A young but already essential project
Founded in 2014, Aquila Catamarans is the fruit of the association of three boating experts, in collaboration with the China-based Sino Eagle shipyard. Specializing in the manufacture of composite products for over 40 years, Sino Eagle began by producing kayaks, oars and surfboards before moving into the construction of power catamarans. Its expertise is internationally recognized, as demonstrated by its status as official oar supplier to the Olympic Games for several editions, and its collaboration with renowned brands such as Quicksilver.
An ambition born of the charter market
The history of Aquila Catamarans is closely linked to the charter market. Observing that sailing catamarans were rarely used under sail by yachtsmen, Alex Raas, former head of Leopard, had the idea of creating a true motor catamaran, a "powercat". The first Aquila model, however, was a carbon sailboat designed for regattas. A meeting with MarineMax, the leading American boat retailer, marked a decisive turning point for the brand, enabling it to grow rapidly. From then on, production was handled in China, while the Sino Eagle USA office, based in Florida, took charge of design, product development, purchasing and after-sales service.
A diversified and constantly evolving range
The first model, the Aquila 48, launched the brand onto the market. Building on this success, the shipyard quickly developed the Aquila 44 Yacht, a model of which around 200 were produced and which became the best-selling liveaboard motor catamaran. The range was then extended with the Aquila 36 Sport, an outboard catamaran without flybridge, and the Aquila 54 Yacht, which innovated with a large forward cabin. At the same time, the shipyard developed its most luxurious model, the Aquila 70 Luxury, powered by two 1000 hp engines and finished in carbon.
For 2025, Aquila has enhanced its catalog with the Aquila 42 Coupé and Aquila 46 Coupé models. Designed for optimum comfort and performance, these power catamarans feature the innovative Aquila Hydro Glide Foil System, guaranteeing greater efficiency and smoother sailing. The design of these new models emphasizes space, with fluid circulation from foredeck to stern, and a refined interior offering spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms. The range also includes two models dedicated to fishing, the 28 and 47 Molokai, and recently launched the Aquila 50.
A state-of-the-art, eco-responsible industrial site
Located on an 11-hectare site in Hangzhou, the Sino Eagle shipyard boasts modern production facilities, including four large construction buildings, an indoor test basin and a riverside launching dock. Hangzhou, often referred to as one of China's most beautiful cities, provides an ideal setting for the yard to innovate and perfect its industrial processes.
All Aquila boats are built from high-tech composites, including high-density PVC foam, vinylester resins and advanced vacuum infusion techniques. The shipyard makes a point of reducing its ecological footprint, with massive use of solar panels, a gray water filtration system and automated material cutting to limit waste.
The site also houses a dynamic R&D department working on the integration of new technologies such as fixed foils, which improve lift and optimize fuel consumption. This ongoing quest for innovation has enabled Aquila to develop the Hydro Glide Foil System, already available on certain models such as the Aquila 36 Sport and soon to be extended to other units.
Booming production
Since its 100? catamaran in 2017, Aquila's production has grown exponentially. In 2018 and 2019, the yard was building around 60 units a year. This figure jumped to 110 boats in 2021, then 150 in 2022. In 2023, production reached 176 units, and the shipyard has completed 200 boats in 2024. Worldwide demand, particularly in the USA, Australia and Europe, continues to grow, confirming Aquila's dominant position in the motor catamaran segment.
Looking to the future and embracing the values of innovation and hybridization
The shipyard is constantly innovating and exploring new technological solutions. The Aquila 42 was the first model designed specifically for the European market. At the same time, a foiling program is currently being tested on the Aquila 36 and 32 models, with the aim of reducing fuel consumption by 20%. The shipyard is also preparing for the integration of hybrid engines, with the first hybrid Aquila 70 in the pipeline. Design is also evolving, as on the future Aquila 50 Explorer, which will feature an asymmetrical flybridge and a single-storey forward cabin.
A discreet but essential brand
In just 11 years, Aquila Catamarans has established itself as an essential leader in the motor catamaran market. With exemplary build quality, an innovative industrial approach and an ever-renewing range, the Italian/Chinese brand has everything it takes to win over the European market and confirm its status as a global benchmark.
