Alain Raas was named USA brand manager for Aquila Power Catamarans. He will operate from the company’s Clearwater, Fla. office.
“Being around boats since birth allows a unique understanding of the boating lifestyle. And I have been lucky enough to experience that lifestyle throughout the world,” Raas said in a statement. “I am thrilled to join the Aquila team and look forward to contributing to the brand’s already stellar performance.”
Raas is the son of industry stalwart Lex Raas, who currently serves as president of Aquila at MarineMax.
“Alain has the benefit of understanding Aquila’s history, development, vision and challenges that will give him wisdom and knowledge faster and more intimately than had he not had this connection,” Aquila stated.
The company expects to launch two new models this year — 54- and 70-foot power cats — to add to its line of both flybridge and outboard-powered models. They have teased another new vessel, though details are scarce on the third model.
The boats are built at its Asian-based manufacturing facility, Sino Eagle Group.
“We welcome Alain Raas to the family as the Aquila Brand Manager for the United States. Alain has a rich history of boating worldwide, including global competitive sailing and managing a small charter operation in Charleston, SC…His previous roles have provided organizational, political, technical, and project management challenges, which all strengthened his ability to provide leadership, structure, and support to the rapidly growing Aquila brand,” said Aquila International VP Dave Bigg.
Jeff Moser reporting courtesy of our sister publication Soundings Trade Only.
