Aquila's rise is not just about perfect timing; it's also about a generational connection with the sea, a strong engineering approach, and team spirit. We spoke with Alain Raas, the company's global brand director, about Aquila's identity, the evolving yachting world, and the boats of the future.

Some stories aren't written later; they're born into them… Alain Raas's story begins exactly like that. As the third generation of a family that built sailboats in South Africa, he grew up surrounded by the rhythm of the sea from a young age. Shipyards, races, regattas on different continents… Over time, this natural heritage transformed not just into a profession, but into a profound understanding.

Today, as the global brand director of Aquila Catamarans, he represents not just a brand, but also a perspective. The production discipline inherited from family tradition, the passion for performance he gained from racing, and the strategic approach gained from global business experience… All these layers offer important clues to understanding where Aquila is today.

We traced this journey with Alain Raas, while also discussing the present and future of the rapidly changing yachting world.

What first drew you to the yachting world? Was there a defining moment?

Frankly, I can't pinpoint a specific moment because I've been in this world since I was born. Many of my earliest memories are from time in the shipyard or on boats. Participating in major monohull races in different parts of the world not only fostered a sense of competition but also fueled my desire to understand how boats work.

What makes a boat fast, and how can it be made even faster? Understanding these things became a passion for me. But perhaps the greatest impact was the opportunity to see different parts of the world, meet different cultures, and connect with people through sailing and yachting. This experience has greatly contributed to my life.

Before Aquila, what were the most shaping experiences for you?

First of all, growing up in this sector was the most fundamental factor. Although I wasn't aware of it in my childhood, this process formed the basis of my interest in yachting. Racing in different countries and continents taught me not only physics, geometry, and mathematics, but also teamwork. Playing high-level soccer at a military college instilled in me resilience, discipline, and a culture of winning and losing. Finally, experiences I gained in sectors outside of yachting, such as transportation technologies and large-scale commercial construction, broadened my perspective on the business world.

I gained significant experience in areas such as operations, customer expectations, sales, marketing, and team building. Today, my approach to the industry is a combination of these experiences: building a strong team and focusing on shared goals. I believe in team success more than individual success.

THE RISE OF CATAMARANS

Although Aquila is a young brand, it has rapidly become a global player. What was the turning point in this growth?

We are a 13-year-old brand, and our growth has been truly extraordinary. There are three key elements that have enabled this: production capacity, a strong distribution network, and the team. Having a state-of-the-art production facility is critical. Similarly, the trust and support of our business partners have been decisive in our growth. The fact that all our teams are focused on the same goal forms the basis of our success.

How do you interpret the growth of the power catamaran segment?

I see Aquila as a pioneer in many ways. There's a significant difference between catamarans from 10 years ago and those of today. While they used to have more limited character, today they compete with top-segment monohulls in terms of performance and design. We also view the increasing number of players in the segment positively. Competition drives everyone to improve.

How do you interpret the transition from monohulls to catamarans?

This change is driven by more living space, modern design, and lower operating costs. They are also gaining wider acceptance due to the comfort and efficiency they offer. Marinas adapting to this change also supports growth.

How do user expectations differ between the European/Mediterranean and American markets?

The fundamental difference is the usage style. In America, social, short-term, and recreational use is more prominent. In Europe and the Mediterranean, long voyages, efficiency, and autonomy are more important. As Aquila, we try to combine these two approaches.

What is the most important criterion for boat owners?

Performance, comfort, and ease of use are equally important.

THE FUTURE OF YACHTING

What is Aquila's strongest technical advantage?

Our biggest difference is that we consider efficiency, stability, and propulsion systems as a single whole. The catamaran hull structure provides less drag and more stability. When you add joystick-controlled maneuvering and integrated systems, the user experience changes completely. This holistic approach makes Aquila different.

How important do you think electrification and hybrid solutions are?

Very important. With the Aquila 50 Sail Hybrid Ocean Drive, we introduced our first hybrid model. The technologies are still in the development stage, but they will advance very rapidly in the coming years.

What is the quality standard that sets you apart in production?

Our production facility, the materials we use, and our processes differentiate us. Thanks to 100% composite construction, special infusion techniques, and different mooring methods, we produce long-lasting and robust boats.

Where do you see Aquila in five years?

World dominance… To be realistic, we aim to double or even triple our production capacity. We will continue to grow with new models.

Will entering the sailing catamaran segment change the brand's DNA?

No. Our DNA will remain the same: boats designed by sailors, for sailors.

What will the boat of the future be like?

Hybrid and electric systems, new materials, 3D printing, and foiling technologies will play a significant role.

Will the boat change, or the user?

Both will change. This is inevitable and actually exciting.

AQUILA'S NEW STRUCTURAL RESTRUCTURING IN Türkiye

Aquila Catamarans is restructuring its organization in Türkiye into a more focused structure. The brand, already part of the Tezmarin portfolio, has been placed under the umbrella of Selmarin Turizm ve Ticaret A.Ş., established as part of Tezman Holding's new maritime restructuring.

This step aims to address the brand's management in Türkiye within a more strategic framework, while creating a more holistic structure in terms of operations, brand management, and communication.

Selmarin is not only pursuing an organizational change but also a digitally focused transformation vision. With new web platforms, communication channels, and a brand structure open to expansion, the plan is to further strengthen Aquila's position in Türkiye.

We met with Alain Raas and the Tezmarin team at boot Düsseldorf.