Model: Evolution 26
Name: Aquila
Built: 1982
Rig: Fractional rig
Engine: Beta Marine 13.5hp inboard
Hull No: 700097
Mooring: Exmouth Estuary

Details of use: I have owned ‘Aquila’ for four years. She winters at my home town of Malvern and gets towed down to Exmouth behind a Landrover ‘Defender’, one of the few four by fours that will comfortably cope with the three ton all up weight.
My first two seasons battling against Exe estuary tides highlighted the inadequacy of the B.M.W. 6hp engine so at the end of the ‘04 season I had a new Beta 13.5 engine fitted together with a new folding prop. The results under engine power have been excellent, giving me close on 7 knots maximum speed, more than enough to cope with the estuarie's challenges.
She is fitted with the tall fractional rig, but without running backstays. Her Cunningham and flattening reef provision, however, get well used and allow satisfying fine tuning of the rig. I am happy to say that she has given a number of larger and more modern boats a surprise thanks to her excellent performance.


Waiting to launch on a rising tide


Shallow water mooring in the Exe Estuary