contessa 35 sailboat

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• About The Boat
• 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!

Contessa 35

• Add to quote

Hi all, I have been beating the bushes in the New England area for a 35 to 38 footer. I have just sold my sabre 28 that I spent the last two years restoring. I am not looking for a project boat. A little cosmetic work is O.K. (even some soft spots in the deck). My price is up to 55k. I have run the gauntlet of Tartan 37s, Bristol 35.5s, Niagara 35s and a beautifully maintained 1974 Pearson 39. I have raced on many C&Cs and fing them generic. I have been sailing for over 40 years and can not stand the new generation of suppositories with sticks !!! I will be weekending, week to two week cruising and if life works out maybe a month to go south. I enjoy the occasional race The lion share of my sailing will be in the New England area. I want a boat that is comfortable, but does well in light air. I have recently come across a Contessa 35 in great shape. She was owned by a guy who new the right way to take care of a boat. Turn Key with lots of new gear. Westerbeke diesel and a very good sail inventory. She has been set up with roller furling and all running rigging led to cockpit with self tailing winches. She has oversized self tailing primaries. My thought is, a mostly retiered one tonner that can be sailed short handed could be a great light air summer sailing boat. My problem no one seems to know anything about the 35. The Contessa 32 is world famouse for many good reasons. Any thoughts out there? Thank You and Thank God (and Al Gore) for the internet.  

The Contessa 35 is a Doug Peterson design of the late'70s IOR era, not too different from the breakthrough Ganbare 35 at the time. As a Contessa I'd expect the build quality to be a cut above the other generic builders of that time, like Chaser and US yachts. These boats are not ideal passagemakers but offer lively performance despite some probable quirky behavior downwind in a breeze. That said, they can offer good value for the money. If it's the one in Stanford CT it looks pretty nice and well kept. Certainly she'll be a good performer esp upwind, but a much different vessel than more recent designs that were not trying to cheat a specific design rule. Sometimes (often) this process produced boats that "rated" well but did not necessarily have blind speed, and occasionally produced boats with real bad habits. Some of these models show their Racer/Cruiser bent (as opposed to Cruiser/Racer) with pipe berths and sail stowage over accomodation. Good luck.  

Faster said: The Contessa 35 is a Doug Peterson design of the late'70s IOR era, not too different from the breakthrough Ganbare 35 at the time. As a Contessa I'd expect the build quality to be a cut above the other generic builders of that time, like Chaser and US yachts. These boats are not ideal passagemakers but offer lively performance despite some probable quirky behavior downwind in a breeze. That said, they can offer good value for the money. If it's the one in Stanford CT it looks pretty nice and well kept. Certainly she'll be a good performer esp upwind, but a much different vessel than more recent designs that were not trying to cheat a specific design rule. Sometimes (often) this process produced boats that "rated" well but did not necessarily have blind speed, and occasionally produced boats with real bad habits. Some of these models show their Racer/Cruiser bent (as opposed to Cruiser/Racer) with pipe berths and sail stowage over accomodation. Good luck. Click to expand...

Some good boats to look at are located here , including the CS 36T JRP mentions.  

Thanks for the input. I missed the cs 36 as a possible choice. She's no light weight, but the feedback seems to indicate a good sailing boat.  

FWIW I think the CS 36T would be a much better, more versatile and offshore capable boat than the Contessa 35 - they have a solid rep and I know of several that are on the Mexico/Pacific cruise path. Owners are enthusiastic supporters....  

Maine Sail said: CS-36T Gallery (LINK) Click to expand...

sailingdog said: Maine Sail- Isn't it about time you upgraded to a bigger boat... Click to expand...

