Aquila Makes Waves: The 50 ES Claims the IMS Premiere Award at La Grande Motte
The Aquila 50 ES (Electric Sail) has officially cemented its status as one of the most exciting new arrivals on the water. During the 2026 Multihull of the Year announcements on April 22 at the International Multihull Show in La Grande Motte, France, the trailblazing catamaran was honored with the IMS Premiere Award.
Selected directly by the Multihulls World jury, this prestigious award recognizes the most outstanding new model making its official debut at the boat show. For Aquila, a brand historically renowned for dominating the power catamaran sector, taking home this accolade for a sailing vessel is a massive achievement and a testament to the boat's groundbreaking design.
The Aquila 50 ES brings several game-changing innovations to the 50-foot category:
European Engineering at the Helm: The striking lines and advanced naval architecture were developed in collaboration with J&J Design, ensuring a perfect balance of world-class hull performance, safety, and onboard comfort.
Next-Generation Electric Power: The "ES" designation stands for Electric Sail. Powered by a proprietary Hybrid Ocean Drive system developed with Torqeedo, the vessel utilizes twin 50kW Deep Blue electric motors and an 80 kWh battery bank. This allows for silent, emission-free maneuvering and practically endless range when under sail.
Redefined Deck Space: Breaking away from the traditional forward trampoline found on most sailing catamarans, the Aquila 50 ES features a solid, enclosed foredeck. This bold design choice transforms the bow into a massive, highly usable lounge and entertainment area, maximizing the functional square footage on board.
While the boat was also highly competitive in the public-voted Sail 45' to 55' category, securing the Jury's Premiere Award underscores the industry's recognition of Aquila's bold leap into sailing. The 50 ES is not just a new model; it is a clear vision of the future of eco-conscious, luxury cruising.
See the full Aquila range here: