RC-30 Information, Review, Specs

The RC-30 began its production run in 1996, a product of the deepened partnership between Aquarius Sail Inc. and Bill Roberts under his Roberts Catamarans venture. 2, 4, Builder Article This collaboration was instrumental in developing what Aquarius Sail aimed to be "the highest performance and quality catamarans available on the market," continuing a legacy established by earlier designs. The RC-30 specifically owes much of its lineage to its predecessor, the RC-27, which had already established itself as a legend in high-performance catamaran circles since 1985.

Bill Roberts' overarching design philosophy, consistently upheld by Aquarius Sail, emphasized speed, quality, and competitive consistency. For the RC-30, the specific goal was to "provide comfortable high-speed sailing in a package easily handled by a crew of two or three," indicating a focus on usability alongside its performance aspirations. During its production, Aquarius Sail offered the RC-30 in both "Cruiser" and "Competition" models, with slight variations in weight to cater to different owner preferences—1100 lbs for the Cruiser and 1050 lbs for the Competition. The design incorporated advanced features such as a prebend mast rigging system, an exclusive floating dolphin striker assembly, and internal halyards for both the mainsail and jib, underscoring its performance pedigree. Furthermore, options like Kevlar sails, carbon fiber hulls and beams, and carbon fiber spinnaker poles highlighted the customization available for performance optimization.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a high-performance catamaran, the Aquarius RC-30 is engineered for exhilarating speed and responsive handling. With a length overall of 31.75 feet and a waterline length of 30.0 feet, its hull is designed for efficiency and quick acceleration. The RC-30 is capable of achieving a theoretical hull speed of approximately 7.34 knots, though its lightweight displacement and powerful rig suggest it can easily exceed this in favorable conditions.

The boat features a fractional sloop rig, which typically offers a good balance between sail area for power and a manageable size for control. Its use of daggerboards allows for excellent upwind performance by minimizing leeway, while its twin rudders provide precise steering control, crucial for a boat designed for high speeds and nimble maneuvers. Anecdotal information suggests the RC-30 lives up to its design goal of "comfortable high-speed sailing," implying a balanced and predictable ride even when pushed. Its design includes features like a prebend mast rigging system and internal halyards, which contribute to a clean deck layout and efficient sail handling, further enhancing its performance characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

The Aquarius RC-30, consistent with its design as a high-performance catamaran, features a layout primarily focused on sailing efficiency and speed rather than extensive cruising accommodations. While specific details on interior layout are limited, the design philosophy and the boat's lightweight nature suggest a minimal internal volume dedicated to living spaces. The boat's design may incorporate practical elements such as a "spacious storage bag" within the trampoline area, indicating that storage solutions are external or minimalist, reflecting its racing and day-sailing intent. Headroom is not a primary design consideration, which is typical for performance catamarans of this type, where maximizing speed and reducing weight take precedence over interior volume.