Hi to all who took the time to respond to my cry for help. I think the recommendation for the CS36 is a very good one. I will be looking at an older one in R.I. that is priced right, but probably needs some updating. I know the Contessa is an unknown, but for the price with the gear and if she surveys well it will be hard to pass up. I think it is hard to separate yourself from the boats you have owned, love and would love to own someday. I think if I where going to opt for a Canadian boat in my price range it would be the Niagara 35 in Maine. My boat partner saw her a few weeks ago. What a sweat heart. I would give up a little performance for the beauty and condition of this boat. To “Maine Sail” I must say you have a beauty that I know you are rightly proud of. I am a old grad of MMA in Castine and have been spoiled by the collection of great boats in Maine and the lavish attention they receive and deserve. The T37 is still my #1 choice, but they have such a range of condition and history. Most in my price range are looking at a re power in the near future. My front runner T37 has a w50 and I have not heard very many good things about this engine. If you read the re power article at tartan37.com it will curl your toes. Thanks again for the time and thoughts pkilty p.s. do we all own the same moister meter. It must be keeping Canada’s economy going…  

As revealed on another thread, I would axe-murder my grandma for a Contessa 35. It's not as roomy as many boats, but it will go anywhere and Jemmy Rogers built em right.  

Hi. I am the co-owner of a Contessa 35 which we sail out of Kingston on Lake Ontario. We have had her for 5 years and are slowly fixing, upgrading and replacing things as well as sailing her as much as our short summers permit. She is a joy to sail -muscular(if you can use that adjective to describe a boat), balanced, solid and fast. A real thoroughbred. I'm not sure about singlehanding though, if that's in your plans. Possible maybe but neither one of us have ever tried it. The self tailing winches on the boat you are looking at are a huge plus -we don't have them and wish we did but can't afford the substantial cost in replacing our original equipment. Good luck in your search.  

Do you still own the Contessa 35 and are you interested in selling?​  

contessa no go Cs36t maybe Hi, I have found a Cs 36t pretty cheap. Maybe too cheap. Can you tell me what areas of your boat may have needed attention? Is the v drive reliable? The boat I am going to look at was built in 1983 and has been on the hard for two years with out a cover. I am not expecting her to cosmetically look like much, but she has a good inventory and the broker says she was put away by the yard so I am hoping no freezing problems. I know the hulls are solid glass, but like most boats the deck is balsa core. Did you find any areas on your boat that surprised you with moisture? I know I will have a long way to go to get this boat as "Bristol" as Maine Sails. I don't mind some elbow grease, but I'm not looking for a project boat. The Contessa is a great boat, but not comfy enough for the woman in my life. Thanks, Pat Kilty  

pkilty said: Hi, I have found a Cs 36t pretty cheap. Maybe too cheap. Can you tell me what areas of your boat may have needed attention? Is the v drive reliable? The boat I am going to look at was built in 1983 and has been on the hard for two years with out a cover. I am not expecting her to cosmetically look like much, but she has a good inventory and the broker says she was put away by the yard so I am hoping no freezing problems. I know the hulls are solid glass, but like most boats the deck is balsa core. Did you find any areas on your boat that surprised you with moisture? I know I will have a long way to go to get this boat as "Bristol" as Maine Sails. I don't mind some elbow grease, but I'm not looking for a project boat. The Contessa is a great boat, but not comfy enough for the woman in my life. Thanks, Pat Kilty Click to expand...

SD, Thanks for the reply. I have read your informative post and have a the ct33 moisture meter. I have looked at a lot of boats in my life and think I have a pretty good eye for problems. The Canadian Sailcraft 36t although a great success is a new boat to me. I have found that even the finest boats with the best reputations have some issue that seems to show up over time. I was wondering if any current or past Cs36t owners have found any "what where they thinking" problems with thier boats. I recently have driven many miles to look at some boats that the brokers and or owners are just bold faced lying about. There sure is a lot of junk out there, but I know in this economy a cash buyer can do pretty well. So my search goes on. pkilty  

pkilty said: SD, Thanks for the reply. I have read your informative post and have a the ct33 moisture meter. I have looked at a lot of boats in my life and think I have a pretty good eye for problems. The Canadian Sailcraft 36t although a great success is a new boat to me. I have found that even the finest boats with the best reputations have some issue that seems to show up over time. I was wondering if any current or past Cs36t owners have found any "what where they thinking" problems with thier boats. I recently have driven many miles to look at some boats that the brokers and or owners are just bold faced lying about. There sure is a lot of junk out there, but I know in this economy a cash buyer can do pretty well. So my search goes on. pkilty Click to expand...

