Arc-21 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Arc-21 emerged from a rich lineage of high-performance catamarans, with its production beginning in 2000. Aquarius Sail Inc., a Minnesota-based builder, transitioned into full-fledged boat manufacturing in 1984, driven by a commitment to cutting-edge design and a passion for sailing that stemmed from their early days as a sail repair shop. The company's identity was further solidified through a deep partnership with visionary designer Bill Roberts, whose work on multihulls dated back to the mid-1970s., 9]

The design philosophy behind the Arc-21, co-developed by Roberts and Tom Haberman, centered on creating a boat that would "raise the benchmark in high-performance sailing." This was achieved through a combination of a longer waterline length, minimal boat weight, increased sail area, and tall, slender, low-drag hulls. A notable innovation was the "Shared Lift" daggerboard design, which contributes significantly to the boat's ability to sail higher and faster. The builder's dedication to a strict one-design fleet program, as seen with their other ARC models, aimed to ensure fair competition where skill, rather than equipment variations, determined racing success. While there is no indication of significant production variations like MkI/MkII, the focus remained on refining a consistent high-performance platform.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a purebred performance catamaran, the Aquarius Arc-21 is engineered for speed and agility. Its design emphasizes a combination of factors crucial for competitive sailing: a generous 282 square feet of reported sail area, a low displacement of 400 pounds, and a slender 8.5-foot beam across its 21.5-foot length. With an impressive hull speed of approximately 6.17 knots, the Arc-21 is built to dominate.

The integration of its "Shared Lift" daggerboard design with a highly efficient and powerful sail plan allows the Arc-21 to sail remarkably high and fast. The boat's long waterline length, coupled with its lightweight construction and aerodynamically optimized hulls, contributes to its superior performance characteristics. Handling is precise, aided by its twin rudders, which provide excellent control and responsiveness, critical for a high-speed multihull in various wind conditions. The fiberglass solid hull and deck construction ensure a stiff and durable platform for spirited sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as a lightweight, high-performance beach catamaran, the Aquarius Arc-21 prioritizes sailing dynamics over extensive interior accommodations. With a length overall of 21.5 feet and an 8.5-foot beam, the Arc-21 does not feature an enclosed cabin or substantial interior living spaces typically found on cruising monohulls.

The layout is open, focusing on the cockpit and trampoline areas, which provide ample space for crew movement and efficient sail handling during racing or spirited day sailing. The design reflects its purpose as a minimalist, fast sailing machine where the emphasis is on interaction with the elements and maximizing speed, rather than offering creature comforts or overnight capabilities. Potential owners should anticipate a boat designed primarily for on-water performance rather than extensive onboard amenities.