[1][2][3][4] The design was built by Capital Yachts in Harbor City, California, United States, starting in 1974, but it is now out of production.
It has a masthead sloop rig; a raked stem; a raised counter, angled transom; an internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a wheel and a fixed, swept, fin keel.
[1][2] The boat is fitted with a Japanese Yanmar diesel engine of 35 hp (26 kW) for docking and maneuvering.
[1][2] The design has a hull speed of 7.34 kn (13.59 km/h), a PHRF racing average handicap of 114 and a Portsmouth Yardstick of 74.5.
[2][7] In a 1994 review Richard Sherwood wrote, "perhaps the most unusual aspect of the Newport 41[S model] is the clutter of winches around the mast, all located on the cabin roof.