Santa Cruz 37 Information, Review, Specs

Conceived as the first in a new series for the iconic builder, the Santa Cruz 37 embodies the spirit of its predecessors while incorporating advanced design and construction techniques to deliver an exhilarating and versatile sailing experience.

History and Design

The story of the Santa Cruz 37 began in 2008, marking a significant re-entry for Santa Cruz Yachts into the market with a fresh design from naval architect Tim Kernan. Kernan's design philosophy for the 37 was rooted in creating a hull shape that was not only "slippery in light air" but also capable of delivering "stellar performance through a range of conditions." This objective aligns perfectly with Santa Cruz Yachts' historical commitment to ultra-light displacement (ULDB) racing yachts, albeit with a modern, integrated carbon fiber build that prioritizes both speed and structural integrity.

Tim Kernan meticulously developed the foil shapes and bulb geometry for the SC 37 using advanced codes, ensuring optimal hydrodynamic efficiency. The design reflects a clear intention to produce a "light, stiff boat" that serves as an effective racer/cruiser. A notable feature of its design is the high aspect-ratio torpedo bulb keel, which provides substantial stiffness, and the daggerboard-like rudder, both contributing to its performance characteristics and allowing for a retractable keel, although its primary benefit is performance rather than simple trailering for most owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Santa Cruz 37 lives up to its performance heritage, offering a sailing experience that is both spirited and responsive. With a displacement of 8,662 pounds and a waterline length of 34.75 feet, the boat exhibits a very low displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 91.9, classifying it as an exceptionally light and performance-oriented vessel. This characteristic suggests excellent planing potential and quick acceleration, particularly in moderate to strong winds.

Its sail area to displacement ratio of around 26.85 is quite high, indicating a powerful sail plan for its weight. This generous canvas allows the Santa Cruz 37 to perform exceptionally well in light air, while its robust build and deep, high aspect-ratio torpedo bulb keel ensure it can handle increased wind speeds with confidence. The boat boasts a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of 43%, a figure often seen in dedicated racing yachts. This significant ballast, coupled with its carbon fiber construction, contributes to its remarkable stiffness and stability, enabling it to stand up to a powerful breeze without excessive heel, providing a "light, stiff boat that'll scream if you want it to." Anecdotal accounts praise its balanced helm and agile handling, described as exactly what one would expect from a high-performance design. The boat's theoretical hull speed is calculated at 7.9 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While emphasizing performance, the Santa Cruz 37 does not compromise on the amenities expected of a comfortable cruising yacht. The interior is thoughtfully designed to offer the features of a modern cruiser, striking a balance between functionality for racing and comfort for extended stays. The cabin benefits from wood veneers that impart a "warm glow" and long, fixed cabinhouse windows that flood the space with natural light.

The layout typically includes a forward cabin, which can be closed off at the mast, and a head accessible from both the main salon and the forward cabin. A key feature for versatile use is an optional interior plan that allows one of the two aft cabins to be converted into a large sail locker or storage space, catering to both racing needs and cruising demands. The interior offers a generous 6 feet 3 inches of headroom throughout, enhancing the sense of space and comfort below deck. With a water capacity of 26 gallons and a fuel capacity of 16 gallons, the Santa Cruz 37 is equipped for coastal cruising and overnight passages.