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European Powerboat Showdown: Aquila’s 46 Coupe Is the Dark Horse That Scares Monohulls
The Catamaran Challenge: Stealing the European Spotlight
The European yacht market is traditionally skeptical of anything that isn’t a monohull, but a serious contender is forcing a change of opinion. The Aquila 46 Coupe has been nominated for the 2026 European Powerboat of the Year award, a significant validation that adds to its growing list of accolades. This nomination, announced by BOOTE magazine, places the 46 Coupe squarely in the battle for industry dominance, confirming that Aquila’s blend of genuine performance and yacht-level comfort is resonating globally.
The Foiling Advantage: Efficiency as Performance
The true technical edge of the 46 Coupe lies beneath the water. The vessel is enhanced by the innovative carbon fiber Aquila Hydro Glide® semi-foiling system. This system works in conjunction with the yacht’s double-stepped hull design to dramatically enhance efficiency and performance, especially at cruising speeds. This is not just a feature; it is an engineering solution that allows the catamaran to deliver its promised sport boat excitement without sacrificing the practicality needed for extended cruising and offshore adventures.
Power and Choice: The Engine Debate Solved
Aquila understands that modern boaters demand power tailored to their lifestyle. The 46 Coupe is available with two distinct, high-performance engine options: twin 600-horsepower Mercury Verado V12 outboards or 480-horsepower Volvo Penta D6 DPI sterndrive inboards. The recent global debut of the inboard configuration at the Cannes Yachting Festival shows Aquila’s commitment to providing flexible propulsion. This range of choice allows owners to prioritize speed, maintenance access, or specific maneuvering controls, ensuring the vessel perfectly matches its intended use.
Mastery of Space: The Interior as the Ultimate Flex
The 46 Coupe’s design philosophy successfully challenges the common trade-offs of the powerboat segment. Its generous 17-foot, 11-inch beam creates versatile entertainment spaces and refined accommodations. The yacht features two full cabins, each with private en-suite bathrooms. An expansive electric opening sunroof and panoramic windows flood the interior with natural light, blurring the line between inside and out. This mastery of usable space ensures the vessel is perfectly adaptable for anything from day cruising to extended getaways, fulfilling its CE Category B (offshore) certification.
The Verdict: Performance That Refuses to Compromise
The consistent recognition of the Aquila 46 Coupe—from the Yacht Style Awards to the European Powerboat nomination—validates the brand’s core strategy: blending proven catamaran engineering with cutting-edge features. As Jean Raas, CEO of Aquila USA, states, the model delivers “genuine performance alongside yacht-level comfort and features”. Aquila is succeeding because it refuses to accept the compromise of traditional boat design, making the 46 Coupe a significant player in the global market.
