1980 Santa Cruz 50
$225,000
Boat in San Diego, CA 92106 US
50
1 Engine (Yanmar)
52 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Hula Girl, the renowned Santa Cruz 50 and legendary West Coast sled is offered for sale! Hula, formerly Elusive and Gone With the Wind, is simply the best of the best. Formerly the personal boat of America's Cup skipper and Volvo Around the World Race winner Paul Cayard, she has been modified and optimized and it truly a special boat. In the 2016 Pacific Cup she set a California to Hawaii record for any 50 footer of 7 days 20 hours, shaving nearly a day off of the previous record.
With the new keel, the boat is lighter and has less drag with the same righting moment. The new Hall rig is three feet taller than standard and has a modern swept-back spreader configuration providing more rig stiffness without the need for runners or checkstays. The new carbon chainplates are built into the boat with no chance for leakage.
Hula Girl flies masthead asymmetrical spinnakers off a long penalty pole. The grinding pedestal in the cockpit and Harken carbon three-speed winches make the long downwind legs a breeze. The large Carbonautica wheel on a Jefa pedestal runs new steering cables through oil filled idler bearings to an upgraded Edson quadrant for a wonderfully light feel. The rudder bearings were pulled and inspected in 2021 (when a new custom prop shaft strut was installed).
The boat is in excellent condition. She has recently completed the 2025 Transpac, and is ready to go again.
- Modified and optimized in 2000 at KKMI under the direction of Nelson/Marek design team. Added a strut and T-bulb keel, sugar scoop extension, taller carbon rig, etc.
- Paul Cayard overhaul and optimization in 2008 including new engine, new watermaker, addition of carbon interior components, grinding pedestal, etc.
- Complete refit in 2013 including new mast form Hall Spars with swept-back spreaders, new chainplates, removal of all deck hardware and rebedding, new portlights, new steering system, deck and topsides paint, replacement of much of the interior fittings with carbon, etc.
Cabinet installed PC computer with Expedition tactical software and two monitors
B&H H2000 with performance processor
(4) Mast mounted B&G 20/20
(4) Cockpit B&G displays
(1) Nav station B&G display
B&G Tall carbon MHU wind wand
B&G Autopilot with Simrad ram (new 2021)
Furuno NavNet radar and plotter and removable radar post
Uniden VHF with wireless remote
Emtek AIS
ICOM SSB with Pactor modem
Starlink
Iridium satellite phone with ASE docking station
(2) Inverters at nav station
Battery monitor
Stereo
LED Tricolor and anchor light
Electric bilge pump (new 2023)
Manual high volume bilge pump
Marine head, Lavac, new 2017 with holding tank
Hot water heater
Cool Blue refrigeration (holding plate) - 2013
Spectra watermaker (full service 2021)
SS Double sink
Pressure water
Fresh water foot pump
Salt water foot pump
2 Burner custom propane stove
LED lighting, white and red
(4) 100ah AGM Replaced 2022
Ullman Main (excellent) 2018
Quantum main (backup)
Ullman main (backup)
J1 – Ullman (excellent) - 2016
J3 – Ullman (good)
J4 – Quantum (good)
Jib Top – North (good)
Blast Reacher – North (good)
A1 – Ullman (good)
A2 – Ullman (excellent)
A2 – Ullman (backup)
A3 – Evolution (excellent)
A3 – North (backup)
A4 – Ullman (good)
A4 – Ullman (backup)
Strom Trysail
Storm Jib
Dacron delivery main (excellent)
Dacron delivery jib (excellent)
Primary Harken 65.3 ST (Carbon drums) (2)
Cockpit Grinding Pedestal (Carbon)
Secondary Harken 48 ST (2)
Main Sheet Harken 44 ST (2) on cabin top (new 2007)
Spin Halyard Harken 40 ST (2) Port and STb at mast
Main Halyard Harken 42 ST Stb side aft at mast
Jib Halyard Harken 42 ST Port side aft at mast
Hall Carbon Fiber 3-Spreader tall rig – New 2013
Ohmahundro Carbon Fiber Boom
Antal Mast track with cars
Harken Ball Bearing Traveler System
Harken Ball bearing Geona track system
Aluminum mast partner collar with “Spar tight”
Full Set of Spares for Rigging
Carbon fiber spinnaker pole from Forespar
Carbon Fiber Forespar Reaching Struts (2)
Harken carbo foil on headstay
Navtec hydraulic boom vang with quick release at helm
Navtec hydraulic backstay
Sailtec hydraulic pump (new 2022)
Tri color light at masthead
10 Person Liferaft Superior Life Saving
Ditch Bag
Spare VHF antenna
(2) 406 EPIRBs
Richie 5 inch compass on pedestal
Offshore first aid kit in Pelican case
Danbuoy mounted on stern pulpit
Life sling mounted on stern pulpit
30 ft throw rope mounted on stern pulpit
Clipping points at companionway, grinding station, and helm station
Jacklines (2)
Offshore Solas flare kit
Radar reflector
Tool kit
Cockpit knife attached to main grinder pedestal
Deck knife at boom vang
Manual bilge pump in cockpit
High capacity manual bilge Edson bilge pump next to chart table
Tricolor light at top of mast
Complete Emergency Rudder Set Up for Stern Scoop
Emergency tiller
3 hand held fire extinguishers
Fireboy engine room protection system
Fortress Anchor w/Rode & Chain
One large opening foredeck hatch
Two small opening hatches on cabin top forward
One small opening hatch in head
Large sliding hatches on cabin top
