The passion for catamarans is infecting a growing number of boat owners and boaters. Multihulls are emerging as one of the most popular types of boats for cruisers because of the space on board and the comfort of travel, a great strength of the two hulls. At the recently concluded Genoa Boat Show, we went on board and tried Aquila 44 from Aquila Yachts.
Eagle 44: the sea trial
The first day of north wind and real autumn set the stage for the sea outing, with winds around 18 knots and a very short, potentially troublesome wave. As soon as we left port we immediately pushed Aquila 44 up to 18 knots, the top speed, with the wind and wave in our favor noting immediately the stability of the multihull.
Confirmation came by sailing even crosswise and into a headwind. If when sailing, even fast, roll and pitching are significantly reduced, stability remains even when the catamaran is stationary. At 3500 – for both engines – Aquila sails at 18.5 knots, with a maximum at just under 20.
Controls and interiors
The command station with the console is on the fly bridge, but one can be added to the right in the dinette. The fly that can be accessed from both the bow and stern is one of Aquila 44’s strengths. The console is central with a settee around it, while toward the stern is a table-also surrounded by a settee. The console is divided from the table by a cooktop that allows cooking directly on the fly. In the interior, in addition to the spaces, it impresses favorably and the brightness, provided by large windows in all cabins including bathrooms. Below deck there are four total double cabins, two on either side of the dinette and two in the bow, spread over the two hulls. Each cabin has a private bathroom. In the bow of each hull are two large lockers accessed directly from the deck.
Imported into Italy by www.settemariyacht.it
