- Price: from 5,000 euros
- Built from 1977 to 1984 with 1,048 units
This plan by Philippe Harlé stands out from the other productions of the famous architect from La Rochelle - he is responsible for Muscadet and La Sangria, among others. The Aquila is wiser, just keeps the typical curves of its pencil stroke and gains above all a very balanced and even timeless line. Built by the jeanneau shipyard, L'Aquila, by surpassing the 1,000 units built, can boast of being one of the best-sellers in the yachting industry. This model, replacing the Poker, was offered in a keelboat version only.
Typical for upwind and light airs
Optimisation of the wet surface with round sections and a relatively narrow vault and rather generous sail area result in rather flattering performance in light winds.
Of course, a neat hull, beautiful sails and a propeller with moving blades will further enhance the boat's potential. Jeanneau was not mistaken in offering, in addition to a short ballast - adapted to grounding - a deep ballast and above all a regatta version with lightweight accommodation, a more complete deck fittings and a Rod rig with two levels of spreaders.
Overall, the Aquila is more comfortable on the westward course than on the downwind course, where it can sail under spinnaker. Its stiffness to the moderate canvas requires reducing the canvas from 4 Beaufort in cruise and to practice an energetic abseiling in regatta.
A relatively narrow cockpit
A pinched transom means narrow coamings and no proper access for swimming - we'll settle for a mini teak platform and a ladder. The helmsman is well seated, with his feet on the benches opposite when the list is pronounced. The fittings are quite well thought out. But you quickly realize that the genoa is pretty big when it comes to tucking it in flat. The front deck and front deck are well clear thanks to the discreet deckhouse - it stops just in front of the mast.
Perfect family accommodations, but no aft cabin
A classic design that overlooks the sleeping quarters under the cockpit: we only have a cabin that closes in the forward tip. But the saloon, very comfortable, has three berths, one of which is double on the port side. The L-shaped kitchen and the bathroom are located on either side of the descent. A highlight of L'Aquila: it has a large number of storage spaces, a great quality for cruising.
The diagnosis of Bateaux.com
Polyester and a strong rig: the structure of the Aquila is particularly robust. Apart from equipment and sails, which can be dated, it is on the engine side that you should be vigilant. If the mechanics have more than 10,000 hours, they are good for replacement - count from ?5,000 to ?10,000. The outboard option is still possible.
A few cases of osmosis shells are reported. Other weak points of Aquila: saffron and crockery, where the glue tends to disintegrate. Nothing serious, but a lot of work to get it clean!
The advantages of lithium technology
- Competitive in regattas
- General robustness
- Attractive price
The disadvantages
- No rear cabin
- Impractical access to the sea
- A little bit of a gîtard
But what is it missing?
Aft cabin, a wider cockpit, a more balanced sail plan and a swimming platform.
The equivalent today?
The Dehler 29 - launched in 1997, the Four Seas 28, the Maxus 28, the RM 890, the Sun beam 28.1, the TES 28 Magnam.
