Bridging Power and Wind: The New Aquila 50 Sail Catamaran by J&J Design
The catamaran world is witnessing a significant shift as Aquila Yachts—the global leader in power catamarans—officially enters the sailing market. At the heart of this transition is J&J Design.
Building on a successful history of collaboration on Aquila’s power range, our team was tasked with a unique architectural challenge: How do you translate the "Power Cat DNA" of space, stability, and innovation into a world-class sailing machine?
A Paradigm-Shifting Silhouette
One of the most striking features of the Aquila 50 Sail is its window line. In a masterclass of integration, J&J Design combined the classic, sleek sloping lines preferred by sailing enthusiasts with the vertical windows necessary for Aquila’s signature walkthrough door. This allows for seamless movement from the salon directly to the forward cockpit—a feature that balances aesthetic beauty with unmatched practicality.
The Aquila 50 sail - salon
Engineering for the Modern Cruiser
Beyond the aesthetics, the Aquila 50 Sail is a testament to J&J’s commitment to structural integrity and performance and innovation in the field of renewable energies:
Double Spreader Rig: Unlike many competitors in the 50ft class, we opted for a double spreader rig to provide owners with superior rig tuning, strength, and long-term resale value.
Advanced Hull Architecture: The hull features sacrificial keels designed to protect the propellers and rudders, ensuring peace of mind for bluewater cruisers.
Space Optimization: By intelligently dipping the coach roof on the sides, we maximized interior volume for the salon and storage without sacrificing the efficiency of the exterior side decks.
Hybrid Ocean Drive system: Powered by an 80 KWh LiFePo4 battery bank, the optional Torqeedo Deep Blue propels the boat with 50 KW of power.
Versatility in Design
Understanding the diverse needs of today's sailors, the design accommodates everything from a 3-cabin private owner’s layout to a 6-cabin charter configuration. Each cabin features a private entrance and a dedicated dry head, ensuring that "living on board" feels less like a compromise and more like a luxury experience.
As the first hulls prepare to hit the water in early 2026, J&J Design is proud to continue its partnership with Aquila, proving once again that great design knows no bounds—whether powered by engines or the wind.
Yachting news article:
https://www.yachtingnews.com/aquila-50-sail/
Please see the full presentation video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJH0nGjAzxs