Santa Cruz 70 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Santa Cruz 70 began in 1985, emerging from the innovative Santa Cruz Yachts yard under the visionary guidance of Bill Lee, often referred to as "The Wizard". Lee's design philosophy was revolutionary, focusing on ultra-light displacement to achieve unparalleled speed and efficiency, especially in off-the-wind conditions. The Santa Cruz 70, in particular, was a culmination of this drive, pushing the limits of high-speed sailing and fundamentally redefining the concept of "Line Honors" in ocean racing. It has been hailed as one of the most noteworthy racing boats of its era, marking a significant evolution in the ULDB movement.

Unlike a strict one-design class, the Santa Cruz 70 fleet exhibits significant variations among individual boats. While the core hull design remained consistent, owners and builders often customized decks, interiors, and rigs. For instance, some vessels, like "Westerly," were enhanced with carbon fiber decks and Nelson Marek-designed "T" keels and high-aspect rudders for optimized racing performance. Other examples, such as "Chardonnay," were configured as pure cruising vessels, featuring open layouts with couches rather than traditional bulkheads, bunks, or galleys below deck. This flexibility allowed the Santa Cruz 70 to adapt to diverse owner preferences, from hardcore racing to comfortable, high-speed passage-making.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Santa Cruz 70's design ratios underscore its performance pedigree. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio calculated at approximately 29.04, the boat boasts a very high sail-carrying capacity, translating into exceptional performance in light air and overall powerful sailing. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 0.40 indicates a robust and solid initial stability, allowing the yacht to stand up well to significant wind despite its lightweight construction. Furthermore, a remarkably low Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 44.95 firmly places the Santa Cruz 70 in the realm of an ultra-light, performance-oriented "sled," designed for exhilarating speed.

Anecdotal accounts from sailors confirm the boat's design intentions. The Santa Cruz 70 is celebrated for its precise handling and balance, often described as "exactly what you want sailing". Its ability to maintain high speeds even with reduced sail plans, such as sailing "fast as hell" with just a jib, speaks to its inherent efficiency and powerful hull form. Owners frequently praise its comfort when racing downwind, attributing it to the boat's stable motion and the large interior volume. The design allows for maximum passage making under sail, providing a thrilling experience across various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily known for its performance, the Santa Cruz 70 offers surprisingly spacious accommodations for a racing-oriented yacht of its size. The interior benefits from a "stand up" headroom throughout much of the cabin, enhancing livability. Due to the non-one-design nature, specific interior layouts can vary significantly, with some boats being more geared towards racing minimalism and others offering more extensive cruising amenities. However, the foundational design provides "lots of room for your favorite layout," allowing for custom configurations.

Typical arrangements generally include comfortable bunks, often described as "great natural lighting," contributing to a bright and airy feel below. The substantial hull volume of a 68-foot vessel allows for dedicated areas such as a salon, galley, and sleeping quarters, although the specific fit-out depends heavily on the individual boat's customization. Owners have reported upgrades over time, including newer marine toilets and optimized deck layouts, reflecting ongoing maintenance and enhancements to these enduring yachts.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Santa Cruz 70s consistently laud the boat's high-performance capabilities and thrilling sailing experience. The sentiment of "Fast is Fun" rings true among those who sail them, with many appreciating the yacht's ability to maintain impressive speeds even in varied conditions. The comfort while racing, particularly downwind, is a frequently mentioned strength, with owners highlighting the spacious, stand-up interior and natural lighting as key factors contributing to an enjoyable experience, even during demanding offshore races.

Given the custom nature of many Santa Cruz 70s, common "problems" tend to revolve around the age of the vessels and the specific modifications made by previous owners, rather than inherent design flaws. Owners often invest in significant upgrades to the rig, deck gear, sails, and electronics to keep these high-performance machines competitive and turn-key for racing. While not a recurring flaw, some older components like rudder bearings or original marine toilets may require replacement as part of routine maintenance on well-used vessels. The enduring appeal of the Santa Cruz 70 is evident in its continued presence in major races and its loyal following among sailors who value its blend of speed, comfort, and customizability.