The Contest 29 is a 29.0ft masthead sloop designed by G. Luyten and built in fiberglass by Contest Yachts - Conyplex between 1964 and 1976.
247 units have been built..
The Contest 29 is a moderate weight sailboat which is slightly under powered. It is stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a bluewater cruising boat.
Contest 29 for sale elsewhere on the web:
Main features
| Model | Contest 29 | ||
| Length | 29 ft | ||
| Beam | 8.25 ft | ||
| Draft | 4.25 ft | ||
| Country | The Nederlands (Europe) | ||
| Estimated price | $ 0 | ?? |
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| Sail area / displ. | 14.26 | ||
| Ballast / displ. | 38.82 % | ||
| Displ. / length | 274.50 | ||
| Comfort ratio | 30.98 | ||
| Capsize | 1.62 |
| Hull type | Monohull fin keel | ||
| Construction | Fiberglass | ||
| Waterline length | 24 ft | ||
| Maximum draft | 4.25 ft | ||
| Displacement | 8500 lbs | ||
| Ballast | 3300 lbs | ||
| Hull speed | 6.56 knots |
We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt
| Rigging | Masthead Sloop | ||
| Sail area (100%) | 370 sq.ft | ||
| Air draft | 0 ft | ?? | |
| Sail area fore | 187 sq.ft | ||
| Sail area main | 182.90 sq.ft | ||
| I | 34 ft | ||
| J | 11 ft | ||
| P | 29.50 ft | ||
| E | 12.40 ft |
| Nb engines | 1 | ||
| Total power | 0 HP | ||
| Fuel capacity | 0 gals |
Accommodations
| Water capacity | 0 gals | ||
| Headroom | 0 ft | ||
| Nb of cabins | 0 | ||
| Nb of berths | 0 | ||
| Nb heads | 0 |
Builder data
| Builder | Contest Yachts - Conyplex | ||
| Designer | G. Luyten | ||
| First built | 1964 | ||
| Last built | 1976 | ||
| Number built | 247 |
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Sailing "Thanks Dad"
Sailing Lake Michigan out of Waukegan Harbor
Conyplex Contest 29 Mark 1
“Thanks Dad” is a 1967 Contest 29 MK1.
The Contest 29 MK1 was designed by Gerard Luyten and built by the Conyplex boat building plant in Medemblik, the Netherlands. There was a total of 247 built between 1964 and 1976. “Thanks Dad” is hull number 64.
The Contest 29 MK1 is a sloop rigged, full keel design.
The hull, the deck and superstructure are manufactured of reinforced fiberglass. The thickness of the hull at the chine is 1.25”. The thickness of the hull near the deck line is 0.625”. The keel is made of steel and is completely enclosed in the fiberglass hull.
The Contest 29 Mk1 interior is constructed of African mahogany with a solid teak cabin sole. It sleeps 5 with 2 in the “V” berth, 2 pull out settee berths in the cabin and 1 quarter berth. The cabin includes 27 locker cabinets for ample storage. The engine cover is easily removed for full access to the engine.
Specifications: L.O.A 29 feet (8.84 meters) L.W.L 24 feet (7.40 meters) Beam 8 feet 3 inches (2.50 meters) Draft 4 feet 3 inches (1.03 meters) Cabin Height 6 feet 5 inches (1.95 meters) Ballast 3,300 lbs. (1,497 kilograms) Total Weight 8,500 lbs. (3,856 kilograms)
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- Sailboat Guide
Contest Yachts - Conyplex
Founded by Ed Conijn, owner of a timber yard, who decided to try his hand at building boats. After gaining experience in buildling dinghys, Conyplex launched its first cruising yacht in 1959, the Contest 25. This design was an immediate international success and served as the foundation of the company. Under the guidance of Fritz Conijn, Ed’s son, Conyplex grew into a yacht builder of global stature, and the emphasis shifted from serial building to semi-customised yachts between 40 and 65 feet. Together with Marcel Borgmann, Arjen Conijn became the third generation of the family to take over the helm of the company.
Associations
- Quarter Ton Class
- Doug Peterson
- Georg Nissen
- Jacques De Ridder
- Uus van Essen
35 sailboats built by Contest Yachts - Conyplex
Contest 25-1
Contest 31 ht.
Contest 25-2
Contest 32 CS
Contest 38S
Contest 36S
Contest 48CS
Contest 55cs.
Contest 35S
Contest 40S
Contest 250C
Contest 44 Classic
Contest 44CS
Contest 34S
Contest 40A-B
Contest 30 mk i.
