RC-27 Information, Review, Specs

The RC-27 began its production journey in 1984, originating from the innovative mind of designer Bill Roberts in the mid-1980s. Aquarius Sail Inc., initially a sail repair shop that expanded into parts and service for catamarans, solidified its role as a boat builder after acquiring the SuperCat brand in 1984. The company's subsequent deep collaboration with Bill Roberts in the 1990s saw them continue production of Roberts' mid-1980s designs, including the RC-27. Roberts' overarching design philosophy, which defined the SuperCat, RC, and ARC lines, consistently aimed to "raise the benchmark in high performance sailing" by emphasizing speed, quality, and competitive consistency. The RC-27 features a fractional sloop rig with a rotating spar, a common configuration for maximizing aerodynamic efficiency on performance catamarans. While no significant production variations like MkI or MkII were prominently noted, options such as a tubular batten set and a carbon fiber spinnaker pole were available to enhance its racing capabilities.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a high-performance catamaran, the Aquarius RC-27 is engineered for exceptional speed and responsiveness on the water. With a length overall of 27.5 feet and a waterline length of 27.0 feet, its slender hulls contribute to its impressive velocity. The boat features twin daggerboards, allowing for a variable draft between 3.0 feet and 4.5 feet, which provides flexibility for shallow water access while optimizing upwind performance when fully deployed. Owners and enthusiasts describe the RC-27 as delivering "effortless speed, incredible smoothness, and unequaled performance." It is specifically designed for speed sailing, proving easily manageable by a crew of two or three. Its pedigree is underscored by its consistent wins in numerous closed-course and long-distance races worldwide, solidifying its status as a legend in high-performance catamaran sailing circles since 1985.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary focus as a high-performance racing catamaran, the Aquarius RC-27 offers minimal interior accommodations. The design prioritizes speed and structural integrity over extensive creature comforts. While specific details on interior layout are sparse, the nature of a racing catamaran of this size suggests that the interior typically functions more as a protected space for gear storage and, at best, provides very basic shelter. There is no information available regarding maximum headroom, indicating that standing headroom is likely not a feature, and the interior volume is dedicated to the essential structure of the boat. The emphasis is firmly on the sailing experience, rather than extended living aboard.