Aquila Power Catamarans is continuing to develop its range of products and services, while making a small move upmarket. The newcomer, the Aquila 42, joins the manufacturer's Yacht series, and even though it is the smallest in the series, its ambitions towards the premium segment are well and truly present. What's more, the powercat is entering a highly competitive market segment, that of 12 to 14 meter power catamarans, a size in high demand by both owners and charters companies.
A collaboration with the design studio VPLP
To seduce, the Aquila 42 Yacht is already counting on its design, since it has a very modern look with simple and fluid lines, a style that is notably due to the French design firm VPLP. Nevertheless, it retains the signature of the Yacht series, namely the long hull porthole or the Portuguese deck on the bow. In addition to the visible part, this design has changed the way the shipyard works, since the hull of the powercat is now made in one piece. This is a demanding challenge from an industrial point of view, which brings the advantage of lightness and solidity since it is no longer necessary to assemble several parts of the hull.
When set on the water, the Aquila even seems a little larger than she really is. This impression is due to the wide aft skirts, the large cockpit and the vast flybridge, itself topped by a T-top.
The width of the skirts is quite generous and the one on port side is equipped with a swim ladder. These skirts are completed by a slightly higher central platform designed to accommodate a 12-foot tender. However, this central part is fixed, i.e. it does not go down to the level of the skirts to form a large bathing platform, which is a shame. On the other hand, access to the cockpit is quite easy and this way can be closed by a gate, a good point for child safety. Relatively large, this cockpit is organized around the central table that can accommodate up to 8 guests. A large bench seat occupies the aft section, while on the opposite side, a double folding door gives access to the main deck. In addition, the window on the left of the door swings upwards, which, with the two stools, makes for a nice little bar. The whole cockpit is covered by a cap allowing to use this space even when the sun is too hot or when it's raining.
Plenty of room on the front deck
From there, the wide gangways lead to the front deck. Designed for relaxation, this deck features two individual solariums with reclining backrests, but no table. There are also two small seats on the bow, two large lockers and a huge storage space with a ladder that, if needed, can extend the starboard cabin, which is a good idea. Finally, if the windlass is well hidden, access to the mechanism remains easy.
Easily accessible from the cockpit thanks to a comfortable staircase, the flybridge can also be reached from the foredeck thanks to the famous Portuguese deck, an element to which Aquila is very attached. This good-sized upper space features a full helm station (the only one on board this model), but also a small kitchen block with grill, sink and fridge and a U-shaped bench seat with a long modular table. However, it is not possible to transform this seat into a solarium. This flybridge benefits from an excellent visibility and is protected by a solid T-Top. It can be completely enclosed with good quality transparent canvas. It even benefits from two opening deck hatches to ventilate the space.