Contest 42CS
Contest 45CS
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Contest 29 - Conyplex / STW002573
cabin cruiser
overall length
hull length
waterline length
standard draft
minimum draft
displacement
diesel tank
mast height
Accomodation layouts
standard version
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Contest 30 info (by Conyplex)
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Looking for info on / review of 1969 Contest 30 (by Conyplex) or contact with owners.
The builder only makes good boats! Don't know the 30...but they have always had a great reputation for building high quality boats.
I had an "interesting" experience with Contest 33. Let's just say that at least one of these boats is NOT built as well as their reputation suggests. I had some conversations with Dick Zaal (original designer of Contests of that era) and he seemed to agree with me on that point. It really isn't important what the issue was (though it was *extremely* critical to safety and integrity of the boat, and was caused by original poor build) - just want to underscore that it is paramount to get a survey and not rely on "reputation" of a boat or company. (That said, my surveyor missed the issue, as critical as it was, or rather noted it but did not realize the severity - though in all honesty it was difficult to do externally and took a lot of digging to realize later on).
My father has one, he's had it forever. Sails like a dream, very responsive and solid as a rock. The interior is beautiful wood and Dutch tile. He just had it repowered last year, put a Yanmar in to replace the old Volvo. The only problem I recall is that the traveler in the cockpit ripped out one day, can't remember what caused it, but it was a simple repair. Very nice boat, comfortable and it's done well in the club races. Dad sails it single handed most of the time. He's 87 and he loves that boat.
I 2sd what jrd22 said! I aways been impressed with your dads boat!
Contest 30 info Hi -- I own a 1972 Contest 30, Mk II. I would be glad to tell you about the boat. What would you like to know? Steve
I have owned a Contest 29 (1967) for about 10 years and love the boat. Sails great and has a lovely interior. I presently have her on the hard while completeing a fullrefit and restoration and have her for sale on sailnet. I have finaaly decided tomove up to a larger boat more conducive to my liveaboard lifestyle. I can answer many questions aftewr having her apart from stem to stern and if you want to , you can contact me with any questions you may have. I also have a full size copy of the originakl deck plans from conyplex if you want to have me make you a copy. best of luck with your Contest, Rick
The posts have confirmed general quality that available, but limited, research as suggested. This particular boat still retains its original wooden mast, however, it is in excellent condition with annual maintenance by current owner. Overall, the boat is in excellent condition, still has atomic 4, but also in good shape. As info is limited for research, I was just wondering about general stability with the high cabin top and any risk areas on the boat to watch out for (will have survey done). Wooden mast is a concern in the long run (great shape as noted, I inspected mast for cracks, etc., as mast is down for winter maintenance), but researching with local shipyard for estimate of replacement if the mast were to fail.
My 1967 Contest 29 ,which is virually identical exceept for the bottom (full keel) and still has it's original wooden stick which is still in great shape. Like most things concerning boats , it is all about maintenence. If your mast has been maintained and is in good shape now there is no reason why youe shouold have any trouble with it. Just keep it varnished, I took mine down (completely stripped it ) and gave it fourteen coats of varnish, it looks georgeous and always gets alot of nice comments. ALso, if you have any trouble spots with it, wood is very easy to repair. Rick
Thanks, this has all been very helpful. midnightsailor - if I go through with purchase, I will be in touch re: deckplans and insight on refit. It is essentially bare bones w/limited electrical and nav, so will have projects, but is totally ready for the water.
The survey came in very clean, boat is mine most likely, pending replacement of fuel tank. Any deck plans would be helpful. Interested in any electrical upgrades that have been done.
I would be happy to provide any help I can. Why don't you PM me and i can make arrangements to get you a copy of the deck plan. I have the original but I can have it copied at a local printer as it is very large an dthen put it in a tube and mail it to you. I have completetly redone the electrical system on my Contest using all Blue SEas Panels and other components I would beglad to share this with you. I am not surprised to hear the survey went well, they are well built and robust boats using excellent materials in their construction, and being a solid layup there are no core issues to deal with. Congrats and good luck, Rick
Contest29 I just purchased a 1966 contest 29 on the Hudson in rockland county. I tried to send you a private message but since i had not yet posted it wouldnt let me. I'd appreciate being about to ask you a question now and then and get a copy of those deck plans you mentioned if possible. thanks Paul
Contest29 I plan on bringing her up the Hudson to near Catskill in mid April and putting her in a slip in a marina.