• ?            
• 173.8K members

Top Contributors this Month

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Contessa 35

Contessa 35 is a 35 ′ 5 ″ / 10.8 m monohull sailboat designed by Doug Peterson and built by Jeremy Rogers Ltd. starting in 1974.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. 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.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Designed as IOR (MKIII) 1 ton. Prototype (Gumboots) was winner of the 1974 International One Ton cup. Shown here is the race version.

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Contessa 35

The contessa 35 is a 35.5ft masthead sloop designed by doug peterson and built in fiberglass by jeremy rogers ltd. since 1974., 80 units have been built..

The Contessa 35 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser.

Contessa 35 for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

See how Sailboatlab works in video

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Accommodations

Builder data, other photos.

Modal Title

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

CONTESSA 35 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of CONTESSA 35. Built by Jeremy Rogers Ltd. and designed by Doug Peterson, the boat was first built in 1974. It has a hull type of Fin w/spade rudder and LOA is 10.82. Its sail area/displacement ratio 17.64. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on undefined.

CONTESSA 35 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about CONTESSA 35 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, contributions, who designed the contessa 35.

CONTESSA 35 was designed by Doug Peterson.

Who builds CONTESSA 35?

CONTESSA 35 is built by Jeremy Rogers Ltd..

When was CONTESSA 35 first built?

CONTESSA 35 was first built in 1974.

How long is CONTESSA 35?

CONTESSA 35 is 8.99 m in length.

What is mast height on CONTESSA 35?

CONTESSA 35 has a mast height of 13.11 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

• International Network
• About Harris & Ellis Yachts

Testimonials

• Newsletter Signup
• Bruckmann Yachts
• Iconic Yachts

Crossbow | 1977 Contessa 35

Kingston, on, ca.

CROSSBOW was one of several Doug Peterson 1-tonners built in England to find her way to North America. The Contessa 35 was a very contemporary and competitive IOR racing boat in her day, and many are still seen racing in PHRF fleets today. The Jeremy Rogers Boatyard that built her was renowned for building strong passage-makers like the Contessa 26 and 32, and the 35 was very well built with extra materials to combat the stresses of ocean racing. Her Yanmar diesel, double-spreader rig, good set of sails and full set of electronics help to make her an attractive consideration. This boat would make a great club racer or very fast cruising boat.

Specifications

• Length: 35ft
• Builder: Contessa Yachts (GBR)
• Beam: 11' 5"
• Hull: Fiberglass
• Status: Sale Pending

View Full Details

• Designer: Doug Peterson
• Keel: Fin Keel

MEASUREMENTS

• Length Overall: 35.5 ft
• Length Waterline: 29.5 ft
• Ballast Weight Measure: 6900 lb
• Cabin Head room measure: 6' 2"
• Beam Measure: 11' 5"
• Total Power: 30
• Engine Brand: Yanmar
• Year Built: 2005
• Engine Model: 3GM30F
• Engine Type: Inboard
• Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
• Engine Hours: 4500
• Engine Power: 30 hp
• Fresh Water Tanks: 1 (35 Gallons)
• Fuel Tanks: 1 (40 Gallons)

Accommodations

• Number of double berths: 1
• Number of cabins: 1
• Number of heads: 1

General Equipment

• Anchor Chain and Rode: 2
• Anchor Windlass
• Batteries: 2 x 12V batteries and 2 x 6 volt (in series)
• Battery Charger
• Battery Parallel Switch
• Battery Switch Vapor Proof
• Bilge Pumps: 1 Manual
• Boarding Ladder
• Clock and Barometer
• Storage Cradle
• Dinghy:Inflatable Dinghy with Plywood floorboards
• Dinghy Motor:Tohatsu 5hp two stroke
• Head: Electric
• Teak and Holly Cabin Sole
• Many spare parts for maintenance and servicing: Engine, Electrics, Deck Gear
• Primary Fuel filter/ water separator Racor
• Refrigerator: 12V Refrigerator in insulated chest
• Origo 6000 Alcohol 3 burner cooker with Oven Not installed

Safety Equipment

• Fire Extinguishers: 3
• Life Jackets: 4
• Safety Harnesses: 2
• Life Raft: (service due) – with pushpit mounting frame
• Radar Reflector

