The Aquila 50 Sail Sea Trial Highlights Space, Innovation—and Real Sailing Performance
Yachting News has published a detailed full sea trial of the Aquila 50 Sail, putting a strong spotlight on something that matters to every owner: not marketing claims, but measured performance and real usability underway. The test was carried out off Fort Lauderdale, starting from Pier Sixty-Six Marina, in conditions that were intentionally revealing—very light wind and a modest swell.
The Aquila 50 sail
Despite just 5–6 knots of true wind, the sea trial reports the Aquila 50 Sail building speed steadily under sail—recording 4.4 knots on a reaching angle and, with Code 0 deployed, peaking at 6.2 knots, in moments sailing faster than the true wind. The article also notes notably high pointing angles for a cruising cat without daggerboards, reinforcing the “easy cruising” brief while still delivering satisfying sailing feel.
A major focus of the test is the hybrid propulsion architecture: the reviewed boat used two 40 kW electric motors fed by an 80 kWh battery pack, supported by a 40 kW generator (Torqeedo system). Under power, the trial data cited includes consumption figures at typical passage speeds (for example, around 22 kW at 7 knots, under 40 kW at 8 knots) and a top speed reported at about 9.2 knots in the hybrid configuration.
The Aquila 50 sail salon. Picture courtesy of Yachting News.
The Aquila 50 sail cockpit.
Beyond numbers, the sea trial highlights design and layout innovations that support modern cruising: a large, integrated flybridge with easy bridge-to-bow circulation, an aft concept designed to function like a true beach-club zone, and flexible interior layouts from 4 cabins up to 6 cabins, each with private access and ensuite facilities.
From our side at J&J Design, it’s rewarding to see independent testing validate the concept behind Aquila’s move into sailing—combining smart space planning with real performance and everyday practicality.
Read the full Yachting News article here:
https://www.yachtingnews.com/aquila-50-sail-sea-trial/