Contest29 My regular email is [email protected] thanks
Contest 29 I found her on Craigslist for the Hudson Valley
Contest29 fifth post..now I can pm you
Brak and all others, good day, i'm from the netherlands and on the verge of buying a contest 33 and i'm very curious about what it is that you found on the boat that's extremely dangerous? We have not yet planned the profesisonal inspection, but we will offcourse. Meanwhile i'll be much obliged to hear your story... Kind regards, Kubbe
So I just purchased a Conyplex. I'm told she's a 1970 30' MK II. That mean anything to any of you? I have found it very hard to locate information about this boat. I thought she was pretty, and the price was more than right for the condition.
Hello Brak, I'm a contest33 owner and I'd be extremely interested to hear your experience and the problem you have found out. I tried to send you a private message but being new in this forum I'm not allowed to do it. Could you please send me a private message explaining in details the whole matter? Looking forward to hear from you, I thank you in advance, Donato
Conyplex Contest 29 I have a Contest 29 which I am very happy with. The identification plate gives the build number as "25" . I am not sure whether this means 25th of the 29 series or the total boat build of the yard at that time.Do any of you know please? I would be happy to exchange information with other owners.
ark said: I have a Contest 29 which I am very happy with. The identification plate gives the build number as "25" . I am not sure whether this means 25th of the 29 series or the total boat build of the yard at that time.Do any of you know please? I would be happy to exchange information with other owners. Click to expand...
Conyplex Contest 29 Thank you for that.
I have no. "64" in Lake Michigan. Brought her here from the Chesapeake Bay in Feb of 2012. She was my dad's but he is getting a bit too old for sailing and gave her to my brother and me. I have been blogging about my boat owning adventures: thanks-dad.blogspot.com Where are you located?
I came across this old post where you say you have an original set of deck plans for your 1967 Contest 29. I too have a 1967 Contest 29. Hull number 64. I would love a copy deck plans! Thanks
I have a 1967 Contest 29 (hull 64). Any chance you still have the deck plans? Could I get a copy? Thanks
Rick or anyone with a Contest 29 Mk1. I bought my boat this year and am looking for some information regarding the sailplan. Finnack was built at Conyplex in 1969, Hull no 045. She's a lovely boat but needs some new sails and general TLC. The cockpit coaming is rotten on the port side and I'd be interested in hearing suggestions as to how anyone has resolved this problem where water gathers. The coaming also uncomfortable to sit on 😣 It would be great to connect with fellow owners.. I'm based in the UK and this is my first boat...so a steep learning curve. Many thanks, Dee
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Contest 49CS review: luxurious bluewater cruiser
- Toby Hodges
- February 14, 2023
Contest Yachts has created a hull with the unique option of two different decks and layouts. We tested the first aft helm Contest 49CS over two lively days
Product Overview
Price as reviewed:.
Ahead of testing the Contest 49CS we had some miserable weather, certainly not the sort of conditions you’d ordinarily choose to go out in. It had been blowing 30 knots for the past 30 hours straight that we’d been aboard and despite the protection the small fishing port on the Dutch island of Texel offered, there was still enough swell bouncing around inside its walls to make the warps groan as we pitched up and down against the old musselling barge alongside. No, were time not an issue – were you cruising proper – you’d choose to stay warm and dry, read a book in the decidedly welcoming interior, enjoy some more coffee and local cuisine.
But as I donned all of the foul weather kit I could in preparation for our second day of sailing in these conditions, there was a certain pleasure in the task, a knowledge that this craft would take in its stride what was lurking outside the harbour’s confines. Once we were spat out of that tight entrance channel, there’d be no hiding, but also little need to – because, I knew now, there was still sailing enjoyment to be had. I’d built up a rapport with this Contest 49CS, a level of confidence only a well built yacht can provide.
That said, this new model does bring with it some fundamental questions – not least, whether you might choose this or its twin sister, the Contest 50CS.
Taking on the strong conditions with full sails. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images
Decisions decisions
The new 50ft premium bluewater cruiser market is brimming with top choices, including the proven Amel 50 , Hallberg-Rassy 50 and the new Oyster 495 . These all tend to share a layout formula: a deep centre cockpit to protect the crew and the typical large aft master suite this can help buy space for.
What if your desires and demands were different, however? Many cruising sailors today aren’t looking to spend long periods on the ocean and prefer layouts that suit their anchorages/destinations, while many also spend long periods aboard in the hospitable Mediterranean before going further afield.
