- Events and Regattas
The Olympic Pedigree: Why Aquila’s First Sailing Vessel is an Intentional Strike
The Miami Intercept
The 2026 Miami International Boat Show (MIBS) has officially served as the staging ground for one of the most significant pivots in recent maritime history. Aquila Catamarans, a name synonymous with high-velocity power cats, has raised the sails on the 50 Sail. Standing on the docks at MIBS, the presence of a mast atop an Aquila hull feels like a calculated disruption. We spent the afternoon aboard this new interceptor to analyze whether the brand’s power-born durability translates to the sailing circuit.
Olympic Reconnaissance Logic
This expansion into the sail market isn’t a corporate whim; it is a return to the leadership team’s DNA. Co-founder Lex Raas and CEO Jean Raas bring a combined resume that includes trans-Pacific crossings and Olympic trials for Team USA. This competitive pedigree is visible in the boat’s aggressive 156 SQ M total upwind sail area. The 50 Sail isn’t designed for passive drifting; it’s built with the intention and precision of a racing fleet, reconfigured for the luxury voyager.
The Bridge-to-Bow Architecture
Walking the decks, the most striking feature is the signature bridge-to-bow access. Aquila has maintained its functional staircase design, allowing for rapid movement from the flybridge directly to the forward cockpit. This social zone creates an expansive lounging area that mocks the cramped quarters of traditional sailing cats. The salon and galley utilize panoramic windows to pull in the Miami light, creating a seamless transition between the high-performance helm and the social interior.
Hybrid Ocean Drive Autonomy
Engineering on the 50 Sail offers a definitive choice between traditional diesel reliability and the new Hybrid Ocean Drive™. Utilizing twin 50 KW Deep Blue Torqeedo motors, the vessel provides silent electric propulsion for coastal maneuvers, with diesel power as a secondary strike for when conditions shift. This focus on silent operation aligns with a modern desire for environmental connectivity without sacrificing the ability to intercept a destination regardless of the wind.
Bespoke Internal Volume
Below deck, the 50 Sail offers a surgical level of modularity with four, five, or six-cabin configurations. We stepped into the owner’s suite and found a level of head height and storage that remains a primary asset for Aquila’s manufacturing arm, Sino Eagle Group. Each cabin maintains a private entrance and walk-in showers, ensuring that even with 30 passengers aboard for a day cruise, the sense of uncompromised privacy remains intact.
The 2026 Multi-Stage Strike
The 50 Sail is merely the first wave. Aquila has already confirmed that a 44 Sail and a flagship 65 Sail are scheduled for deployment through 2027. By leveraging JnJ Design’s architectural prowess, the brand is positioning itself as a dual-threat manufacturer. For those currently at the Miami show, the 50 Sail stands as a testament that “Out there starts here,” regardless of whether the power comes from a Mercury outboard or a 90 SQ M pin-top mainsail.
