In the annals of marine history, few companies have had as profound an impact on democratizing sailing as American Fiberglass Corporation. Born from a blend of ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit, this Norwalk, Connecticut-based builder introduced the world to the Aqua Cat catamaran, a vessel that not only captivated the sailing community but also made the sport accessible to countless new enthusiasts.
The Origin Story
American Fiberglass Corporation began its journey in 1962, a partnership forged between designer Art Javes and financier Billy Mills. Javes, the visionary behind the boat's design, found a crucial partner in Mills, whose substantial investment of $200,000 secured a 75 percent stake in the nascent company. Mills harbored an ambitious goal: to sell the business within ten years for $1 million. This ambition was not only met but exceeded, with the company being sold for $1.5 million just nine years, eleven months, and fourteen days later.
Their flagship creation, the Aqua Cat catamaran, was conceived with a clear mission: to offer exciting performance at a reasonable cost, thereby inviting a larger segment of the public into the world of sailing. The boat’s design philosophy, as articulated by Javes himself when speaking to a young Hobie Alter, emphasized the joy of "sitting on a boat is better than sitting in it" – highlighting the Aqua Cat's open, engaging sailing experience.
History and Evolution
From its inception in 1962, American Fiberglass Corp. rapidly scaled production, building approximately 1,000 Aqua Cats annually. Over its initial decade, an impressive nearly 25,000 Aqua Cats were sold, cementing its status as a remarkable success story. The Aqua Cat quickly became recognized as the world's largest one-design catamaran class, a title it held until the advent of iconic models like the Hobie 16 and 18.
A significant turning point for American Fiberglass occurred when it became a division of General Recreation Corp. Later, in 1976, David Stanton, who had served as the company's president, acquired some of its assets. This strategic move led to the formation of American Sail, Inc., ensuring the legacy of accessible small boat sailing would continue.
Design Philosophy and Identity
American Fiberglass Corp. built its reputation on the Aqua Cat's ingenious design, exhilarating performance, and affordability. The company's core identity revolved around making sailing accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience. The Aqua Cat, designed by Art Javes, featured a boomless sail rig supported by a tubular "A" frame, contributing to its ease of use and performance.
One of the most notable endorsements of the Aqua Cat's design and concept came from none other than surfing legend Hobie Alter. Art Javes introduced Alter to the Aqua Cat at a boat show in Anaheim, California, a meeting that would, by Alter's own admission, inspire him to enter the catamaran business himself. This interaction underscores the Aqua Cat's pivotal role in shaping the burgeoning small catamaran market.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The undisputed star of American Fiberglass Corp.'s portfolio was the Aqua Cat catamaran. Available in models like the Aqua Cat 12, and later an updated Aqua Cat 12.5, it was lauded for its ability to deliver an exciting sailing experience at a reasonable cost. Its widespread adoption, with an estimated 25,000 units sold, propelled it to become the world's largest one-design catamaran class for a period. The Aqua Cat's impact extended beyond its sales figures; it was instrumental in bringing sailing to a new demographic who might otherwise have lacked the inclination or means to participate.
The Builder Today
While American Fiberglass Corp. itself concluded operations as an independent entity by 1972, its spirit and core mission live on through American Sail, Inc. Founded in 1976 by David Stanton, American Sail, Inc. acquired crucial assets, including the molds for the Aqua Cat. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, American Sail, Inc. has continued the tradition of building accessible, fun, family-oriented sailboats ranging from 8 to 18 feet.
Since its inception, American Sail, Inc. has built over 30,000 small sailboats, including an updated version of the iconic Aqua Cat. This enduring legacy ensures that the original vision of Art Javes and Billy Mills—to make sailing an exciting and attainable pursuit for everyone—continues to thrive in the modern marine industry.