What if you place a higher value on helm sensation, deck relaxation space, a proper swim platform, a garage to house a practical dinghy? Or perhaps you want more space or comfort for your guests or children? To find designs with layouts focussed more on these elements you’d typically have to look towards performance oriented yachts such as the Solaris 50 we featured last month, or those from Swan or X-Yachts.
Reefed down in the windy conditions. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images
When developing a new 50ft bluewater cruiser Contest Yachts factored such questions in and decided on offering the hull in two completely different layouts: the more conventional centre cockpit/aft master 50CS and the first aft cockpit/twin aft cabin style boat in this market, the Contest 49CS. And by developing a full hybrid option at this size, it offers clients more choice still.
“The idea is that we bring something new and attract a different market with this,” says Arjen Conijn, CEO of this third generation family run yard, who joined us for a sail. “The main interior option is the choice of a completely different layout!”
Flush composite decking and hatches. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images
Contest built over 50 of the original Contest 50 since it launched in 2002, but it has not been produced for some years by the Medemblik yard. This current Judel/Vrolijk-designed interpretation has a modern hull shape, designed to perform in all conditions, with long waterlines, high topsides, beam carried right aft and plenty of glass. It’s a voluminous package, which has helped the yard to create these two opposing layouts.
It’s a unique choice, which will come down to the type of sailing owners want to do. At the time of our trial, Contest had sold eight Contest 50CSs and four Contest 49CSs. The owner of this first Contest 49CS, for example, sails with his two children and wanted them to have similar sized cabins they wouldn’t squabble over! To gain these spacious aft doubles or twins you do have to be prepared to give up some space in the master cabin – a forward owner’s suite never feels as plush as an aft, full beam version at this size.
Sail handling is managed effectively from or around the helm stations. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images
Lively greeting
November in the North Sea can be pretty bleak. The yard had a small window for shooting press images (which they managed in a few hours of sun), before we were given the exclusive opportunity to spend a couple of days and nights aboard.
I’ve never known such consistent conditions: 25-30 knots of grey, all day, all night, and all the next day! So our introduction was a lively one as we exited the naval port of Den Helder, and began deep reaching, as the wind ripped against the tide to form a testing 1.5m-2m sea. We kept full white sails for as long as possible to give the photographer some full sail shots as we ploughed down the channel towards the island of Texel, averaging 9-10 knots with 13 knot surfs.
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The Contest 49CS quickly proved itself. The single rudder offers plenty of grip, while steering from the aft helms provides a relatively direct sensation.
And for a yacht with a generous underbody, it was still playful enough to enjoy the surf. More fun came when we turned around into the wind, sharp waves and, by this stage, rain.
Despite the thoroughly unwelcoming conditions, I already had an entrenched confidence in the yacht. Perhaps it’s because I know how it’s built and to what standard (more on that later). But it also proved dependable to handle and relatively easy to control.
Easy sail handling. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images
Reefing the main and genoa and adjusting the genoa cars could all be done from the cockpit and helm area. Having crew to keep lines under control during tacks and furls in strong wind obviously helps. The mainsheet plinth works well, providing a bracing position between pedestals from which to keep keen control of the powerful sheet. A hydraulic backstay and vang also aid mainsail trim.
One of the biggest takeaways was how quiet the Contest remained below decks during these trials, with no movement or creaking. The curved companionway steps and solid handrails are mounted where you need them most to help make it safe to move around.
Punchy performance
We averaged 8.5 knots punching into the waves with a double reefed main and genoa, something we were to repeat the following day during a long beat at 30° to the apparent wind. It tacked tightly, with a nice steady motion and in good control. And despite this not presenting the prettiest of sail shapes, it felt balanced enough on the helm.
The deep, sunken cockpit houses a short but wide and sturdy table with space for eight to sit around. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images
However, a concern was that with this in-mast 3Di mainsail, we were at maximum reef with two reefs in. Personally I’d want deeper reef points or a third reef and potentially some sort of staysail or storm jib option to keep the sailplan balanced when things get really fruity.
But that’s an owner decision, which involves many factors when commissioning the rig and sails including, in this case, the handling simplicity of in-mast furling versus the performance of vertical battens and how much of the inner mast profile these and the mandrel take up.
The test boat had a relatively standard deck layout, with electric winches for main and genoa within reach of the twin helmstations, plus an extra set of optional multipurpose/spinnaker winches on the coaming step. The optional electric genoa furler also proved a wise choice during our trials.
Large swim platform and RIB garage. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images
There are no designed-in options for tidying up the sheets, but halyard tails are at least kept at the mast base with this in-mast mainsail set up.
