In the Rise of the Power Catamaran, Aquila Comes Out on Top

One of the most noticeable trends emerging in yachting these days is the rise of the power catamaran. With unequalled stability and interior space, its appeal is understandable, and irresistible. Leading the charge is Aquila, which recently unveiled its all-new Aquila 70 flagship to much fanfare—and a line of eager buyers with cash in hand.

To say the Aquila 70 raises the bar on power cat design is a bit like saying Rolex makes a nice watch, or that a Mercedes-Benz is a pretty good car. With its ability to range far and wide while positively minimizing fuel consumption yet still zip along at a crisp 27 knots when it needs to get somewhere in a hurry, the big Aquila makes the most of its Volvo Penta inboards and joystick controls—aided in part by carbon fibre components that cut weight while enhancing overall strength and rigidity.

That high-tech construction allows the Aquila 70 to also make the most of its considerable interior and exterior spaces, delivering an uncommon level of convenience, comfort, and space. Boarding at the stern, you’re initially welcomed by the enticing cockpit, with its plushly upholstered seating, beautiful wooden table for dining al fresco, and overhead sun protection from the illuminated hard top.

Step into the salon, and the size of the Aquila 70 really becomes apparent, with its catamaran hull allowing a truly expansive degree of interior space. A huge galley area to starboard faces port-side dining and lounging spaces in a bright, fresh environment accented by light woods, natural fabrics, and huge surrounding windows that flood the space with natural light. Don’t want to see the galley? Just press a button and a powered frosted glass divider raises to isolate the kitchen while still allowing light to pass through.

When it’s time to enjoy a movie or turn in for the night, powered blinds operated by a convenient remote shade the salon for privacy at the touch of a button.

A main deck helm station forward of the galley provides a fully protected driving position, if desired. Stepping outside allows access to a remote joystick, allowing the captain to easily manoeuvre at the quayside.

Along the yacht’s centreline, a wide stairway leads below to the overnight accommodations, featuring a massive full-beam owner’s suite with enormous closet and storage spaces, a 50-inch HDTV, a surround sound stereo, beautiful views outside through the huge privacy windows, a chaise longue, a desk, and a massive ensuite head to port with dual sinks, and a large shower.

Beautiful port-side and starboard-side matched VIP guest suites accommodate guests in nearly identical luxury while a smaller guest cabin will appeal to kids.

A set of stairs lead from the aft end of the lower level returning back to the main deck galley, where another stairway leads up to the flybridge.

In its neatly enclosed space, the flybridge houses the primary helm station forward, with an L-shaped port-side seating space with a large table which provide unobstructed, elevated 360-degree views. The entire space is fully climate controlled, of course, for all-weather comfort. Opening overhead hatches allows fresh air on nice days.

The aft end of the flybridge deck offers a lovely outdoor seating and sunning area, with a secondary galley featuring a sink and barbecue-sized Kenyon grill for convenience. Moving forward on either side of the bridge, Aquila’s central forward staircase leads to the bow seating and sunning area. Wide promenades on each side of the main deck lead back to the cockpit if one wishes to remain on the main deck level.

Overall, the feel is that of a much larger vessel but without the long walks to get anywhere.

Aquila enjoys a long and admired position as a builder of premium power cats, and with its new Aquila 70 flagship, that heritage takes on an entirely new prominence. For those who appreciate living life to the fullest, this is one yacht truly in a class of its own.

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