Electronics

• NMEA 2000 backbone linking instruments
• Auto Pilot: Furuno below deck autopilot
• Chart-Plotter: Furuno Navnet chartplotter radar linked to AIS system
• Compass: 2 x Danforth Constellation bulkhead mounted and 1 x chart table bulkhead compass
• Depth Sounder: Garmin GMI 10
• Knot Meter: Garmin GMI 10
• Sum Log: Garmin GMI 10
• Wind Speed Indicator: Garmin GMI 10
• Radar: Furuno – Presently not fitted
• VHF with DSC: Icom VHF with DSC
• SSB: Icom SSB – Presently not fitted
• Inverter: 750 watts

Canvas Info

• Colour: Black
• Dodger: Spray hood
• Winter cover and Frame

Sails and Rigging

• Keel Type: Fin
• Rig: Twin spreader (inline) configuration with Inner forestay (detachable)
• Spar Material: Aluminum
• Rigging:All rigging is 1 x 19 stainless steel wire (renewed in 2014)
• Traveler: In cockpit
• Mainsail: Doyle (4 x full length battens, 3 rows of reefs) new in 2012
• Genoa 2 (Furling)
• Heavy weather Jib
• Light Spinnaker
• Heavy Spinnaker
• Drifter: new in 2006
• Bowsprit for Drifter
• Genoa Tracks with adjustable cars (Harken)
• Roller Furling:Harken Furling Headfoil
• Spinnaker Pole
• Back Stay Adjuster:Navtec Hydraulic Backstay
• Boom Vang: Rigid Vang
• Topping Lift
• Halyards (All replaced 2023)
• Genoa Halyard x 1
• Spinnaker/genoa halyard x 2
• Spinnaker pole uphaul x 1
• Main Halyard x 1
• Running Backstays (removable)
• Snatch Blocks:Blocks for spinnaker sheet, guy, foreguy
• Winches Standard:Primary winches 2 x Lewmar 55 3 speed and Secondary winches 2 x Lewmar 43
• Winches Self-Tailing: 2 x Barient 22-39 2 speed, Self-Tailing
• Winch Handles: 2
• Tiller Steering
• Spare Tiller
• Tiller Extension

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Crossbow | Contessa 35 35ft

Sale pending.

• Grant and Pat Bowlby

  Mobile: 613-659-3344

Request More Information

Contessa 35

Broker: Grant and Pat Bowlby 613-659-3344 Or send us a message about this boat

Share this Boat

 More Information

Featured Listings

Catalina 400 mk1

• Midland, ON
• CAD$ 164,500

Canadian Sailcraft CS 30

• CAD$ 30,000

Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge

• Gananoque, ON
• CAD$ 199,000

De Vries Lentsch 41′ pilothouse motorsailer

• Meaford, ON
• CAD$ 175,000

• Bowmanville, ON
• CAD$ 50,500

Our Latest from Instagram

• Lake Ontario and...
• Dave Harris
• 416-562-4856
• [email protected]
• Thousand Islands, Rideau Waterway and Eastern Ontario
• 613-659-3344
• [email protected]
• Georgian Bay
• Ewan Campbell
• 705-529-9433
• [email protected]
• South Western Ontario
• George Ayers
• 226-932-6974
• [email protected]
• Lake Simcoe, Toronto and the GTA
• John Heintzman
• 416-435-5029
• [email protected]
• Western Georgian Bay and Bruce Peninsula
• 226-791-2881
• [email protected]
• Southwestern Ontario
• 519-751-9656
• [email protected]

© 2024 Harris & Ellis Yachts. All Rights Reserved

Review of Contessa 35

Basic specs..

The Contessa 35 is equipped with a finn keel. The finn keel is the most common keel and provides splendid manoeuvrability. The downside is that it has less directional stability than a long 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 only enter major marinas as the draft is about 1.93 - 2.03 meter (6.33 - 6.63 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Contessa 35 is typically equipped with a Watermota Sea Panther diesel engine at 28.0 hp (20 kW), which gives a max speed about 5.7 knots.

The fuel tank has a capacity of 40 liters (10 US gallons, 8 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 Contessa 35 is 1.90, 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 7.3 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 Contessa 35 is about 211 kg/cm, alternatively 1181 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 211 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 1181 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?

