Santa Cruz 52 Information, Review, Specs

The Santa Cruz 52 emerged in 1992, a period when Santa Cruz Yachts, under the guidance of Bill Lee, was at the forefront of the ULDB movement. Lee, often dubbed "The Wizard," approached yacht design with a revolutionary spirit, striving for speed and efficiency through lightweight construction. The SC 52 represents a more "beefier platform" within this philosophy, offering enhanced comfort without sacrificing the competitive edge that defined the brand. The design of the Santa Cruz 52, sometimes attributed to Bill Lee in collaboration with Bob Smith, solidified its position as a luxury performance yacht and was even recognized as "Boat of the Year" in 1996 by US Sailing World Magazine. Throughout its production, which continued into the late 1990s, the Santa Cruz 52 was available with a 9-foot fin keel or a more versatile 7-foot shoal draft version, offering options to suit various sailing grounds. The boat was typically fitted with an anodized aluminum masthead sloop rig, with tall rig dimensions often specified for maximizing sail area.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Santa Cruz 52's design ratios underscore its commitment to performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 26.1, the vessel boasts a generous sail plan relative to its weight, indicating excellent performance in lighter air conditions and the ability to accelerate quickly. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.43 highlights substantial stability and stiffness, enabling the boat to stand up well to strong winds and maintain a more comfortable heel angle. Furthermore, a remarkably low Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 93.3 firmly places the Santa Cruz 52 in the category of ultra-light displacement boats, promising a lively and responsive sailing experience. Owners frequently praise the SC 52 for its exceptional handling ability, even when sailed shorthanded, emphasizing its balanced feel and ease of control across different sea states. Its fin keel and spade rudder contribute to its agility and responsiveness, making it a joy for sailors who appreciate precise control and dynamic performance.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Santa Cruz 52 is renowned for its speed, it does not compromise on interior comfort, offering a "comfortable, cruising interior" and "almost unparalleled features and comfort in such a speedy yacht". Bill Lee's interior finish style is generally well-regarded. The layout typically includes an owner's stateroom located forward of the mast and main bulkhead, often featuring a V-berth. Reviewers note that the interior is well-suited for cruising, with ample space that allows for comfortable living during extended voyages. Details on specific materials or maximum headroom are less commonly cited, but the general impression is one of quality finishes and thoughtful design for a performance cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Santa Cruz 52 consistently highlight its solid construction and exhilarating performance as key strengths. The boat's ability to combine racing speed with cruising comfort is a recurring theme in reviews. However, as with any vessel of its vintage, the earlier Santa Cruz 52s, now approaching 30 years old, may show signs of age and require maintenance. This can include addressing original deck fittings that might need re-bedding or updating systems that have naturally aged over time. Despite these potential considerations, the enduring appeal of the Santa Cruz 52 remains strong among sailors who value a fast, well-built yacht with an engaging sailing experience.