1986 Bill Lee Yachts Santa Cruz 50
$79,000
Boat in Moss Landing, CA 95039 US
Built in 1986
Santa Cruz 50
1 Engine (Yanmar)
50 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
50' Santa Cruz 50 '86 "Slip Aweigh"
This boat was custom built in 1986 for Hal Roth to race single-handed around the world in what was then known as the BOC challenge and later became the "Vendee Globe" around the world race. Raced in the round-the-world single-handed BOC Challenge in 1986-1987 as AMERICAN FLAG, logging 27,597 miles in 171 days, and came in fourth. For the 1990 BOC race Hal Roth sailed the boat as SEBAGO. Before the race he incorporated a water ballast system of 350 gallons giving the boat an additional 3,000 lbs of movable ballast. This modification gave the boat an increase in up wind performance of 0.75 knots. Hal Roth wrote a book called "Chasing the Long Rainbow" which depicted his adventures in racing solo in the BOC race. The boat gained further notoriety when in 1999, a woman by the name of Anna Stockel purchased the boat, did a major refit including further modifications such as a taller mast and wheel steering and then very successfully sailed her, single-handedly to the "First to Finish" honors in the 2000 Trans Pac race. This boat has many custom construction and design features that make her truly one of a kind. Great opportunity to own a boat that will get you there fast and safely. SLIP AWEIGH is a proven racer and performance cruiser.
She is highly recommended for anyone considering serious shorthanded sailing.
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.
Starting forward, there is a watertight bulkhead followed by a double berth to starboard and stowage under and to port. Next aft are settees port and starboard with a pilot berth to starboard. The generous galley is aft to starboard and the nav station is to port. The enclosed head is aft of the nav station. The water ballast tanks are 14 feet long and run aft. There are quarter berths aft port and starboard.
Dometic 12V refrigerator / freezer
Propane stove top
Manual water system
Double deep stainless steel sink
25 gallon plastic water tank
(4) 12V cabin fans
Datamarine depth sounder with cockpit display
Alpha 3000 autopilot
Spare Alpha 3000 autopilot
Garmin Chartdrive GPS
Sailcomp 103AC
Furuno radar
Standard Horizon VHF radio
(4) Group 27 lead acid batteries
(1) Group 27 lead acid deep cycle starter battery
Statpower AC/DC inverter
Ample Power voltage regulator
Extra tall, 3-tier lifelines and stanchions
Navtec hydraulic bang and back stay
Ballenger 63 foot mast (B9052 section) with rod rigging & running backs & check stays
Retractable carbon bowsprit
Harken genoa tracks
Spinnaker Pole and Reaching Strut (stored off boat, sprit works better)
Winches:
(2) #55 - Primary
(2) #43 - Secondary
(2) #43 – Runner
(2) #43 - Cabin top
(1) #43 - Main sheet
(1) #52 - Halyard and reef
(2) #43 - Halyard on mast
Sails:
(1) Mainsail
(1) Jib on furler
(3) Asymmetric Spinnakers
(1) Code 0 furler
Raw water cooled engine
Fuel filter
(2) manual and (1) electric bilge pumps
Edson manual bilge pump below, manual bilge pump in cockpit
Additional Options/Upgrades:
Custom Features/Modifications By Years
From Factory;
Built Using more modern Hull laminates, knit cloths that were stronger and lighter than the conventional woven/roven material common to that era.
(2) Watertight bulkheads fore and aft
Full head room at forward bulkhead
Low profile hard dodger built into cabin top
Small opening cabin side ports instead of the large Lexan windows
Watertight Submarine door in cabin
Hard dodger
A deeper cockpit
Updated deep carbon fiber rudder and post
Modifications before 1990 B.O.C race
Rodger Martin designed water ballast system, tank capacity of 350 gallons per side giving the boat 3,000 lbs of movable ballast per side
SS grid system to strengthen the keel attachment
Stronger chain plates
Interior redesigned
Modifications Early 1990's
Getz Marine retractable carbon fiber asymmetrical sprit
Advanced Composites carbon fiber rudder
Reduced weight bow and stern pulpits
Rebuilt interior furniture, table, steps, and floorboards, with Deco Lite divinycell core.
Lowered center raised settee section to one level walk thru
Modifications late 1990's before 2000 Trans Pac race
New, taller Ballenger 63' mast and rod rigging
Wheel and binnacle with compass installed to replace the tiller
Getz Marine carbon emergency tiller with aluminum emergency rudder and mount
All seller’s personal effects on board are excluded from the sale of this vessel.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4/12/26 | Initial price | $79,000 |
Overview from around the web 1986 Bill Lee Yachts Santa Cruz 50
Customers praise the 1986 Bill Lee Yachts Santa Cruz 50 for its exceptional performance and classic design
Many highlight its impressive speed and agility, making it a favorite among sailors who enjoy both racing and cruising. Owners appreciate the sturdy construction and the boat’s ability to handle a variety of sea conditions with confidence. The spacious and well-thought-out deck layout receives positive remarks for ease of handling and comfort during extended voyages. Overall, the Santa Cruz 50 from 1986 is celebrated for blending Bill Lee’s innovative design with reliable craftsmanship, offering a thrilling yet dependable sailing experience.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1986 Bill Lee Yachts Santa Cruz 50 is a classic performance cruiser renowned for its blend of speed, comfort, and seaworthiness. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this iconic sailboat:
Pros
Performance-Oriented Design: Designed by Bill Lee, the Santa Cruz 50 features a lightweight, well-balanced hull and a powerful sail plan, delivering excellent speed and handling, especially in upwind and offwind conditions.
Solid Construction: Built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, the 1986 model offers durability and a strong structural foundation suitable for offshore cruising.
Spacious Interior: Despite its focus on performance, the Santa Cruz 50 provides a comfortable and thoughtfully laid-out interior with ample living space, including multiple berths, a functional galley, and a well-equipped head.
Good Offshore Capability: Its design and build quality make it well-suited for long-distance and bluewater sailing, offering confidence and safety in challenging conditions.
Classic Aesthetics: The Santa Cruz 50 has a timeless, sleek look that appeals to sailors who appreciate traditional lines combined with modern performance features.
Cons
Maintenance Requirements: As a classic yacht built in the 1980s, the Santa Cruz 50 may require ongoing maintenance and occasional upgrades to systems, rigging, and electronics to keep it in optimal condition.
Limited Modern Amenities: Compared to contemporary production yachts, it may lack some of the latest conveniences and technology found in newer models.
Sail Handling Complexity: The powerful sail plan and performance focus can make sail handling more demanding, potentially requiring an experienced crew or additional equipment for easier operation.
Cost of Ownership: Depending on condition and upgrades, ownership costs can be higher due to the need for specialized maintenance and parts typical of classic performance cruisers.
Interior Layout: While spacious, the interior design reflects 1980s styling and ergonomics, which may not suit all tastes or preferences for modern comfort and storage solutions.
Made For
The 1986 Bill Lee Yachts Santa Cruz 50 is ideal for experienced sailors and serious cruising enthusiasts who value a blend of performance and classic design. This yacht is perfect for those seeking a fast, responsive vessel capable of offshore passagemaking, racing, or extended coastal cruising. Its robust construction and thoughtful design make it well-suited for sailors looking for a reliable and stylish boat that can handle challenging conditions while delivering an exhilarating sailing experience.
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2330 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 207, San Diego, CA, 92106
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