What is Relative Speed Performance?

Maintenance

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 37m 2 (398 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.

This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Contessa 35 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.

Contessa 35 similar search results:

JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 32.2

BAVARIA 34 SPEED

The contessa 35 shown below has been sold:, contessa 35.

Sales information

• De Valk Hindeloopen The Netherlands
• +31 514 52 40 00
• Call the broker

e-mail the broker

Tell a friend.

• download brochure

Take time onboard with a live video tour

Seen a boat that piques your interest but can't make a visit in person? One of our brokers will be your eyes and ears as they take you on a video tour with their phone. You can also ask them questions about anything that isn't visually obvious. Make the call and be welcomed aboard...

Download brochure

Broker's comments.

The Conntessa 35 was an evolution from the well known 28 and 32 footers, Jeremy Rogers built his boats to perform. The Contessa 35 is extremely easy to handle and at the same time a very good performer. Her classic lines and dark blue hull ensure that you will be noticed. She was upgraded recently to meat todays standard in comfort.

General - CONTESSA 35

GRP sailing yacht "Diva", type: CONTESSA 35, building year 1977, dim.: 10.60 x 3.50 x 1.93 m, built by Jeremy Rogers, designed by Dong Peterson, GRP deck and superstructure repainted, teak grating in the cockpit floor, plexiglass windows in the superstructure and new Gebo deckhatches in the deck, darkblue S-shaped hull with white lining and a special designed rubber strip, fin keel, displacement approx. 6.500 kg, ballast approx. 3.000 kg, s.s. fueltank capacity approx. 70 ltr, s.s. watertank capacity approx. 400 ltr, tillersteering.

Accommodation

Classic teak interior, 1 cabin in the front with a double berth and white sky upholstry together with a large escape hatch, 1 small pilot berth starboard aft with an extention to enlarge the bedsize, saloon with 2 sofas each on one side and a bunk on starboard make a total of 6 sleeps, headway in the saloon approx. 1.85 m and 1,80 in the forecabin and toilet, head port foreward with manual Lavac vacuum toilet and a stainless steel washbowl, port aft is the U-shaped galley with a stainles steel sink, a dustbin ampel storage and a waterpressure system, 12V coolbox with compressor and a Lankhorst Taselaar Pacific 2-burner gasstove with oven, crockery, new blue upholstery in the saloon and pilot berth, the sole has been replaced together with the stairs.

Vetus diesel 32 hp, engine hours 739 (June 2003), indirect cooling system, consumption approx. 2.5 - 3 ltr. / hr., speed approx. 6 knots, 3-bladed fixed propeller, meters for voltage, RPM and enginehours, fire extinguisher, manual bilge pump in the cockpit, electrical bilge pump (defect), 12V / 220V electrical circuit including earthbreaker and shorecable connector, 1 x 88 AH start batterie (2000) and 1 x 108 AH service batterie (2000), shore power including cable, Small 8 Amp battery charger.

2x Plastimo magnetic Bulkhead compass (needs new glass), VDO depth with anchorwatch, VDO sumlog with 3927 miles, B&G Hengist/Horsa windinstrumentation (defect) all from 1993 , Shore Line compact VHF (no allowens and no Atis) , Autohelm 2000 autopilot, Magellan handheld GPS.

Sprayhood with cockpitcover in dark blue (1998), RFD life raft in a bag (needs to be surveyed), electrical anchor winch, 35 LBS CQR anchor with 10 meter 6 mm chain and 10 meter rope, s.s. bathing ladder, sea railing, fenders, some books and charts, bracket for outboard and lifebuoy on the pullpit.

Sloop-rigged, black anodized aluminium keel-stepped mast with a single set of spreaders, Selden type Furlex 300S furling headsail system, traditional Dacron mainsail, genoa, furling jib with uv cloth, spinnaker, cover for mainsail, slab reefing system, tackle boom vang, all Lewmar non-selftailing winches: 2 x 43 2 speed secondarys and 2 x 48 3 speed primery sheet winches, 2 x type 4 2 speed halyard winches next to the entrance 1 x type 25, 1 x type 40 and 2 x type 16 halyard winches positioned around the mastfoot, 2 x 4 stpooers and 2 x single stopper, 1 x Lewmar type 8 single speed reefwinch on the boom, mainsheet traveller in front of the entrance for cockpit clearance, spiboom stored on deck.

