Aquila 50 Sail expands into New Zealand with new dealer support and growing sailing catamaran range.
Following the global debut of its first sailing model, the Aquila 50 Sail, Aquila Catamarans has strengthened its presence in New Zealand with the appointment of Whitehaven Marine as its official sailing distributor across Australia and New Zealand.
The move signals a clear push into the New Zealand cruising and charter market, where multihull ownership continues to grow, particularly among owners seeking space, comfort, and offshore capability.
Whitehaven Marine, already with a presence with Aquila’s power catamaran range in New Zealand waters, will now oversee the rollout of the brand’s sailing portfolio. A new Auckland-based sub-dealer is set to be introduced, providing local sales and support for Kiwi buyers.
The Aquila 50 Sail made its global debut at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2026 and will be presented to the Australasian market at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May. While the Australian premiere will draw attention, the implications for New Zealand buyers are significant, with direct regional access and support now in place.
Aquila debuts its first sailing catamaran with the all new Aquila 50 Sail at Miami
Aquila’s sailing range is set to expand, with the 45 Sail due in September 2026 and the flagship 65 Sail scheduled for September 2027. This positions the brand to compete in a segment already familiar to New Zealand sailors, where long-range cruising catamarans are a proven choice for coastal and offshore passagemaking.
Nick Harvey, Chief Revenue Officer at Aquila Catamarans, commented:
“The launch of our sailing range is going from strength to strength, and we are pleased to make the 50 Sail accessible to more buyers via our new dealers.
Whitehaven Marine are experts in the market and the perfect representatives for the Aquila Sail range. We are proud of this new chapter and the positive reception of the 50 Sail, we look forward to seeing even more sailors experience the innovation, design and comfort that defines Aquila.”
For New Zealand, where cruising routes often span exposed coastlines and extended passages, the Aquila 50 Sail is positioned as a capable and comfortable platform. Designed in collaboration with J&J Design, the 50-footer focuses on volume, usability, and ease of movement onboard.
Jason Chipp, Aquila Power & Sail representative at Whitehaven Marine, added:
“We are very proud to represent the exciting new Aquila sailing catamaran range. Our appointment builds on the success of Aquila power catamarans in the Australia and New Zealand markets.
The Aquila Sailing Catamarans have been purposefully designed for Cruising and the popular Charter market. Strong and high quality, the New Aquila Sail range is well suited to the demands of the Australian coastline and beyond. Think striking looks and intelligent engineering combined with an extremely functional layout. From the expansive social and living spaces to the quality of finish, the Aquila Sail range is a great fit for our regions and our customers.”
He continued:
“Sailing catamarans are a large part of the market in Australia and the segment continues to grow as more people discover the freedom and joy of extended passage making.
The Aquila 50 Sail offers the largest volume in its class and her sea keeping abilities will certainly impress Australian and New Zealand cruisers.
We look forward to presenting the six-cabin/six-ensuite A50 Sail at Sanctuary Cove boat show. It will certainly appeal to cruisers who like to entertain and the growing charter market. The four-cabin Owners version will suit cruising couples who will enjoy all the comforts of home, with the whole range representing excellent value.
Best of all, owners will have the option to take delivery of their Aquila sailing catamaran at the factory and cruise it back home through the warmer waters of Asia in what would be seen as a tempting alternative to the much longer route from Europe.”
Aquila’s sailing expansion builds on its reputation in the power catamaran market, where the brand has established itself through a focus on space, stability, and onboard lifestyle. Those same principles carry through into the sailing range, with an emphasis on social areas, practical layouts, and ease of handling.
With local representation now confirmed and the sailing range expanding, Aquila’s move into the sailing market becomes immediately relevant for New Zealand buyers, supported by regional expertise and a growing product line.
