Arc-22 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The journey of the Arc-22 began in 1991 with its initial release as the SuperCat 22 (SC-22). This model marked a deepening collaboration between Aquarius Sail Inc. and visionary designer Bill Roberts, under his Roberts Catamarans venture. Roberts, a naval architect with a varied sailing background, had been continuously seeking more efficient and faster multihull designs since the mid-1970s.

The core philosophy behind the Arc-22, and indeed Aquarius Sail's identity, was to deliver catamarans that "raised the benchmark in high performance sailing". The SC-22 quickly became recognized as a standard for superior performance in both long-distance and triangle racing. A significant evolution occurred in 2000 when the SC-22 was renamed the ARC-22. This change reflected Aquarius Sail's dedication to establishing a strict one-design fleet program, a move intended to "level the playing field" for racers and foster fair competition, 8]. While Bill Roberts was the primary designer, Tom Haberman of Aquarius Sail Inc. also contributed, advocating for advancements such as self-tacking jib sheeting systems and square-top mainsails. The design emphasizes a powerful and efficient sail plan, longer waterline length, and lower weight to achieve its high-speed capabilities.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a high-performance beach catamaran with a length overall of 22 feet and a waterline length of 21.75 feet, the Arc-22 is designed for exhilaration and speed. Its fiberglass solid hull and deck construction contribute to a lightweight yet robust build, typical of performance-oriented multihulls. With a reported sail area of 360 square feet and a fractional sloop rig, the Arc-22 is equipped to harness wind efficiently. The design incorporates daggerboards, which are characteristic of performance catamarans, allowing for optimal upwind pointing ability by reducing leeway, and can be retracted to minimize draft to just 2.0 feet for easy beaching or shallow water navigation.

The Arc-22's design prioritizes speed, responsiveness, and robust construction, embodying Aquarius Sail's dedication to pushing performance boundaries in catamaran sailing. Anecdotal evidence suggests that characteristics contributing to faster beach catamarans include a longer waterline, lower weight, and a powerful and efficient sail plan. The Arc-22, with its dual rudders, offers precise control and a highly responsive helm, allowing sailors to effectively trim the boat for maximum speed and agility in various conditions. Its hull form and design are optimized for high-speed sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as a high-performance beach catamaran, the Aquarius Arc-22 prioritizes speed and agility over extensive interior accommodations. The boat's primary focus is on exhilarating sailing, and as such, it does not feature a traditional enclosed cabin with standing headroom or elaborate living spaces. Interior facilities are minimal, reflecting its purpose as a daysailer or a racing platform rather than a cruiser. Typical for catamarans of this size and type, any enclosed space would be limited to basic storage or a very small cuddy cabin, if present at all, without the amenities found on cruising monohulls or larger multihulls.