CLASSIC SAILING YACHT

• Listing Template
• Testimonials
• SELL YOUR BOAT
• LATEST NEWS

DETAILS 

Full spec , accommodation  , download .

• 0 Shopping Cart £ 0.00 -->

All about Contessa

Contessa is a brand associated with seaworthiness and adventure, beauty and integrity.

There were around 350 CO26s built in Lymington and a further 400 or so under licence in Canada. The Contessa 26 has a loyal following all around the world.  Often chosen as a world girdling expedition boat , the Contessa 26 also races at the highest level – winning the coveted Round the Island Gold Roman Bowl a total of five times with Jeremy Rogers’ own CO26 ‘Rosina’ responsible for three wins . The Contessa 26 enjoys the benefit of an active and friendly Class Association .

Image: Contessa 26 ‘Rosina’

Production of Contessas exploded during the 1970s with the incredibly popular CONTESSA 32   designed in collaboration with David Sadler.

The Contessa 32 also enjoys an active and friendly Class Association with a full racing programme .

1973 saw the launch of the first SPARKMAN & STEPHENS CONTESSA 38 taking part in the One Ton Cup in Sardinia.  Production of the S&S 38 was limited to just 6 boats.

Image: Sparkman & Stephens Contessa 38

In 1975 the quarter tonner ‘Hobnail’   was launched and a further 22 of these CONTESSA 25 hulls were built.

Image: Contessa 25 ‘ Hobnail’

In 1979 David Allan Williams designed the CONTESSA 38 as a larger alternative to the CO32.  Seven of these are still part of the Royal Navy’s fleet used for adventurous training.

Image: Contessa 39

Contessa 32 New Builds

When you commission a new Contessa 32 you are embarking on an exciting journey, one that may have started in your imagination a very long time ago.  Although all Contessa 32s are built using the same hull and deck mould, each boat is built in close consultation with the owner and has a unique character.

Contessa Refurbishment

Being the original builder of the Contessa we are the obvious place to bring your boat for a refurbishment. We have an unrivalled skill and knowledge set and understand what it takes to restore your boat sympathetically and beautifully.

Contessa Video

Enjoy our short promotional video of the Contessa 32 – a whistlestop tour of the many adventures to be had on this truly exceptional boat. Racing, cruising, dreaming.  Go with the wind – Anywhere!

Environment & Compliance

Privacy policy

General Enquiries Tel: +44 (0)1590 646780 Email: [email protected]

Atlas Davit Enquiries Tel: +44 (0)1590 646780 Email: [email protected]

Jeremy Rogers Limited Lymington Yacht Haven Kings Saltern Road Lymington Hampshire SO41 3QD

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Pay My Bill
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter
• Give a Gift

How to Sell Your Boat

Cal 2-46: A Venerable Lapworth Design Brought Up to Date

Rhumb Lines: Show Highlights from Annapolis

Open Transom Pros and Cons

Leaping Into Lithium

The Importance of Sea State in Weather Planning

Do-it-yourself Electrical System Survey and Inspection

Install a Standalone Sounder Without Drilling

When Should We Retire Dyneema Stays and Running Rigging?

Rethinking MOB Prevention

Top-notch Wind Indicators

The Everlasting Multihull Trampoline

How Dangerous is Your Shore Power?

DIY survey of boat solar and wind turbine systems

What’s Involved in Setting Up a Lithium Battery System?

The Scraper-only Approach to Bottom Paint Removal

Can You Recoat Dyneema?

Gonytia Hot Knife Proves its Mettle

Where Winches Dare to Go

The Day Sailor’s First-Aid Kit

Choosing and Securing Seat Cushions

Cockpit Drains on Race Boats

Rhumb Lines: Livin’ the Wharf Rat Life

Re-sealing the Seams on Waterproof Fabrics

Safer Sailing: Add Leg Loops to Your Harness

Waxing and Polishing Your Boat

Reducing Engine Room Noise

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

Learning to Live with Plastic Boat Bits

• Inside Practical Sailor

The Best Sailboats for the High Seas?