Viewed from the side, this is a large yacht, with high topsides (I could only just reach the bottom of the boom standing on tiptoes). That equates to headroom Dutch folk will marvel at below decks and helps keep dry decks in waves, but brings downsides such as boarding and windage. Adding a coveline might help aesthetically break up the freeboard.
The helms are outboard and high enough for good sightlines, particularly with the low sprayhood design. This seems a good compromise, in that most adults will need to duck to get below it, but it still protects the forward end of the cockpit without overly hindering views or aesthetics.
The steering felt relatively direct. Despite the aft helms and short connections needed, Contest uses Jefa’s tube and rod system, with independent linkage on each wheel to the quadrant to provide redundancy and allow autopilots to mount on each side.
Chunky bowsprit with integrated anchor roller and tack points. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images
The extension of the cockpit coaming aft gives some protection and creates a practical perch for the helmsman, while the huge, beam wide deck area aft is free for lounging (with additional beanbags) with direct access to the swim platform. The quarters are well designed, with lifting seats to access cleats and fairleads, and deep, handy lockers with line hangers for warps and hoses.
A garage below the main aft deck houses a 2.8m RIB mounted athwartships. Fenders can stow in the dinghy itself as there is big central access for use when under way. Elsewhere the sail locker in the bows is plenty roomy enough for the Helix gennaker on Corazon.
eautifully built and finished, the interior has a warming, inviting and luxurious feel. The saloon easily hosted six of us for drinks in real comfort. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images
On arriving at midnight for the first of two nights aboard, we descended into a particularly welcoming semi-raised saloon. It’s a smart, contemporary and appealing interior, which shouts modern elegance and design, backed up by a superior quality of finish. Equally, following a day of inclement weather sailing, it felt atmospheric and inviting to recuperate in the well insulated and heated accommodation.
Wetzels & Brown, Contest’s long term design partners, did the styling. “Gill [Brown] treats everything as a superyacht, always adding light and comfort,” thinks Arjen Conijn. He explained how the main bulkhead might conventionally use horizontal lines to enhance the beam, whereas the Contest 49CS has plenty of beam already, so vertical lines were chosen. Brown wanted a gentle, rounded corner look to the wood, “so we needed to find a way to bend it!” The ribbed natural oak used on the main bulkhead, which curves towards the forward cabin, is a beautifully executed centrepiece.
Larger chart table option. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images
Generous hull portlights and coachroof windows provide ample natural light. The saloon ports are at different heights to the cabin ports, which makes sense to get the correct horizon lines when seated, even if it does look a little odd from outside. The saloon, with its thick cushions, is a comfortable adaptable area. Pouf stools are used to convert the port side sofa into a chaise or daybed, or they can slide over to join the table, which also lowers and doubles over.
One of the yacht’s trumps is the accessibility of usable stowage. Contest uses sprung hinges to make it quick and easy to access the spaces below the saloon seating, for example. Then, moving forward from the saloon you’ll find a favourite feature: a proper large hanging locker, which has been cleverly camouflaged into the ribbed joinerwork. The full height of this allows for two rails, so you can hang wet and dry gear separately and there is a heater outlet in the base.
The owner of the test boat had chosen an enlarged chart table at the expense of a shower stall in the smaller aft heads. Owners of this type of yacht will arguably want a desk of this size anyway, so it’s a pity to have to choose between the two. And as it is, you still only get a stool with this larger desk, not a proper chair with a seat back. But it’s on the same level as the saloon, so there are views through the hull ports, and it’s within communication of the cockpit.
The forward master ensuite cabin proves it can still be lavish in this layout. Photo: David de Jong
A large carbon panel houses instruments and has excellent access to the wiring behind; there’s an alcove for pilot books, while the power points and battery switches are beneath the table’s large lifting lid. While you can monitor everything on the C-Zone touch screen, there is redundancy built in to manually control all the important systems, with a fuse for each.
At the forward end of the galley, where it can be accessed from the saloon too, is a smart slide-out cupboard designed for a Nespresso machine and its capsules.
Moving aft, the passageway galley is high and deep, in a layout which proved useful for working at heel, with the large sink and counter mounted inboard.
However, there’s only a narrow hatch to the cockpit, no hull port, and worksurface space is a little compact, particularly the inboard draining area. The bin is also on the small side, but there is good raised and undercounter stowage.
The aft twin berths (above) can form double. Photo: David de Jong
Arguably the biggest gain of this layout comes in the (identical) aft cabins, especially the amount of beam and headroom here. These have separated twin berths in each cabin, yet the outboard bed can slide across to transform either cabin to a double. There’s good stowage and still lofty headroom (around 7ft) back here (enough to make me wonder if so much freeboard is really needed).
