The Aquila 50 Sail Has Been Nominated for Multihull of the Year 2026

The Aquila 50 Sail has been nominated for the 2026 Multihull of the Year award, presented by Multihulls World, in the Sail 45 to 55-foot category. For a boat that only made its world premiere at the 2026 Miami International Boat Show, earning this kind of recognition so quickly is a meaningful signal of just how seriously the industry is taking this new sailing catamaran.

As an authorized Aquila dealer, The Catamaran Company has been closely watching the development of the 50 Sail since the brand announced its move into the sailing catamaran segment. What we have seen so far, from the Fort Lauderdale sea trial results to the response at Miami, confirms what we suspected: this is a boat that was designed by people who actually sail, and it shows in every detail.

What makes the Aquila 50 Sail different

The 50 Sail is the first model in Aquila’s new sailing catamaran line, which will eventually include the Aquila 45 Sail arriving later in 2026 and the Aquila 65 Sail in 2027. Rather than simply following the established formula for cruising catamarans, Aquila set out to rethink several elements of the design from the ground up. The result is a boat with a handful of genuinely distinctive features that separate it from anything else in this size range. You can read the full technical specifications on Multihulls World’s specification sheet for the Aquila 50.

The most immediately striking is the solid bow cockpit. Where most sailing catamarans use a trampoline forward, the 50 Sail replaces it with a fixed, enclosed cockpit that features dedicated seating. It is a completely new social space at the front of the boat, one that is safe, comfortable in a seaway, and unlike anything else available in this class. Guests who have experienced it at boat shows have responded to it enthusiastically, and it is easy to understand why.

The flybridge-to-bow access system is another Aquila innovation borrowed from their power catamaran range. Integrated stairs connect the flybridge directly to the forward cockpit, creating a natural flow between two of the best vantage points on the boat. On a passage or at anchor, that kind of connectivity between spaces makes daily life aboard noticeably better.

Privacy is handled with care throughout the interior. Each cabin has its own dedicated entrance and private bathroom with no shared companionways, which is a genuine rarity in this segment and makes a real difference for guests on a charter week or a family passage. The layout is available in four, five, or six-cabin configurations, giving buyers the flexibility to configure the boat around how they actually plan to use it.

The helm position on the flybridge is centrally located with winches flanking the wheel and all control lines led to either side. It is an ergonomic setup designed for real sailing rather than occasional use, giving the helmsman the visibility and reach to actually enjoy time at the wheel. On a boat where the helm is this well-considered, you find yourself wanting to sail more.

Propulsion choices are equally thoughtful. Buyers can choose between traditional diesel saildrives and Aquila’s Hybrid Ocean Drive, which delivers silent electric motoring, solar regeneration capability, and a meaningfully more sustainable approach to cruising. The hybrid system was tested thoroughly during the Fort Lauderdale sea trial and the real-world range numbers were impressive. For a deeper look at how the 50 Sail performs on the water, see our full Aquila 50 Sail review. The Aquila 50 Sail sea trial video is also well worth watching.

Built by sailors, not borrowed from power

One of the most compelling aspects of the Aquila 50 Sail story is the sailing background of the team behind it. Aquila co-founder Lex Raas started racing sailboats at the age of four and has competed internationally throughout his career. His son Jean Raas, Chief Product Officer and CEO of Aquila USA, was a member of the USA Sailing team for three years and participated in the 2000 Olympic trials. Jean’s son Alain Raas, Global Brand Director, sailed competitively from an early age and has completed trans-Pacific crossings.

Nick Harvey, Chief Revenue Officer, brings more than two decades of sailing catamaran experience from previous roles in the industry. Chief Designer Jure Zule has sailed competitively since he was young, and Global Service Manager Gareth Wood has captained large sailing catamarans for private owners.

This is not a team that learned about sailing from a spec sheet. The experience that shaped the 50 Sail came from the water, and that shows in the decisions made throughout the design process, from the helm ergonomics to the cabin layout to the choice of sail plan. See how the Aquila 50 Sail stacks up in our best catamaran brands of 2026 comparison. Multihulls World also put together a thorough independent review — you can find their Aquila 50 Sail review here.

Industry recognition that matters

The Multihull of the Year award from Multihulls World is one of the most respected honors in the multihull segment. Being nominated in the competitive Sail 45 to 55-foot category in the same year as the boat’s world premiere is a strong endorsement from an industry that does not hand out recognition lightly. The announcement of the winner is scheduled to coincide with the International Multihull Show in La Grande Motte, France, where the Aquila 50 Sail will also make its European debut.

For buyers considering the 50 Sail, this nomination is a useful data point. It reflects the judgment of experienced multihull sailors and industry professionals who evaluated the boat on its merits. The fact that the 50 Sail earned this recognition so quickly after its launch speaks to how well it was received by people who know what a sailing catamaran should be capable of. If you would like to cast a vote, the Multihull of the Year voting page is open now.

Final thoughts

The Aquila 50 Sail has arrived in the sailing catamaran market with a level of intent and execution that is hard to ignore. A Multihull of the Year nomination in its debut year, a sea trial that genuinely surprised experienced reviewers, and a design team with real offshore sailing credentials — these are not the hallmarks of a brand dipping a toe into a new segment. They are the hallmarks of a serious entry. If you are in the market for a sailing catamaran in 2026 and you have not looked closely at the Aquila yet, now is the time.

The Catamaran Company is an authorized Aquila dealer and one of the best resources for buyers exploring the 50 Sail. Whether you want to discuss configurations, talk through the hybrid propulsion system, or understand how this boat compares to others in its class, our specialists are ready to help.