Contest Yachts: Your Guide to Dutch Craftsmanship and Bluewater Cruising

For over six decades, Contest Yachts has stood as a beacon of quality and innovation in the world of luxury sailing. From their roots in competitive dinghy racing to their current standing as a producer of sophisticated bluewater cruisers, this Dutch builder has consistently pushed the boundaries of yacht design and construction, earning a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and exceptional seakeeping.

Contest 38S Sailboat KPIContest 38S

The Contest Story: From Humble Beginnings to Yachting Excellence

Contest Yachts, originally known as Conyplex, was founded in 1959 by Ed Conijn in Medemblik, Netherlands. The initial vision? To lead in the burgeoning field of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) production. They started with Olympic-class Flying Dutchman dinghies, then quickly moved on to keelboats. Their first real splash came with the Contest 25, an 8-meter keelboat that comfortably slept four, selling over 300 units.

This company has remained a family business for three generations, with Ed Conijn eventually handing the helm to his son Fritz, who then passed it to his own son, Arjen. This strong family thread has woven a steadfast commitment to their core philosophy: building dreams together. A real turning point came in the 1970s when Fritz Conijn decided to focus on larger yachts. He made a pioneering move, instituting Lloyd's Register certification for every new boat, truly emphasizing their dedication to design and build integrity. Now, under Arjen Conijn's leadership, the focus has broadened to include performance and design alongside absolute comfort. Contest Yachts' headquarters are still in Medemblik, Netherlands, and they're still actively in production, delivering around 50 high-end yachts each year.

Design Philosophy: Blending Timeless Style with Modern Performance

Contest Yachts is well-known for collaborating with talented naval architects. Judel/Vrolijk & co., for instance, is a prominent name associated with their current designs, like the Contest 55CS and Contest 63CS. And their history includes working with designers such as Dick Zaal, who put his mark on the Contest 44.

Contest’s design philosophy beautifully blends timeless elegance with modern performance. They were actually among the first to introduce features like the center cockpit with a below-decks walkway to the master aft cabin. They also quickly adapted cutting-edge technologies, bringing the America’s Cup-inspired wing keel to cruising yachts. More recently, you'll see them embracing sleek, low-rise panoramic coachroofs and flush-deck styling. Typically, their yachts feature a fine entry with the beam carried well aft, resulting in hull shapes that are both modern and appealing. Deck layouts often prioritize easy movement and efficiency, with options for shorthanded or performance configurations, including their signature central plinth-mounted winch just in front of the helm pedestals.

Thinking about their early and influential models, the Contest 25 really stands out as their first big production success. And when it comes to truly notable models, the Contest 38S and Contest 44 are perfect examples of how their designs have evolved:

The Contest 38S, introduced around 1980, is usually a masthead ketch with a fin keel and a rudder on a skeg. It offers a comfortable ratio for cruising and a balanced design, which explains its lasting popularity.

The Contest 44, built between 1997 and 2000, was designed by Dick Zaal. This is a masthead sloop with a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, noted for its spacious accommodations and seaworthy characteristics.

Over the years, Contest's designs have shifted from more traditional long keels to fin keels, always incorporating advancements in hull forms and rig configurations. Their current production models, such as the Contest 55CS and the award-winning Contest 63CS, truly embody their dedication to large, luxurious bluewater cruising yachts.

Contest-44Contest 44

Built to Last: Contest's Construction & Quality Standards

Contest Yachts has long been a trailblazer in construction methods and materials. They were, in fact, one of the first European shipbuilders to use fiberglass extensively, with their expertise going back over 45 years. Their primary construction method involves high-tech vacuum infusion molding, where resin is precisely injected under carefully monitored conditions. This "single-shot" system ensures consistency, integrity, and increased strength, all while achieving significant weight savings. Hulls and decks are often foam-cored, and even interior joinery is foam-cored to concentrate weight exactly where it's needed.

Their commitment to quality control is clearly demonstrated by their early adoption of Lloyd's Register certification for every yacht built since 1972. This meticulous approach leads to truly exceptional build quality, durability, and longevity. Owners frequently rave about the attention to detail, noting things like doors that don't rattle, floorboards that don't squeak, and critical systems installed in easily accessible spots.

On the Water: Performance & Life Aboard a Contest Yacht

Contest yachts are generally well-regarded for their balanced sailing performance. They combine stability, stiffness, and easy handling with surprising speed. They're especially known for their bluewater capability, with features specifically designed for offshore and long-distance cruising. The Contest 63CS, for example, recently snagged the European Yacht of the Year 2025 award in the bluewater category. It was recognized for its robust composite construction, an efficient deck layout ideal for short-handed sailing, and comfortable hull lines that perform admirably in rough seas.

While luxury cruising is their primary focus, some Contest models, particularly those with performance-oriented options like carbon masts and specialized sail plans, can certainly offer a spirited sailing experience. Their yachts are designed to be responsive at the helm, giving you a direct feel for how the boat moves through the water.

Inside, the aesthetic of Contest yachts typically leans towards luxury and refined elegance. They truly prioritize the efficient use of interior space, offering various cabin configurations and layouts to suit individual owner preferences. Natural light is a big plus, with large wraparound windows and hull windows creating bright interiors. You'll often find high-quality joinery (frequently teak or whitewashed oak), upholstered panels, Corian galley tops, and thoughtfully designed amenities that make extended cruising a joy. These boats are crafted to feel like a "home from home," boasting generous headroom, plenty of stowage, and easy access to service points.

What to Know Before You Buy: A Contest Buyer's Guide

Considering a Contest yacht? Expect a vessel built to a high standard, designed for comfortable and capable cruising. Here are some key traits:

  • Robust Construction: Look for evidence of their vacuum infusion process and Lloyd's Register certification – a sure sign of a strong, durable hull.
  • Quality Materials: Their interiors usually feature excellent joinery and top-notch fittings.
  • Seaworthy Design: The hull forms and rig configurations are all geared towards a comfortable motion when you're offshore.
  • Customization Options: Even on older models, Contest offered some degree of customization, so don't be surprised by variations in layouts and finishes.
  • Centre Cockpit (for larger models): Many of their larger yachts feature a center cockpit, which cleverly allows for a truly spacious aft master cabin with its own private walk-through.
  • Fin Keel with Skeg-hung Rudder: This is a common and proven configuration on many of their cruising models, striking a great balance between performance and protection.

While generally well-regarded, there are a few things prospective buyers should keep in mind. Older models might have minor ventilation quirks in certain compartments, though later models and refits often sort these out with electric fans or improved design. Also, the cost of ownership can be higher than for mass-produced yachts, which is simply a reflection of the premium build quality and materials.

Contest Yachts Today: Market Presence & Future

Contest Yachts has firmly established itself as a builder of high-end, luxury bluewater cruising yachts. Their typical customer is a discerning sailor, someone looking for a reliable, comfortable, and performance-oriented vessel for long voyages. The brand enjoys a solid reputation within the sailing community for its unwavering commitment to quality and integrity. While specific resale values naturally fluctuate with the market, Contest yachts generally hold their value well, thanks to their durable construction and timeless designs.

The significant contribution of Contest Yachts to the sailing world lies in its consistent dedication to blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. They’ve continuously refined their designs while sticking to core principles of safety, comfort, and seaworthiness. This unwavering commitment has positioned them as a leader in the segment of semi-custom, high-quality sailing yachts, inspiring generations of sailors and setting a high bar for bluewater cruiser design and construction.

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Sources & References


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