Although I said it may slightly lack the wow factor of an aft master, the forward owner’s suite is still a supremely comfortable cabin. There is enough beam to have steps up each side of the large double berth and the headboard forward, so you can recline looking up through the double hatches at the rig, or through those XL portlights.
The details are classy, from the lighting and switches, to the blinds, magazine racks and fabric on the hull lining. Yet practical features also remain, such as a variety of stowage options, manual fans and leecloths to divide the mattress and contain those on it. The ensuite has an excellent shower stall, which includes the option for a washer dryer in the outboard locker. A towel rail is not a standard fit, however, and a shower tray or alcove for soaps/shampoos would help.
Floorboards all lift for systems access.
Engineering and construction
A three-quarters height door opposite the aft heads provides the main engine room access, and once inside there’s standing headroom aft around the saildrive. This is mounted on hefty shock absorbers, while the genset is installed further forward under the companionway steps.
The Contest 49CS and Contest 50CS are also offered with an electric hybrid drive, developed with Torqeedo to use its electric shaft drive with BMW batteries and a 20kW genset. For a bluewater cruiser builder, Contest is comparatively early in offering a full hybrid option. Equally, Estec composite decking is standard fit as opposed to teak, as is induction cooking with 460Ah of 24V batteries, and the option to upgrade to 600Ah and from gel to lithium.
This battery bank, along with 700lt fuel and water tanks, is mounted under the saloon. The sole boards all lift on suckers, below which the marine ply floor is mounted on an aluminium grid.
assageway galley works well and includes nice details. Photo: David de Jong
Fuel filters for the main engine were positioned below the navstation stool, and although the enlarged chart table was an optional choice on this boat, it meant access was tricky including the need to remove the stool. For future builds, Contest is moving the filters to below the galley sink, behind the bin.
The Contest 49CS has a one-shot vacuum-infused sandwich hull and deck with a foam core. The hull is kept in the mould while stiffeners and keel grid are added, to maintain a perfect shape when it comes out, Conijn explains, therefore the deck is not needed to create stiffness. This also allows the yard to assemble a lot of the bigger parts outside of the boat.
Contest has worked with Lloyd’s Register for the last five decades, to deliver all its yachts with a hull construction certificate. This involves approvals from design stage all the way through build, including ongoing inspections of materials and methods and the signing off of keel and rudder connections etc. It’s an impressively rigorous and reassuring process. Take forward grounding precautions for example: “Lloyd’s Register requires impact resistance to three times the boat’s displacement at the lowest tip of the keel,” says Conijn.
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Stepping off the boat following our trials, it struck me that Corazon, Spanish for heart, courage or spirit, feels like a pretty apt name for this 49CS. Although its layout is more typically associated with Med-style yachts, it’s a dependable medium displacement design and build which is both enjoyable and reassuring to sail. It’s the culmination of some tasty ingredients: Dutch build quality and a family-run, can-do approach, with contemporary styling and the reassurance of Lloyds approval. Would I choose one? If I had teenage or adult children or friends I cruised with frequently, then this layout makes sense. And I like it from a helming and more direct steering perspective. But Contest has made the bold call to take both this and the first 50CS (centre cockpit) version to the Düsseldorf boat show. So I think I may just have to compare them side by side before making that decision – it’s a tough contest indeed.
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Contest 31 - Offshore reliability?
- Thread starter Capt. Andrew
- Start date Sep 30, 2007
- Brand-Specific Forums
- Other Sailboats
Capt. Andrew
Recently purchased a 1975 Contest 31. While reading Hal Roth's "How To Sail Around The World", he shared the tale of "Banjo", a Contest 31, that suffered a six-foot tear in its hull during a hurricane (between Bahamas and east coast of US). Boat was abandoned. Sustained 60 knot winds in what were described as 50-foot breaking seas. Have other small Contests, like the 31, crossed oceans?
Contest 31 I read the same book and also recently purchased a 1980 Contest 31HT. I think the main thing to take away from that portion of Hal Roth's book is that a Contest 31 can take several knock downs from 50+ foot waves and still stay afloat. In fact, I think Roth implied that the excellent construction of the Contest 31 was the main reason the owner, and friends, made it back alive. As you know, the Contest 31HT (there are two versions of the 31HT designed by Dick Zaal and another version of a different Contest 31 designed by different designer) has a small cockpit which is perfect for open ocean sailing. In addition, she is built like a tank - real solid, with flat uncluttered
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Review of Contest 34
Basic specs..
