The International Yachting Media Digest
CONTEST 72CS
A masterpiece signed contest yachts
It is unlikely to climb on board the Contest 72 Contest Yachts Contest 72CSCS without getting excited.
Contest Yachts does not simply builds sailboats but creates true masterpieces of naval architecture and, believe me, the difference is perceptible everywhere. Both in terms of construction quality and project design.
If you consider that these yachts are also among the few ones in the world that are able to combine, in a single boat, the characteristics of a blue water cruiser and those of a modern racer-cruiser, then you will certainly understand my eagerness to climb on board this Contest 72 CS.
We’re at the Cannes Yachting Festival and, without fear of contradiction, we’re about to visit one of the most beautiful sailboats of the boat show.
Contest 72CS – The deck
Contest 72CS, skyviewthe expanse of teak housing the deck of the Contest 72 CS is breathtaking. Designed with obsessive attention to detail, it is absolutely flawless. It’s a unique deck that is both the background and the setting of a spaces engineering of rare perfection.
The cockpit is centrally located and sheltered from both atmospheric agents
and rigging. It’s an island of luxury and comfort that, thanks to a lowered position, can accommodate a dozen passengers who can benefit from a comfortable backrest, which is not obvious in the nextgeneration big sailing yachts. Moreover, this lowered profile enables the Contest 72 CS to preserve that “flush” silhouette that gives so much elegance to the boat.
Contest 72CS, downwindthis elegance is not affected even Contest Yachtsby the presence of a real raised saloon that, masterfully, rises from the stern in the form of a dodger to accommodate the large winches, then continues to protect the cockpit and, finally, rises imperceptibly to accommodate the dinette windows.
The deck plan is perfect both to sail twohanded and to join a local sailing race.
This is made possible by both the automation and the position of the winches. In “easy sailing” mode, the helmsman has (in addition to buttons, of course) both he central mainsail winch and the two lateral ones (for jib or gennaker sheets) at his fingertips.
In “racing mode”,contest 72 CS, upwind instead, the helmsman is free to steer while the crew can maneuver in total comfort. The distance between the two wheels is more than enough to accommodate a mainsail trimmer while, just behind the helmsman, another couple of winches frees space for the crew while doubling the maneuvering possibilities.
This dual mode shows all its advantages even when the yacht is at anchor and all the space available behind the helmsman can be easily converted into a sundeck. Forward, teak returns to be the main player
of a flush deck of rare beauty where five flush portholes and the recessed rigging guarantee an unobstructed view.
Contest 72CS – Interiors
Contest 72 CS, dinettebelow deck, the visitor is immediately struck by the interiors. The dinette of the Contest 72 CS is simply amazing.
In this large space, the beauty of a modern environment and the charm of a design that does not pose any doubts about being on a sailboat coexist at best.
Everything that surrounds us has been created by the hands of Contest Yachts shipwrights; unique works, designed and built around the owner’s requests. Solid woods, refined fabrics and Contest 72 CS, humidifierwide-plank flooring come together to compose the traits of a salon framed by a huge perimeter sofa which, on the starboard side, houses a dining table and, on the port side, a coffee table covered in light leather, containing a humidifier.
Two cabinets mark the borders of the salon towards the stern.
The starboard one is used by a large chart table and the navigation station while the port one engenders a huge U-shaped galley that, although separated, becomes an integral part of an interior design of unparalleled beauty and refinement.
Contest 72 CS, saloona door positioned behind the chart table gives access to the master suite which, exploiting the over 5
meters of the overall beam, creates a simply wonderful environment.
Wood and leather, clear and dark contrasting shades frame a huge king-sized bed, whose profile is made of curved solid woods of inestimable value.
On the sides, two bedside tables and two sofas of equal value mark the lateral boundaries of an environment where the extent of the walkway is limited only by the reasonableness of those who really sail.
At the foot of the raisedcontest 72 CS, master cabin bed, there is a shower compartment that, in this version, is separated from the owner bathroom positioned in the corridor on the starboard side.
The stern bulkhead and the ceilings, both covered in clear leather, extend the boundaries of an already huge environment significantly beyond its physical limits, creating something that can be found only on yachts of greater size.
Forward of the salon, going down a step, there are two VIP cabins, each with a queensize bed, private bathroom and separate shower.
Contest 72 CS, VIP cabinthese cabins are both generous and, due to their quality and materials, have little to envy from the master one.
The access to the crew zone,contest 72 CS, VIP cabin 2 positioned in the bow section in this version, is possible both through a watertight door located next to the bathrooms of the VIP cabins and the large hatch in the bow.
This cabin houses two single bunk beds, a private bathroom and a comfortable sofa.
Conclusions
Overall design and single details compose a true masterpiece of naval art. Built around the specific requests of their owners, Contest Yachts are effectively custom yachts. Consequently, every boat is different from the others.
The owner of a Contest yacht is an experienced sailor who, while looking for a design item, wants the best in terms of quality and seaworthiness.
Attractive, fast and safe, these yachts are perfect to both travel around the world in first class and enjoy unforgettable summer cruises where, inevitably, they can’t go unnoticed.
Sure, they are exclusive products bu perhaps this is why they are so sought-after.