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Sailboat Specifications

Santa Cruz 40

Masthead Sloop · Fin W/Spade Rudder

Designed by Bill Lee · Built by Santa Cruz Yachts · First built 1982

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LOA 40.00 ft  ·  Beam 12.00 ft  ·  Displacement 10,500.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 734.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin W/Spade Rudder
About the Santa Cruz 40 Sailboat

Designed for sailors who refuse to compromise between speed and excitement, the Santa Cruz 40 earned a strong reputation as a high-performance racing yacht from the moment it emerged from the storied Santa Cruz, California design tradition. Built during an era when West Coast sailors were pushing the boundaries of what a performance-oriented yacht could achieve, this boat became a favorite on the racing circuit and remains a recognizable name among enthusiasts familiar with that golden period of American sailboat design. The Santa Cruz 40 is best suited to competitive racing and spirited coastal sailing, offering the kind of lively handling that rewards experienced sailors looking for an engaging time on the water. Its heritage points toward a design philosophy that prioritizes speed and responsiveness, characteristics that defined the broader Santa Cruz lineup. Those researching a purchase should expect a boat that demands attentive seamanship but delivers a genuinely thrilling sailing experience in return. While detailed specifications may be difficult to source, the Santa Cruz 40's reputation speaks volumes, making it a compelling option for performance-minded buyers willing to seek out this classic racer.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 40.00 ft / 12.19 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 36.00 ft / 10.97 m
Beam 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
Max Draft 7.00 ft / 2.13 m
Displacement 10,500.00 lb / 4,763 kg
Ballast 5,500.00 lb / 2,495 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 734.00 ft² / 68.19 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/klegecell
Designer Bill Lee
Builder Santa Cruz Yachts
First Built 1982
Related Sailboats C&C 40 · Schock 40 · Imx 40 · Tartan 40 Offshore · Lancer 40
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Santa Cruz 40's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Santa Cruz 40 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 24.58. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Santa Cruz 40's comfort ratio?

The Santa Cruz 40 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 15.94. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Santa Cruz 40 safe for offshore sailing?

The Santa Cruz 40 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.2. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Santa Cruz 40?

The theoretical hull speed of the Santa Cruz 40 is 8.04 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Santa Cruz 40 weigh?

The Santa Cruz 40 has a displacement of 10,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 40.00 ft.

Who designed the Santa Cruz 40?

The Santa Cruz 40 was designed by Bill Lee, first built in 1982.