The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season.
The boat is equipped with 322.0 liter fresh water capacity.
The Contest 34 is equipped with a fin keel. A boat with a fin keel is more manoeuvrable but has less directional stability than a similar boat with a full keel.
The keel is made of lead. Compared with iron, lead has the advantage of being 44% heavier, which allows a smaller keel and hence less water resistance and higher speed.
The boat can enter most marinas as the draft is just about 1.75 - 1.85 meter (5.74 - 6.04 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.
Contest 34 is typically equipped with an inboard Volvo Penta MD2B diesel engine at 25.0 hp (18 kW), which gives a max speed about 4.8 knots.
The transmission is a shaft drive. A shaft drive will in the long run require less maintenance than other types of drive e.g. a sail drive.
The fuel tank has a capacity of 125.0 liters (33 US gallons, 27 imperial gallons).
Sailing characteristics
This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.
What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?
The capsize screening value for Contest 34 is 1.76, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.
What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?
The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 7.0 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.
The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Contest 34 is about 191 kg/cm, alternatively 1072 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 191 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 1072 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.
Sailing statistics
This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.
What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?
What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?
What is a Ballast Ratio?
What is Displacement Length Ratio?
Maintenance
When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 32m 2 (344 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.
If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.
| Usage | Length | Diameter | ||
| Jib sheet | 10.4 m | (34.0 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Genoa sheet | 10.4 m | (34.0 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Mainsheet | 25.9 m | (85.0 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Spinnaker sheet | 22.8 m | (74.8 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.
Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.
We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Contest 34 it would be a great help.
If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.
- Yachting Monthly
- Digital edition
- July 9, 2009
The early Contests by U van Essen scarcely registered in this country. In the early 1970s, Dick Zaal designed a new range of cruiser-racers, which also included this Contest 25, a replacement for the company’s first yacht. She was imported in some numbers by Interyacht of Woodbridge. She is full-bodied with a shallow fin, skeg-hung rudder and moderate masthead rig. Former YM editor Des Sleightholme described her as ‘well-built and handsome… equally suitable as a family cruiser for beginners or for passage racing.’ She may not make the grade in racing anymore, but her five-berth layout with good headroom, practical galley and heads amidships, is comfortable and spacious, though simple in construction. She is light and stable on the helm and a good sea-boat.
LOA 7.54m (24ft 8in), LWL 6.10m (20ft), beam 2.5m (8ft 3in), draught 1.25m (4ft 1in), displacement 2,350kg (5,160lb). Price guide: £9,000 to £13,000. YM Test Report May 1973.
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IMAGES
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COMMENTS
CONTEST 29. Save to Favorites . Beta Marine. BOTH. US IMPERIAL. METRIC. Sailboat Specifications Definitions ... 1997), states that a boat with a BN of less than 1.3 will be slow in light winds. A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and Racing ...
The l/b ratio for Contest 29 is 3.52. Wide Slim 90% 0 50 100. Compared with other similar sailboats it is slimmer than 90% of all other designs. It seems that the designer has chosen a significantly more speedy hull design. This type of design is also referred to as 'needle'.
Contest 29 is a 29′ 0″ / 8.8 m monohull sailboat designed by G. Luyten and built by Contest Yachts - Conyplex between 1964 and 1976. ... The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in pounds ...
The Contest 29 is a 29.0ft masthead sloop designed by G. Luyten and built in fiberglass by Contest Yachts - Conyplex between 1964 and 1976. 247 units have been built. The Contest 29 is a moderate weight sailboat which is slightly under powered. It is stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized.
Contests are noted for their wood rub strake and large stainless steel stem fitting. The rub strake covers the deck to hull joint. The deck is formed with about a 1' high section of the topside. This makes the deck very rigid and the deck to hull joint very strong and waterproof.
The Contest 29 MK1 was designed by Gerard Luyten and built by the Conyplex boat building plant in Medemblik, the Netherlands. There was a total of 247 built between 1964 and 1976. "Thanks Dad" is hull number 64. The Contest 29 MK1 is a sloop rigged, full keel design. The hull, the deck and superstructure are manufactured of reinforced ...
The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Contest 29 is about 164 kg/cm, alternatively 923 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 164 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 923 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.
After gaining experience in buildling dinghys, Conyplex launched its first cruising yacht in 1959, the Contest 25. This design was an immediate international success and served as the foundation of the company. Under the guidance of Fritz Conijn, Ed's son, Conyplex grew into a yacht builder of global stature, and the emphasis shifted from ...
