the Aquila 50 Sail: surprising in light winds
Arriving in the ocean, we find a long swell just under a meter high and a true wind of about 6 knots—difficult conditions for a cruising cat…
We hoist the mainsail quickly—with the electric winches it’s child’s play—and then open the furling genoa. All maneuvers are led to the port and starboard of the helm station, and managing this sailing catamaran alone is not only simple but also decidedly comfortable and safe.
I bear away and set the Aquila 50 Sail at about 50 degrees from the apparent wind. In these conditions, I expect speeds close to zero, but instead, the cat progressively accelerates and begins to produce apparent wind; shortly, we are at more than 4 knots—4.4 to be precise. I try to head closer to the wind and, once again, the Aquila 50 Sail surprises me, reaching 35 degrees on the apparent wind while losing only two-tenths of speed!
A decidedly extraordinary performance for a cruising cat that, moreover, is not equipped with daggerboards.
Enthusiastic, I ask to close the genoa and open the Code 0, an operation that is again managed with great simplicity since the sheets for this sail are also led near the helm. This boat is truly manageable by a single person.
I bear away a bit more and at 90 degrees to the apparent wind, I fine-tune the mainsail and Code 0; the Aquila 50 Sail accelerates immediately and reaches 5.5 knots. I luff up to 50/55 degrees from the apparent wind, trim the Code 0 slightly, and the cat accelerates visibly again; in a moment, we pass 6 knots and set the maximum speed at 6.2 knots!
We are on a cruising cat and we are sailing at a speed higher than the true wind, which, still very weak, fluctuates between 5 and 6 knots.
This Aquila 50 Sail is a true revelation; I can only imagine what performance it could offer in medium wind conditions or with more high-tech sails.
The set of sails we have available today, while tri-radial and well-made, is certainly not a high-performance set, and this adds even more value to the recorded data.
Sailing Performance Table
| Mainsail and Genoa | True wind: 5-6 knots | Upwind angle: 50° | Speed: 4.4 knots |
| Mainsail and Genoa | True wind: 5-6 knots | Upwind angle: 35° | Speed: 4.2 knots |
| Mainsail and Code 0 | True wind: 5-6 knots | Broad reach: 60° | Speed: 5.5 knots |
| Mainsail and Code 0 | True wind: 5-6 knots | Broad reach: 40° | Speed: 6.2 knots |
Test conditions: Slight sea with 1-meter long swell; True wind 5-6 knots from SW; 8 people on board; Fuel 90%; Water 100%; Fort Lauderdale, February 2026.
Aquila 50 Sail under electric power: speed, consumption, and range
Needless to say, shortly thereafter the wind dies down completely and we have to close the Code 0. We still have quite a few miles to go to arrive on time in Miami, where the Aquila 50 Sail will be exhibited at the namesake boat show.
We engage the throttles and the two electric motors begin to push us silently forward. At 7 knots, we sail consuming only 22 kW; at 7.5, we consume 28; and at 8 knots, we are still under 40. This means we can sail at cruising speed, keeping the generator on, for an indefinite time while consuming very little fuel.
Curious, I push the throttles all the way and quickly reach 9.2 knots—a very respectable top speed for this Aquila 50 Sail in its hybrid version.
Optionally, one can of course choose a traditional version, where a pair of diesel saildrive inboards can push this cat to even higher speeds, although, in my opinion, this hybrid version is perfectly balanced and already provides everything needed to sail in the best possible way. The 80 kWh battery and the 40 kW onboard generator also perform many other functions, useful for living in complete comfort without the worry of energy consumption.
In summary, a high-level cruising catamaran that I would personally choose in exactly this configuration, not only for summer cruises but also for setting off on a long world tour.
Below are the data recorded during the remainder of the test, which highlight how excellent range can be achieved even without starting the generator. The data were recorded while sailing with six people on board, in slight sea conditions, with water and fuel tanks at 100%.
| Total electric power in kW | Speed in knots | State of charge at time of recording | Actual range in nautical miles | Theoretical range in nautical miles with 100% battery |
| 10 | 5.5 | 86.5% | 38.1 | 44.0 |
| 15 | 6.6 | 86.0% | 30.3 | 35.2 |
| 20 | 7.1 | 85.5% | 24.3 | 28.4 |
| 25 | 7.4 | 84.0% | 19.9 | 23.7 |
| 30 | 7.5 | 83.0% | 16.6 | 20.0 |
| 35 | 7.7 | 82.0% | 14.4 | 17.6 |
| 40 | 8.2 | 80.0% | 13.1 | 16.4 |
| 50 | 9.5 | 77.5% | 11.8 | 15.2 |
| 60 |
Marginal increase in speed Excellent power reserve for use in rough sea conditions | |||
| 70 | ||||
| 80 | ||||
Design, interiors, and innovations of the Aquila 50 Sail
To fully understand the scope of the innovations that the new Aquila 50 Sail brings, one must necessarily stop for a second and list them; there are truly many.
