The Aquila 70 had its official world premiere at the 35th Palm Beach International Boat Show, where the powercat builder’s new flagship showed off her sleek lines and enclosed flybridge, the latter also an option on the brand’s popular new 54.
Alain Raas, Aquila Brand Manager, said client requests during development of the new larger models emphasised aesthetics and performance.
“The 70 is the new king of the Aquila range,” Raas said. “As per client feedback, we made sure she had sleek lines and a pretty profile from the side, as well as from the stern and the bow.”
Designed to have a side profile resembling monohull motor yachts, the Aquila 70 can reach an impressive 27 knots with twin 1,000hp Volvo Penta D13 diesel engines, coupled with joystick control and an electric fly-by-wire steering system.
The 69ft 9in yacht is relatively slim, with a beam of 26ft 11in (8.2m). Performance and comfort also benefit from a high bridge deck clearance of a 2ft 3in (0.69m). Carbon-fibre bulkheads and reinforcements keep weight down while adding to the structural strength.
“This breathtaking and powerful catamaran is like nothing you have ever stepped aboard,” Raas said. “Gorgeous lines, super balanced, intelligent luxury and so much more. Under way, this boat is amazing, with 55 tonnes moving at 30mph but it’s so stable that you feel like you’re doing 5mph.”
The aft area by the water includes a deep swim ladder, space for loose chairs and a central platform that can automatically deploy a dinghy stored in the raised garage. Aquila has begun producing its own ribs, including models tailor-made for the 54 and 70.
The covered aft cockpit features a dining table and leads to the interior, which begins with a saloon.
to port and a bar to starboard, while forward are a dining table, galley and a lower helm. The designer furnishings are by Natuzzi Italia, while the galley features touch-control smart appliances by Gaggenau.
The highlight of the accommodation is a full-beam master suite set forward of and below the saloon. There are two more cabins in the port hull and one in the starboard in the four-cabin version, while a five-cabin version is also available.
“The Aquila 70 has versatile interior layouts along with rich wood finishes, soft fabrics, incredible headroom and panoramic windows, which all make the onboard experience even better,” Aquila stated.
The enclosed, air-conditioned flybridge includes the main helm station, an L-shaped sofa and an adjustable table, while the outdoor area aft has a wet bar and space for loose furniture. The flybridge can also be fully open, if specified.
On the enclosed flybridge version, side decks lead to Aquila’s signature bridge-to-bow stairs, which lead down to a large foredeck with sunpads and sofas.
Simpson Marine represents Aquila in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia.