Frank Gordon Yacht Sales
954-525-8476
First Edition is a custom Aquila 44 power catamaran that has been modified into a 50’ hybrid electric yacht with a custom solar roof. In 2019, brand new and straight from the factory, she was refitted with a state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system by Torqeedo and an integrated solar roof large enough to keep up with hotel needs including air conditioning. She can cruise silently for 25 miles and her quiet diesel generator extends her range to 800 miles.
Serious interests only may contact the owner directly to discuss.
HISTORY
After 55 years of racing and cruising sailboats and a decade as a living aboard various sailing yachts, her owner wanted an environmentally friendly sustainable power catamaran. Of the power catamarans on the market, he liked the Aquila 44 best. With the factory unwilling to offer an eco propulsion/solar system, he assembled a talented team of professionals to install the Deep Blue 80 system and modify the factory roof to accommodate a large (5.6kW) solar array. He collaborated with two world-renowned naval architects that specialize in catamarans to design and lengthen the hull for better performance and stability at sea.
She was delivered new from the factory in January 2019. The two Volvo-Penta 300hp diesel engines were replaced with Torqeedo’s state-of-the-art 50kW electric drive motors. Two 40kW BMWi3 batteries now occupy the space the large fuel tanks once used. Her 25kW DC WhisperPower generator allows for quieter passage making with much less exhaust fumes.
It took one year of planning and eight months for the refit. She now sips fuel (less than 2gph) and her range was extended. She has a 900 nautical miles range at 6.5 knots (top speed 9 knots) and she does this more quietly and with far fewer emissions. She now gets to her destination at speeds sailors and trawler captains are accustomed to with a carbon footprint that an environmentalist can live with.
Her factory roof was removed and modified to accommodate 16 350-watt solar panels making her carbon footprint close to zero at anchor.
In 2020, her hulls were modified adding 6’ giving her a 50’ waterline and adding 3,500lbs of buoyancy. The extended hulls are 20% more efficient than the factory hulls at displacement speeds. She now sits properly on her lines rather than stern-heavy like other Aquila 44’s. The extended hulls also allowed for a large storage locker and a cocktail pool.
Her 12’ tender is also electric and is charged by the yacht. It has a range of 20 miles at 20mph. At idle speeds, the tender will run for weeks of normal cruising use before needing to be plugged into the yacht for recharging.
In 2019, after eight months of commissioning, she spent four months cruising the Keys and the Bahamas. In 2000, she was displayed at the Miami Yacht Show and the St Petersburg Boat Show. Torqeedo displayed her tender at the Ft Lauderdale Boat Show. She is now on a six-month cruise in the Bahamas and will be returning to Florida in November. She can now be seen in Georgetown, Exumas.
The Aquila 44 joins the Aquila power catamaran line up boasting Aquila's signature fresh evolution of classic boating traditions where efficiency in design and performance compliment her luxurious living and was named "Best New Multihull 40'-49'" in the 2014 AIM Media Editor's Choice Awards.
On the Aquila 44 you will enjoy the 360˚ view from the spacious salon and galley that features a large seating area, hidden TV stowage and plenty of storage to make a live-aboard or cruising easy and pleasant. Galley features include Corian countertops, electric fridge and freezer, stove, and stainless steel microwave oven as well as a double stainless steel sink. The large staterooms each feature ample headroom and large windows for excellent views. A fresh water flush, separate shower stall and teak flooring compliment the boat’s design and exceptional living comforts. Additional features include an oversized flybridge with added enclosure, electric grill, and sunpad seating on either side of the central helm station and Aquila's revolutionary bridge to bow direct access.