The design: why the Aquila 50 Sail looks like no other catamaran
The design of this sailing vessel deserves the first mention. Light years away from what cruising-oriented sailing catamarans have accustomed us to, it manages to simultaneously accommodate volumes significantly higher than those of its direct competitors and offer light, sinuous, and sporty lines. A result that was by no means guaranteed.
The stern and the beach club: an innovative solution
The stern of the Aquila 50 Sail contains two important innovations: the first is represented by the width of the ends of the two hulls which, being much wider than anything seen before on a sailing catamaran, offer the concrete possibility of being used as a beach club.
The second innovation is the stern platform which, served by a winch, allows hauling and stowing a large tender, resting on a movable cradle system that ensures stability during navigation. This area is also convertible; it is possible to move the stanchions and lifelines that delimit it forward or aft, to adapt it to the presence or absence of the tender.
The synthesis of these two innovations allows, on the one hand, to avoid the adoption of a heavy hydraulic platform, and on the other, effectively creates a single massive beach club from which to enjoy stops at anchor.
The Flybridge: accessible from the bow, an absolute first
The Flybridge of the Aquila 50 Sail is enormous but perfectly integrated into the sporty lines of this sailing catamaran—a truly remarkable result that synthesizes the shipyard’s extensive experience with power catamarans. The great innovation this cat introduces is that it can be reached both from the usual staircase starting from the aft dinette and from the two sloping side decks connecting it to the bow.
An innovative system that simplifies onboard circulation and makes all maneuvers easier, including mooring and anchoring, but that’s not all. Indeed, if you look at the Aquila 50 Sail from the side, you will notice how the Flybridge develops continuously from the foredeck; this effectively creates a monolithic structure that provides great structural rigidity, clearly perceptible while sailing.
The Flybridge Hard-Top is walkable and served by two access ladders—a very simple system for safely managing the opening and closing of the Lazy Bag.
The cabins of the Aquila 50 Sail: from 4 to 6, all with private bathrooms
The engineering of the interior spaces of the Aquila 50 Sail is decidedly extraordinary and makes this 50-foot cat unique in its class. It is indeed possible to customize the layout to your liking, starting from the 4-cabin version, the most exquisitely owner-oriented, up to the charter version, which boasts a full 6 cabins and 6 bathrooms!
But the surprises do not end there because, very intelligently, every cabin is equipped with private access and a bathroom with a separate shower box, even in the 6-cabin version. A feature that enhances guest privacy and makes life on board decidedly simple.
The final important innovation is the possibility of purchasing the 6-cabin version and being able, perhaps after a period dedicated to chartering, to return to the 4-cabin version with a simple and non-invasive conversion.
Is the Aquila 50 Sail worth buying? The final verdict
This new Aquila 50 Sail has decidedly won us over. It is an innovative sailing catamaran that manages to be simultaneously fast and spacious, beautiful and very practical. Furthermore, characterized by a starting price of less than one million dollars, or less than 850,000 euros, it is decidedly interesting and probably represents the best current choice in terms of value for money.
Who is the Aquila 50 Sail for?
The Aquila 50 Sail is the ideal choice for:
- Owners looking for a high-performance sailing catamaran without sacrificing space — it offers more volume than its direct competitors while maintaining sailing performance above the category average.
- Those looking for a sailing catamaran that is easy to manage and handle — the helm position and the routing of all maneuvers allow a single person to manage it.
- Those who want hybrid/electric propulsion — it is one of the few 50-foot sailing catamarans with a Torqeedo hybrid system available as standard, with over 40 miles of electric range.
- Charter operators — the 6-cabin version with a private bathroom for each cabin is rare in this price range.
- Those with a budget up to 850,000 euros looking for the best quality-to-price ratio in the 50-foot segment.
- It is not the right choice for: those looking for a racing-oriented catamaran equipped with daggerboards
Aquila 50 Sail FAQ
Q: How many miles can the Aquila 50 Sail cover on battery power?
A: With the battery at 100% and without starting the generator, the theoretical range is approximately 44 nautical miles at 5.5 knots. With the generator running, you can cruise at cruising speed indefinitely.
Q: How many cabins does the Aquila 50 Sail have?
A: It is available in different configurations: 4 cabins (owner’s version) and 6 cabins with 6 separate bathrooms (charter version). It is possible to switch from the charter configuration to the owner’s version with a non-invasive conversion.
Q: How much does the Aquila 50 Sail cost?
A: The starting price is less than one million dollars, which is less than 850,000 euros.
Q: Does the Aquila 50 Sail have hybrid propulsion as standard?
A: The hybrid version (2x Torqeedo 40 KW + 80 KWh battery + 40 KW generator) is the main version tested by Boat Review. A version with traditional diesel saildrive inboard engines is also available.
Q: Is the Aquila 50 Sail suitable for a circumnavigation?
A: Yes, according to tester Luca D’Ambrosio, it is an excellent choice for long-range cruising as well, thanks to the energy autonomy of the hybrid system, the 6-cabin configuration, and the structural solidity confirmed during navigation.
Q: Who manufactures the Aquila 50 Sail?
A: The Aquila 50 Sail is produced by Aquila Boats (aquilaboats.com), the shipyard known primarily for power catamarans that has entered the sailing catamaran segment with force.
