The nomination follows the model’s European debut
Aquila introduced the 45 Sport to European buyers at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival, where the model joined the builder’s growing sport-catamaran range. The European Powerboat of the Year nomination gives the yacht an early industry endorsement as it enters a competitive part of the luxury powerboat market.
The award is judged by a panel of European boating journalists and test directors, with criteria including construction quality, safety, handling, design, use of space and value. Winners are due to be announced at boot Düsseldorf in January 2027.
The 45 Sport targets owners who want speed and social space
The 45 Sport combines the broad beam and deck area of a catamaran with a more performance-led layout than a conventional cruising multihull. Aquila has designed the aft cockpit as a major social zone, with direct water access and flexible seating intended for entertaining and day use.
That positioning is significant in the LYG sector because many buyers want more usable deck area without moving into a much larger monohull. A power catamaran can provide substantial beam and stability while remaining within owner-operated dimensions.
Aquila is expanding beyond traditional cruising catamarans
The nomination also reflects Aquila’s move into faster and more lifestyle-oriented models alongside its established cruising yachts. The builder now spans several power-catamaran segments, from smaller sport models to larger yacht-oriented designs, giving buyers multiple routes into multihull ownership.
For dealers and owners, the broader range means Aquila can address different priorities such as overnight accommodation, speed, entertaining capacity or long-distance cruising without abandoning the basic advantages of the twin-hull platform. That gives buyers more choice within one brand as their cruising ambitions change.
The award result will be decided in January
The European Powerboat of the Year winners will be revealed during boot Düsseldorf 2027. Until then, the nomination gives Aquila an additional marketing platform as the 45 Sport continues its international show programme and dealer rollout.
For prospective buyers, the nomination does not replace a sea trial or independent assessment, but it does indicate that the model has attracted attention from an experienced judging panel during its first season in Europe. The final award result will provide another benchmark when buyers compare new 2027-season catamarans.
Official sources: www.aquilaboats.com.
