Santa Cruz 50 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Santa Cruz 50 commenced in 1980, emerging from the Santa Cruz, California, shipyard founded by Bill Lee. Lee's design philosophy was unequivocally centered on speed and efficiency, famously encapsulated in his motto, "Fast is Fun." During this period, Santa Cruz Yachts was at the forefront of the ULDB movement, building lightweight fiberglass boats that consistently delivered award-winning performance. The Santa Cruz 50 was a direct expression of this ethos, aiming to provide exceptional speed through minimal displacement and a generous sail plan. The model saw variations during its production, notably the MkII version, which featured specific changes to optimize its rating under the International Offshore Rule (IOR).

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to its designer's vision, the Santa Cruz 50 boasts impressive performance characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 26.4, she is exceptionally powerful and capable of performing well in lighter air conditions. Her high ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.50 signifies excellent stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to significant wind pressures and maintain her sail plan effectively. Furthermore, her displacement-to-length ratio of around 71.5 firmly places her in the ultra-light displacement category, underscoring her design as a fast, performance-oriented vessel. Anecdotal accounts confirm her design as "skinny and light," making her particularly well-suited for spirited downwind offshore racing. Owners and enthusiasts often note her substantial hull speed potential and generous sail area for her displacement.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on interior headroom are not consistently available, the Santa Cruz 50's interior is described as "sensibly designed, bright, and dry". It features an intelligent layout that caters to both racing crews and cruising families. Unlike some more stripped-down racing machines, the Santa Cruz 50 was designed with comfort and common-sense features, making it a viable option for extended cruising. Typical interior arrangements include a functional galley, often equipped with a three-burner LPG stove, which was a common feature in boats of this size and era. The overall interior finish and materials were chosen to balance the boat's performance aspirations with practical living aboard, offering a more complete interior than some of its pure racing counterparts.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and enthusiasts of the Santa Cruz 50 frequently praise its inherent speed and offshore capabilities, highlighting its ability to cover significant distances efficiently. The boat is celebrated for its solid construction and its direct connection to Bill Lee's legendary design philosophy. Its reputation as a "West Coast classic" and a formidable "sled" for downwind racing is well-established among those who appreciate performance-oriented yachts. The combination of high hull speed and generous sail area for its displacement is a significant draw for many.