At the St. Petersburg Boat Show month last month, I had the pleasure of seeing delivery skipper and author John Kretschmers presentation on what he called sailboats for a serious ocean. I have reservations about any ideal boat list, but Kretschmer, who reviews boats for Sail Magazine and whose most recent book Sailing a Serious Ocean is available in our online bookstore , has the ideal background for this sort of work, and a list like this is undeniably helpful for wannabe cruisers who need a place to start their search.

I certainly wouldnt limit my search to boats on such a list, but by paying careful attention to the pros and cons of each, you can find something that suits your own aspirations.

Here are the boats Kretschmer suggests: Contessa 32, Pacific Seacraft 34, Pretorien 35, Cape Dory/Robinhood 36, Valiant/Esprit 37, Prout Snowgoose 37, Alajuela 38, Privelege 39, Freya 39, Passport 40, Caliber 40, Baba 40, Hallberg Rassy 42, Taswell 43, Hylas 44, Norseman 447, Beneteau 456, Outbound 44, Hylas 46, Kaufman 47, Tayana 48, Hylas 49, Amel Maramu 53, and the Sundeer 60/64. For a brief capsule summary of each, be sure to check out his website.

The list is hardly definitive. There are plenty of good boats that arent featured, and some of these would be ill-matched for the wrong sailor-Kretschmer clearly pointed this out during his talk. I like how the list presents a good cross-section of the various shapes and sizes for a boat in this category. For example, Kretschmer includes the Prout Snowgoose and Steve Dashews Sundeer 60, boats that, notwithstanding their successful record at sea, fill an outlying niche.

If I were going to expand the list, one of the heavier-displacement microcruisers like those I blogged about would be a nice addition. Although I would be wary of promoting even the most formidable of this breed as well-suited for a serious ocean, John Neale of Mahina Tiare Expeditions includes one of them, the Dana 24, on his own list of recommend cruising boats . Neales much broader list of boats is accompanied by a very helpful discussion of design elements to consider.

What got me thinking about formidable cruising boats was our series of reports o n sailboat construction , focusing specifically on structural details. Although there are plenty of excellent coastal cruisers on the market, once you start talking about offshore duty, scan’tlings (the dimensions for structural components) take on far more importance.

A few years ago we touched on this subject in our Mailport section, encouraging readers to suggest their own nominees for a list of what we called at the time, tough boats, vessels that were built to take a beating, requiring minimal care and upkeep.

Here are some of the boats that were suggested from our readers: Mariner 36, Cal 34, Morgan 43, Swan 43, Bermuda 40, Island Packet 26, Mariner 47, LeComte Northeast 38, Westsail 32, Dana 24, J/35, and the CSY 44.

Id be interested in hearing of other nominees for this list, or other good resources for sailors looking for a short list of good offshore boats.

For those who are frustrated to find that their own ideal boat isn’t on anybodys list, I wouldnt be too miffed. The best line Ive heard in a while on this topic came from Steve Callahan, the author of the survival classic Adrift , who gave a presentation at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Show . When I asked Steve, who has sailed extensively on both multihulls and monohulls, what type of boat he preferred, he said, quite seriously. Well, at the end of the day, the best cruising boat is the one that you are on.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Interesting list. I am fond of Hylas of which you chose three models. However, I am suspect of their yard and construction techniques and do not have confidence that they are as strong as they are beautiful. Only one Hallberg-Rassy was selected, which is a far more robust and dry sailing boat than the Hylas. Passports make a good boat as does Cape Dory and several others on your list. Didn’t four sailors die on a Beneteau in 2018? Over all it is a decent list.

https://metro.co.uk/2018/04/25/last-pictures-doomed-yacht-cheeki-rafiki-sank-killing-four-british-sailors-7497805/

I believe this is the accident you’re talking about in which a Beneteau and it’s bolted on keel parted company.

Almost all of the sailing clubs in San Diego rent Beneteaus out. They are a decent coastal sailboat. I have a couple friends who have even made the crossing to Maui in them..not me, not ever. I consider them a living room boat. Having said that, I am certainly no expert so its just my opinion. If I am crossing an ocean I want a capable kindly strong boat with redundancy built into critical systems.