Contest 29 - Conyplex / STW002573. Contest 29. - Conyplex. Edit Print Favorite sailboats. The Contest 29 produced by the builder Conyplex and designed by Gerard Luyten, is a cabin cruiser for cruise, rigged Sloop.
Boat Review Forum. SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more! ... I have owned a Contest 29 (1967) for about 10 years and love the boat. Sails great and has a lovely interior.
Dutch built luxury Contest 59CS yacht features handcrafted Bentley interior. Dutch Yachting Weekend 2021. All new Contest 49CS. Contest 49CS & 50CS update. Contest Yachts goes all-electric with Torqeedo. Contest Yachts expands distributors network into Far East. Contest 49CS & 50CS world premiere boot Düsseldorf.
Founded by Ed Conijn, owner of a timber yard, who decided to try his hand at building boats. After gaining experience in buildling dinghys, Conyplex launched its first cruising yacht in 1959, the Contest 25. This design was an immediate international success and served as the foundation of the company. Under the guidance of Fritz Conijn, Ed's son, Conyplex grew into a yacht builder of global ...
The following address is for a guy whos father was the importer of the Contest boats back in the 70's & 80's. He (the son) is a boat dealer and sailing club. He should be able to give you more info on the boats. Martin van Breems 54 Calf Pasture Beach Rd 06855 Norwalk tel: +1 (203) 838 1110 fax: +1 (203) 838 0377.
The rudder is skeg-hung and she is masthead-rigged. She has a fully-fitted and well-built interior with five or six berths, including a quarterberth and midships heads. The Contest 31 HT now makes a very good, seaworthy family cruiser of her period. (5ft 9in), displacement 4,776kg (10,509lb). price guide: £14,000 to £20,000.
Contest 29 for sale in Westbrook Connecticut. View pictures and details of this boat or search for more Contest boats for sale on boats.com. ... Boat Reviews. Contest 42 CS: A Sailboat for Cruising and Racing. Staff. April 21, 2014. Boat Reviews. Perry Design Review: Dehler 29. Bob Perry. August 25, 2000.
Contest is a yacht brand that currently has 45 yachts for sale on YachtWorld, including 16 new vessels and 29 used yachts, listed by experienced yacht brokers and boat dealerships mainly in the following countries: Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France and United States. The selection of models featured on YachtWorld spans a spectrum of sizes and ...
Because the 42 CS does not have a big stern that projects out a lot, the shoulder width of the aft berths is limited to 4.6 feet. That's the absolute minimum size for a double berth, while length and headroom are fine. By contrast, the size of the double berth in the forepeak of the test boat was ample at 5.67 feet.
The Contest 49CS has a one-shot vacuum-infused sandwich hull and deck with a foam core. The hull is kept in the mould while stiffeners and keel grid are added, to maintain a perfect shape when it ...
Capt. Andrew. Recently purchased a 1975 Contest 31. While reading Hal Roth's "How To Sail Around The World", he shared the tale of "Banjo", a Contest 31, that suffered a six-foot tear in its hull during a hurricane (between Bahamas and east coast of US). Boat was abandoned. Sustained 60 knot winds in what were described as 50-foot breaking seas.
Fin keel. The Contest 34 is equipped with a fin keel. A boat with a fin keel is more manoeuvrable but has less directional stability than a similar boat with a full keel. The keel is made of lead. Compared with iron, lead has the advantage of being 44% heavier, which allows a smaller keel and hence less water resistance and higher speed.
Contest 29 for sale with Boatshed Plymouth - https://plymouth.boatshed.com/contest_29-boat-261404.html Photos and video taken by Boatshed Plymouth
Yachting Monthly. July 9, 2009. 0 shares. Contest 25. The early Contests by U van Essen scarcely registered in this country. In the early 1970s, Dick. Zaal designed a new range of cruiser-racers, which also included this Contest 25, a replacement for the company's first yacht. She was imported in some numbers by Interyacht of Woodbridge.
Location: Woods Hole, MA. Boat: Cape Dory 25. Posts: 7. Contest 33 capabilities and problem areas. I am looking to upgrade from my Cape Dory 25 to something 30-34 ft, to get standing headroom, an enclosed head, and a real galley. I live aboard and sail Cape Cod and the islands in the summer/fall season, and am tired of camping I found a Contest ...
Mr. Trump's allies are preparing to try to short-circuit the election system, if he does not win. Nearly four years ago, Mr. Trump's attempt to challenge the election results was chaotic and ...