1980 Santa Cruz 50

The Santa Cruz 50 is a 52-foot fiberglass racing yacht with a 12-foot beam, powered by a 54-horsepower Yanmar diesel engine. This boat has been extensively modified and optimized for offshore racing performance. The keel was replaced with a lighter design that reduces drag while maintaining righting moment. The rig is a custom Hall system three feet taller than standard, fitted with a modern swept-back spreader configuration that provides stiffness without runners or checkstays. Carbon chainplates are built into the hull structure to eliminate leakage points.

The cockpit is set up for serious racing, with a grinding pedestal and Harken carbon three-speed winches for efficient sail handling. A large Carbonautica wheel mounted on a Jefa pedestal connects through new steering cables with oil-filled idler bearings to an upgraded Edson quadrant, delivering responsive and light steering feel. The boat carries masthead asymmetrical spinnakers off a long penalty pole for downwind work.

Recent maintenance includes rudder bearing inspection in 2021, when a new custom propeller shaft strut was also installed. The yacht cruises at 9 knots and has one head. It is in excellent condition and ready for extended cruising or racing operations.