With an increase in speed there comes an increase in the feeling of control and power over the situation. Bill Lee's approach to this is the cruising version of the Santa Cruz 70. This is a beefed up version of the racing 70 hull with a brand new deck, interior and rig. This design was done by Bill's in-house designer, Bob Smith, and I am sure Bob would be more than happy to draw up any variation you may imagine. The SC70 has proven itself to be a very effective ocean racer and continues to frustrate the exotic ULDBs.

The Santa Cruz 70 under sail.

The Santa Cruz 70 under sail.



The racing SC70 weighs about 24,000 to 27,000 pounds. The cruising version weighs 35,000 pounds and floats 2.5 inches lower in the water. To put this in perspective, consider that the heavyweight cruising version has a D/L ratio of 59.6! The D/L ratio of the racing version is 46 based upon the 7,000 pound displacement. So you're long, you're light, you're fast. I know from my own experience cruising the 24,000 pound 70-footer Meridian in the relatively sheltered waters of the Northwest there was no downside to light weight and speed. The transom is cutaway and open to the cockpit for easy access from the dinghy. Note the interesting engine location and the huge forecastle.

Boat Specifications
LOA70'
LWL64'
Beam15'1"
Draft7'
Displacement35,000 lbs.
Sail Area1362 sq. ft.
SA/D ratio20.36
D/L ratio59.6
AuxiliaryYanmar 140 hp
Fuel200 gals.
Water150 gals.

 

SAILINGlogo-115This story originally appeared in Sailing Magazine, and is republished here by permission. Subscribe to Sailing.