Four opening ports in cockpit (new 2013)
Two opening ports in transom
Sliding hatches and companionway with new custom sliders
Two hull windows in aft cabins
4 large windows in main salon (replaced 2013)
1 aft deck hatch to steering gear
4 cockpit “Cubby” holes
Cockpit Shower
Carbon Rudder & Post
Custom two burner racing cook top
Hot water thermos mounted on galley bulkhead
Foot pump for salt water at galley
Foot pump for fresh water at galley
Pressure water system for fresh water in galley, handheld shower in head and shower in cockpit
Double SS deep sinks in galley
Interior cushions replaced 2018
Carbon table in main salon (currently not installed)
Carbon seatbacks
Carbon nave table and galley pieces
Carbon engine box
Original teak table and galley cabinets available (in storage)
Two ice boxes under raised floor in main salon
Water tanks and batteries under raised salon
Water Heater
Sink, manual water and pressure water in head
Open bow pulpit for “A” sails
Double corner stern pulpits
Double SS 1x19 uncover life lines
Gates in life lines at transom
Tack point on bow for “A” sails
Running lights on bow pulpit
Track for staysail on foredeck
Deck chock for spinnaker pole
Molded in toe rails on bow
Flat “Tee” track rails aft of shroud
New carbon chain plates
Custom SS hand rails on cabin tops
New Spinlock rope clutches for jib main and jib halyards
Adjustable jib leads for # 1 & # 2 genoas lead to cockpit
Separate # 3 jib tracks with adjustable jib leads
Harken traveler mounted on cabin top with 5 to 1 control lines
Double end main sheet
Double ended “A” sail tack lines with clutches on cabin sides at cockpit
Kelp window in hull to inspect keel
8 recess drink holder in cockpit
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2/24/26 | Initial price | $225,000 |
Videos from Sail California on this 1980 Santa Cruz 50
1980 Santa Cruz 50 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1980 Santa Cruz 50
Customers praise the 1980 Santa Cruz 50 for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design
Many highlight its robust construction and superior sailing performance, noting that it handles both coastal cruising and offshore passages with ease. Owners appreciate the spacious and well-thought-out interior, which offers comfort for extended voyages. The boat’s classic lines and quality materials have stood the test of time, making it a favorite among sailors who value reliability and elegance in a cruising yacht. Overall, feedback emphasizes the Santa Cruz 50’s combination of strength, style, and seaworthiness.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1980 Santa Cruz 50 is a classic performance cruiser that offers a unique blend of speed, comfort, and traditional design. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this iconic sailboat:
Pros
Exceptional Performance: Designed by Bill Lee, the Santa Cruz 50 is known for its impressive speed and agility, particularly in downwind conditions. Its lightweight construction and efficient hull shape make it a standout performer in ocean racing and cruising alike.
Solid Construction: Built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship typical of the era, the Santa Cruz 50 is sturdy and durable, capable of handling challenging offshore conditions with confidence.
Spacious Interior: For a 50-foot performance cruiser, it offers a surprisingly roomy and comfortable interior layout, suitable for extended cruising with family or crew.
Classic Aesthetics: The timeless design and elegant lines of the Santa Cruz 50 appeal to sailors who appreciate traditional styling combined with racing pedigree.
Good Upwind Capability: While excelling downwind, the boat also delivers respectable upwind performance, making it versatile across different wind angles.
Cons
Older Design: As a boat designed in 1980, some aspects of the layout, systems, and materials may feel dated compared to modern yachts, potentially requiring updates or refits.
Maintenance Needs: Older fiberglass and wooden components may need regular upkeep to preserve structural integrity and appearance.
Limited Modern Amenities: The Santa Cruz 50 was designed with performance in mind, so it may lack some of the creature comforts and technological conveniences found on contemporary cruising yachts.
Handling Requires Experience: The powerful sail plan and responsive handling characteristics may be challenging for less experienced sailors, especially in heavy weather.
Made For
The 1980 Santa Cruz 50 is designed for experienced sailors and offshore cruisers who value a blend of robust construction, classic design, and reliable performance. Ideal for those seeking a capable bluewater cruiser, it suits sailors interested in extended coastal cruising or open ocean passages, offering comfort and stability for both short voyages and long-distance adventures.
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Address
Boat Location
Contact Sail California about 1980 Santa Cruz 50
1070 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 108, Alameda, CA, 94501
Contact Sail California
1070 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 108, Alameda, CA, 94501













































