Quick, effective, straightforward. These three words encapsulate an exceptional catamaran created by a team featuring an aerospace engineer and a Mahtomedi boat builder.
The engineer was Bill Roberts, who applied his jet engine knowledge from Pratt & Whitney to work with F16 fighters and the SR71 Blackbird, the fastest aircraft globally. He was a devoted sailor as well, spending his leisure time racing catamarans. Tom Haberman, a boat builder and catamaran fan, first met Roberts at a marine trade show in Chicago during the late ‘70s and was amazed by both the designer’s intellect and the sleek design of a prototype called SuperCat.
Formulae Racing Sailboats, co-owned by Roberts in South Florida, sought dealers to sell the multi-hull cat. Haberman, who owned Aquarius Sail Inc. in Mahtomedi, agreed to become a dealer for the Midwest. Five years later, he acquired the SuperCat name and other assets, relocating production to Minnesota. That was four decades ago.
At that time, Haberman operated his shop in the rear of the former fire department building where Ralph’s Super Market once was. In 2000, he transitioned to a larger facility in the Hallberg Marine complex in Wyoming.
The design of the SuperCat featured several unique, patented characteristics. One was its elliptical hull shape to minimize the pitchpoling risk common in multi-hull sailboats. According to Haberman, this design has become a standard across the multi-hull industry.
Roberts, who was continually engaged in high-performance catamaran design, once again collaborated with Aquarius to unveil the SC22, an extended version of the original SC20. There followed the introduction of the SuperCat 15 (targeting the Hobe cat market), a 17, and a 19, along with Roberts designing the RC27 and RC30 (for Roberts Catamarans). In 2000, the popular ARC22 (Aquarius Roberts Catamarans) was launched. The nameplates underwent modifications as the SuperCat experienced subtle design evolutions. “It was challenging to keep up,” Haberman confessed.
Having sailed Hobe cats previously, Haberman asserts that nothing compares to the SuperCats.
“Bill aimed to create the ultimate sailboat,” said Haberman. “His objective was to engineer the fastest, safest, and most agile catamaran on the water. Thus, he set out to construct a ‘super cat.’ He was an extraordinary sailor acquainted with aircraft performance. After all, a catamaran essentially acts like an airplane on water, with its sail resembling a vertical wing.”
The SuperCat is a technically advanced boat that is “unbelievably fast,” yet also simple, Haberman added. “That’s the key. These boats have a clean, slender profile and are highly efficient with an excellent finesse ratio—comparing the hull’s width to its length. They offer a very smooth sailing experience.”
Last year, the ARC22 set a record during the Mug Race, an annual 38-mile competition along Florida’s St. John’s River. Advertised as the world’s longest river sailing race, it is accessible to all sailboats with a mast height of 44 feet or less. The record was established by Roberts’ son, Eric, who repeated the Mug victory in 2024.
“Bill elevated the standard for catamaran design and sailing,” noted Haberman. He became close friends with the skilled sailor, describing him as a “brilliant and captivating man” who sadly passed away in 2019 while prepping his RC30 for an upcoming race.
Over the years, the boat has seen various changes. Masts now utilize carbon instead of aluminum, and hulls are more frequently constructed from carbon fiber. Haberman owns an 18-footer (of which only a few exist) but stated that the 17s are the most sought after. He is also focused on promoting catamaran sailing at the White Bear Yacht Club’s sailing school.
The pandemic hit Aquarius hard and now he runs the business solo, but Haberman remains busy performing restorations and repairs on sails, trampolines, and canvas. He also fixes damaged masts and has repaired a few for A-scow owners. He continues to take custom orders for the cats and sells exclusively direct.
Their boats can be found across the globe.
Prices range from $20,000 for the SC17 to a striking $75,000 for the all-carbon ARC22. “Don’t inquire about the RC models,” he grinned, which are priced well into the six-figure range.
White Bear sailor Andy Kruse, who happens to be Haberman’s neighbor, stated that the SuperCat is “extremely fast and enjoyable, especially when the wind exceeds 15 mph. Tom has been in the sailing industry for many years,” he noted. “He has traveled worldwide promoting the sport and the SuperCats.”
Haberman reflected on the immense satisfaction he’s derived from bringing Roberts’ work and designs to life for the past 40 years. “We have a deeply loyal fan base. Many owners are on their second, third, or even fourth SuperCat or RC model because of their preference for enjoyment in fast and comfortable sailing.”
Retirement is something Haberman doesn’t wish to contemplate. “This keeps me engaged,” confessed the boat builder, who enjoys downhill skiing during the winter months. “I understand I’ll have to stop someday, but my life revolves around boats. I’m not ready to give that up.”
For further information about Aquarius Sail, visit www.aquarius-sail.com. ◼