True Bluewater Sailing In Luxury
For more than 60 years, Contest has excelled in making high-quality yachts that can take intrepid explorers on ocean journeys around the world.
Few boatbuilders can boast of making true bluewater sailing yachts that can cross almost any ocean, and Contest does it in style.
Everything makes Contest a pure delight to sail, from the centre cockpit and wheel to the many brilliant design features in the bulkhead and engineering. Contest's unique hull vacuum injection mould construction provides strength and solidarity, whilst the hull design makes it smooth to sail.
Handcrafted
These are vessels built by the hands of boatbuilders who have a passion for their craft, and are one of only a few boatbuilders in this class to receive Lloyd’s certification.
Today, Contest is renowned for its superior luxurious quality and performance. It is the perfect choice for those with a spirit of adventure who wish to travel far into the blue.
Custom Made
Contest vessels are custom-made according to the owner’s wishes, with a range of options available, including an all-electric propulsion system, renewable energy sources, a tender garage and customisable kitchen facilities to suit the desires of its future captain.
The modern range extends from sleek and efficient 42CS performance yachts to luxurious 85-foot cruisers. The interiors are created by world-renowned designers to welcome guests in comfort and grace while taking on the deep open seas at a pace.
Building Dreams Together
The Contest team works closely with the customer to provide precisely the right yacht for them, customising each of the customers’ preferences and tailoring each aspect to achieve the overall experience they desire.
The colours, fabrics, look and feel are all bespoke, and they’re even open to accommodating one-off options should the owner have something in particular in mind.
With their heart firmly set on the spirit of exploration, these are yachts of performance and distinction. They will take you around the world and let you enjoy the adventure.
A History of Smooth Sailing
Since their founding in 1959, Contest Yachts has been at the forefront of both performance yachts and mid-size luxury cruisers.
Dutch founder Ed Conjin first produced Gerard Luyten’s design for a sleek racing yacht, the Contest 25, to immediate popularity and success.
In the 70s, Fritz Conjin took the helm. He expanded on their success, with Dick Zaal designing both sleek racing vessels and larger cruisers and production of the Contest 48, fitted out with luxury conveniences customised to the future owner’s tastes.
Contest has been innovating throughout its history, experimenting with every element to find better performance, from the materials used, the sail’s fabrics, the rigging’s shape, electronics and facilities.
They saw the potential in the America’s Cup-winning winged keel in 1979. They recruited its designer, Piet van Oosanen, to join the design team and incorporate the concept into Contest craft through the sailing race attention of the 80s and beyond.
However, perhaps their most important innovation came in the 90s when they were the first to integrate advanced vacuum resin injection techniques into their hull manufacture. Reviewers note the interior’s vibration-free and quiet even while at full sail.
By the 2000s, the Contest 55CS large cruisers became popular, balancing performance with comfort. By request in 2012, a Contest’ superyacht’ was commissioned, and the flagship 72CS was launched.
This achievement opened up design possibilities for the team, who recently outdid themselves with the magnificent 85CS. This elegant vessel is the best of the best for luxury adventure yachts.
