Santa Cruz 33 Information, Review, Specs

Produced for a limited run, the Santa Cruz 33 quickly gained a reputation among sailors seeking a boat that prioritized performance without sacrificing the fundamental elements of a usable interior.

History and Design

The Santa Cruz 33 was built by Santa Cruz Yachts between 1978 and 1981, with approximately 15 units produced. The company, founded by Bill Lee in Santa Cruz, California, in 1971 (initially as Bill Lee Yachts), became renowned for its innovative approach to yacht design, pushing the boundaries of speed and efficiency through lightweight construction. Lee, often dubbed "The Wizard," challenged traditional design conventions of the era, focusing on creating yachts that were both highly competitive racers and fast, exhilarating cruisers. This ethos of building "fast is fun" boats was central to every Santa Cruz model, including the 33.

While most Santa Cruz 33s were built as masthead sloops, the very first hull was notably rigged as a fractional sloop, indicating some variation within the short production run. The design reflects Bill Lee's core philosophy of designing boats that sail swiftly, incorporating a relatively narrow hull, deep keel, and a large sail plan to achieve exceptional performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Santa Cruz 33’s design metrics clearly indicate its performance-oriented nature. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.69, she boasts a robust sail plan relative to her displacement, suggesting excellent performance in lighter winds and strong acceleration. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.428 is relatively high, contributing significantly to her stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a greater amount of wind pressure without excessive heel. Furthermore, a low Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 142.36 classifies her as a light, performance-oriented vessel, especially when compared to many cruising boats of her time.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often highlights the Santa Cruz 33 as a "strong, fast boat", capable of competitive speeds, comparable to other well-known performance designs like the Evelyn 32, Olson 30, or Soverel 33. Her light displacement contributes to higher accelerations and a lively feel at the helm. Designed as an Ultra-Light Displacement Boat (ULDB), the Santa Cruz 33 is known for its ability to plane in stronger winds, offering an exhilarating sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily a performance boat, the Santa Cruz 33 offers a functional, albeit relatively modest, interior suitable for coastal cruising and overnight stays. The layout typically includes an aft cabin and a galley. Given the boat's emphasis on racing performance, the interior finish and materials would generally lean towards practicality and light weight rather than luxurious appointments, likely featuring basic fiberglass finishes complemented by some wood trim. Space optimization for racing equipment and sail storage might have influenced the overall interior volume and amenity level, though the design aimed to provide enough comfort for weekend cruising. Detailed descriptions of typical V-berth, salon, head, storage, or ventilation configurations require specific interior diagrams or detailed reviews, which are scarce for this limited-production model.