From its humble beginnings as a sail repair shop to becoming a pivotal force in high-performance catamaran manufacturing, Aquarius Sail Inc. has carved out a significant niche in the marine industry. Guided by a passion for sailing and a commitment to cutting-edge design, the Minnesota-based builder, in strong collaboration with visionary designer Bill Roberts, has consistently pushed the boundaries of speed and quality on the water.
Aquarius Sail Inc. was established in the early 1970s by Tom Haberman. His initial vision was to serve the burgeoning sailing community of the Midwest by providing essential sail, trampoline, and canvas repair services. Within a few years, the company expanded its offerings to include parts and service, solidifying its role as a resource for catamaran enthusiasts. This early dedication to the multi-hull sector laid the groundwork for the company's future specialization.
History and Evolution
A pivotal moment in Aquarius Sail's history arrived in 1980 when its owners attended the Chicago trade show. There, they encountered Bill Roberts and his partner from Formulae Racing Sailboats, who were showcasing their innovative new catamaran design, the SuperCat 20. Impressed by its potential, Aquarius Sail immediately signed on as one of the first SuperCat dealers.
The SuperCat line itself had a dynamic early history. Designed by Bill Roberts and his partner, it began under the Formulae Racing Sailboats brand in 1978 and quickly introduced models like the SuperCat 17, 19, and 15. The brand then experienced brief ownership under Boston Whaler powerboats for a year, followed by two years of production under Erickson Yachts in California.
Recognizing the SuperCat's inherent quality and performance potential, the owners of Aquarius Sail seized an opportunity when the brand became available again in 1984. They purchased the company, relocating all production and sales operations to Minnesota. This acquisition marked Aquarius Sail's transition from a service and dealership business to a full-fledged boat builder.
The 1990s heralded a deepened collaboration that would define Aquarius Sail's identity: a partnership with Bill Roberts himself, under his Roberts Catamarans venture. Together, they launched the SC-22 in 1991 and continued production of Bill Roberts' mid-1980s design, the RC-27. This collaboration was instrumental in developing "the highest performance and quality catamarans available on the market." Further innovations included the RC-30 in 1996, the ARC-21 in 2000, and the ARC-17 in 2003. The name change of the SC-22 to ARC-22 in 2000 reflected Aquarius Sail's commitment to a strict one-design fleet program, aiming to "level the playing field" for owners and promote fair competition.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Aquarius Sail Inc. has built its formidable reputation on designing and producing high-performance catamarans. The core of their identity is rooted in delivering boats that consistently "raised the benchmark in high performance sailing." This unwavering focus is largely attributed to the enduring partnership with naval architect and designer Bill Roberts, whose innovative vision shaped the SuperCat, RC, and ARC lines.
Their design philosophy emphasizes speed, quality, and competitive consistency. The decision to solidify designs, such as the SC-22 becoming the ARC-22, underscored their dedication to a strict one-design fleet program, ensuring that racing success relied on skill rather than equipment variations. While Bill Roberts was the primary designer, Tom Haberman of Aquarius Sail also contributed to specific features, notably pushing for advancements like self-tacking jib sheeting systems and square-top mainsails. Features like NACA 63 series high-aspect rudders and optimized rudder positions, as seen on models like the ARC-17, highlight their commitment to hydrodynamic efficiency.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The legacy of Aquarius Sail Inc. is intrinsically linked to a succession of iconic catamaran models that have left their mark on the high-performance sailing community. The initial SuperCat series, including the SuperCat 20, 17, 19, and 15, laid the foundation for the company's future success after its acquisition.
However, it was the collaboration with Bill Roberts that truly propelled Aquarius Sail into the forefront of performance catamaran design. The SC-22, introduced in 1991 and later renamed the ARC-22, became a benchmark for its superior performance in both long-distance and triangle racing. Other significant models from this productive partnership include the RC-27 (a design Bill Roberts developed independently in the mid-1980s before joining forces with Aquarius Sail), the RC-30 (1996), the ARC-21 (2000), and the ARC-17 (2003). These boats are celebrated for their speed, responsiveness, and robust construction, embodying the company's commitment to pushing performance boundaries in catamaran sailing.
The Builder Today
As of today, Aquarius Sail Inc. continues to operate, maintaining an online presence with a website copyright extending through 2024. The company remains based in Wyoming, Minnesota. While legendary designer Bill Roberts passed away in 2017, the designs he co-developed with Aquarius Sail continue to define their product lines.
Aquarius Sail's modern boats continue to appeal to performance-oriented catamaran sailors who value speed, quality construction, and competitive racing. The company actively fosters a strong owner community, as evidenced by the "Owners Forums" section on their website, providing a platform for enthusiasts to connect and discuss their ARC products. They also continue to offer parts and brokerage services for their range of high-performance catamarans, ensuring ongoing support for their dedicated owner base.
