Aquila Catamarans is presenting the 45 Sport in Europe for the first time at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026, bringing the largest model in its Sport range to the Mediterranean after its introduction in the United States earlier this year. The 14.17-metre power catamaran combines twin 600-horsepower Mercury Verado V12 outboards with a wide entertainment-focused deck and fold-down terraces at the stern.
The Cannes appearance gives European buyers their first opportunity to step aboard a model developed as the starting point for Aquila's reimagined Sport series. Rather than treating performance and social space as competing priorities, the 45 Sport uses its twin-hull platform to provide both high-speed capability and unusually broad deck areas for a yacht of its length.
Fold-down terraces create a wider social space
The aft cockpit is the centre of the deck plan, with hydraulic fold-down hull-side terraces increasing the beam from 4.57 metres to 5.88 metres when open. Aquila uses the extra width to create a large water-level social zone with two U-shaped seating areas that can convert into an expansive sunbed.
A galley area supports longer days aboard, while the layout keeps a direct route to the water through a concealed stainless-steel swim ladder with teak steps. The result is a cockpit that can change from a protected cruising area into an open entertaining platform once the yacht reaches an anchorage.
Twin 600hp Mercury V12 power
Standard propulsion comes from two Mercury Verado V12 outboards rated at 600 horsepower each. Combined with Aquila's double-stepped hull technology, the installation gives the 45 Sport a published top speed of 57 mph and is intended to deliver both strong acceleration and efficient fast cruising.
The yacht has a light displacement of 9,965 kilograms and a loaded displacement of 14,279 kilograms, with fuel capacity of 1,514 litres. Aquila's design work focuses on maintaining stability and usable deck volume while still giving the model the sharper performance expected from the Sport range.
Day-yacht space with overnight capability
Although much of the 45 Sport is organised around outdoor use, the yacht also includes a private cabin and head below deck. Accommodation is arranged for two people, allowing a day on the water to extend into an overnight stay without requiring the larger internal volume of a conventional cruising yacht.
The bow provides another full-width social area with forward-facing loungers, while the hardtop includes integrated storage for watersports equipment. Aquila also incorporates connected control of lighting, navigation, engine information and entertainment systems, extending the performance theme into the yacht's onboard technology.
Cannes opens the European chapter
Aquila's current launch record documents the 45 Sport's earlier United States introduction at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in 2026, making Cannes an important second stage rather than the model's first international appearance. The builder describes the French show specifically as the yacht's official European debut, placing the new Sport flagship in front of Mediterranean owners and dealers.
With the 45 Sport joining Aquila's wider Cannes display, the model demonstrates how the company is combining high outboard power, wide-beam catamaran architecture and flexible water-level living. Its European debut gives the new flagship a dedicated platform in one of the world's most important markets for performance-oriented luxury day yachts.