CONTEST 55CS

LOA: 17.00m 55ft 9in • LENGTH inc bowsprit 18.10m 59ft 5in • BEAM: 5.02m 16ft 6in • PRICE: POA • www.contestyachts.com

Two of the most outstanding large yachts of the past few years have been the Contest 85CS and Contest 67CS. The 55CS should therefore be high on the shortlist of anyone looking for a top-quality yacht of a size that can be handled without professional crew. Nevertheless it’s pitched into a somewhat crowded marketplace that includes the newly launched Oyster 565 and Hallberg-rassy 57.

The Contest 55CS is intended as a bluewater performance cruiser that combines gorgeous styling and powerful hull lines with advanced structural engineering and construction. A new development for the yard is the inclusion of carbon fibre and one-shot vacuum injection moulding for key structural elements. The resulting weight saving is used partly to keep displacement down, but also allows these components to be smaller, which increases the accommodation volume.

This third-generation family yard, established in 1959, has steadily built up an enviable reputation as a world-class builder of serious fast cruising yachts from 42-85ft. Build quality and structural engineering are backed by Lloyd’s Register oversight and certification for every boat that leaves the factory.

The Judel/vrolijk hull has minimal overhangs and broad transom sections, though maximum beam is not carried right aft and there’s a single rudder. One of the many neat touches on this boat is that the 1.1m long

integral composite bowsprit is engineered such that a bobstay is not needed, which simplifies anchoring.

This model incorporates much of the superyacht styling, fit out and feel of Contest’s larger yachts, along with a new interior look that includes joinery with extra large radius corners.

Interior design is again by Wetzels Brown & Partners, with considerable attention paid to maximising natural light. Hull portlights can be fitted at four stations and there’s a novel large window in the aft bulkhead of the owner’s cabin that gives a seascape view at anchor when the door for the tender garage is lowered.