Curious to think what people think about the early 70s Swan 43 as a cruising boat for a couple with occasional guests for a round the world trip? I have an S&S 30 which is too small but I do have some bias towards their designs. Add a watermaker and some power generation and off you go… Any thoughts?

Are Motor Sailors like the Nauticats or Fishers ocean worthy ( if their pilot house windows and sliding doors are lifeboatified ? )

Walt Schulz’s Shannon 43 is a beautiful, sea kindly, comfortable and sturdy bluewater boat. Walt had not only the ICW and Bahamas in mind when he designed and built 52 of them. He designed for ocean cruising. He believes his boats should outlive him and still sailing for generations. We sailed the Chesapeake, Bahamas, Caribbean and Pacific to Australia on a Shannon 43 ketch. She took great care of us and is still turning heads.

Great article! John Kretchmer is one of my fave modern day sailors. While there is only one Crealock design on John’s list, and the Dana is added on John Neale’s list, I was surprised not to see a Crealock/ Pacific Seacraft 37 mentioned. But there are so many great serious off shore boats, it’s hard to narrow it down to 10. Here’s a few to think about. Cape George Cutter 36. Biscay 36, tradewind 35, Rustler 36, Nicholson 31 (never talked about) and 32. Seldom seen on top 10 lists, but great boats. Thanks for the article.

Great comment and interesting to note that the first four of your additions are those currently entered in the 2022 Golden Globe Race – kind of the definition of a blue water boat.

Hey! I know this is somewhat off-topic however I needed to ask. Does operating a well-established blog like yours take a massive amount work? I am completely new to writing a blog but I do write in my journal everyday. I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or tips for new aspiring blog owners. Thankyou!|

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

Island Packet 370: What You Should Know | Boat Review

How To Make Starlink Better On Your Boat | Interview

Catalina 380: What You Should Know | Boat Review

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

Alternatively,

• Register with Facebook
• Register with Google

Why Boatshed?

View all of your boats statistics in real time

Create a virtual "watch" on boats you're interested in

Refer a boat and earn up to 20% of the brokers commission

Language & Currency

Search our catalog, go direct, enter a boat reference, contessa 35, £ 0 sold / unavailable.

• Boat REF#  ·  114416
• Length  ·  10.80m
• Year  ·  1976
• Construction  ·  GRP
• Underwater profile  ·  Fin
• Sleeping berths  ·  7
• Engine  ·  1 x diesel 37hp, Nanni 37 (2006)
• Lying  ·  Sussex

Boatshed Sussex

This boat is off the market but here are some boats that are still for sale.

• Specification
• Additional Information

Extra Details

Sloop rigged Aluminium spars () with Stainless Steel standing rigging ()

2 x spinnaker poles jockey pole Hydraulic backstay tensioner Rod kicker

Electrical Systems

12 volt battery, 3 batteries charged by: engine, shore power

Construction

Accommodation.

Seven berths in 2 cabins with V berth pipe cots forward. 2 settee berths and two outboard pilot berths in main cabin and an aft quarter berth.

3 burner propane Stove

2 anchors (20kg Bruce & 15kg CQR) 50.00m of rode 2 x halyard winches. 2 x sheet winches. 2 x spinnaker winches.

Nav Equipment

AIS transponder

Safety Equipment

2 bilge pumps (0 manual / 2 electric)

Echomax radar reflector.

Broker's Comments

Contessa 35's are solid cruiser / racers that are well known for their turn of speed and sea worthiness. This model has not been raced by the current owner, but has cruised around the Dutch, French and Southern UK coasts as well as visiting the Channel Islands. The deck does need repainting due to kit that has been moved around and the owner intends to have this done professionally in the next few weeks. Offers prior to this work being carried out will be considered.

These boat details are subject to contract. Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.

Please note this comments section is public . Please do not post your personal details here. Please read our commenting guidelines before posting.

Get Access to More

View unlimited photos of every boat

Walkthrough videos

VR 720° experiences

Get notified of new boats of your interest

Personalised boat recommendations

Save boats to 'My Boatshed'

Cost Of Ownership