With a hull length of almost 20 metres and a weight of over 30 tonnes, the new ship is located roughly in the middle of Contest Yachts' current portfolio. The shipyard's programme comprises nine models with boats between 42 and 85 feet in length - an impressive range. But size and weight are relative when it comes to Contest yachts. Even small family crews should be able to handle the new Contest 63CS without any problems, even without the help of a professional and paid crew, which is otherwise quite common for boats over 60 feet in length.
The deck layout has been specifically designed to make handling as easy and effortless as possible. All sheets, halyards and trim lines on the new boat are led back below deck to the cockpit, where the functions can be easily operated from the helmsman's position. Of course, all winches can be operated electrically and controlled at the touch of a button, even from the centre of the steering column. In addition, the rigging and sails can be customised to the needs of the sailor and the area of use of the boat, almost infinitely. Aluminium or carbon fibre masts of different heights are possible, in classic design or with furling systems in the mast or main boom. The short overlapping genoa (106%) is standard, and a self-tacking jib is also possible as an alternative.
Variable below deck too: Three or four cabins are possible
The design comes from Judel/Vrolijk & Co in Bremerhaven and features a hull with moderate hull lines. Attached to this is a sporty T-keel with a lead bomb and a draught of almost three metres as well as a single rudder. The hull and deck are built in a GRP sandwich with a foam core, laminated with vacuum infusion.
The layout below deck provides for a huge master cabin with a central island bed in the aft section. There is also a very spacious toilet room with a separate shower area. The galley is located in the passageway from the saloon to the aft cabin, slightly recessed to the saloon area. The extension in front of the main bulkhead is special. The Dutch have fitted two symmetrical double cabins there, each with a toilet room. An arrangement that is still a novelty in the length class. A third guest cabin with bunk berths is also possible. For the forepeak, the buyer can choose whether they want a large sail load with workshop or a separate cabin for the skipper.
The launch of the new Contest 63CS is scheduled for spring 2024. The prices remain undisclosed for the time being.
Technical data Contest 63CS
- Designer: Judel/Vrolijk & Co
- Interior styling: Wetzels Brown Partners
- Hull length: 19.29 m
- Overall length (with bowsprit): 20,54 m
- Length waterline: 17.85 m
- Width: 5.50 m
- Weight: 31.9 tonnes
- Draught standard deep keel: 2.90 m
- Ballast/proportion: 12.5 t / 39 %
- Mast height above waterline: 29.0 m
- Mainsail: 113.0 m²
- Genoa (106 %): 99.0 m²
- Engine: built-in diesel Volvo Penta, 125 kW/168 hp
- Fuel capacity: 1,560 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 1,150 litres
