Contest Yachts has expanded its ambitious programme, which ranges from 42 to 85 feet, in the lower segment. The Dutch company is launching two new models in the 15-metre size, with both boats sharing the same hull. The 50 CS is a centre-cockpit yacht with a central aft cabin. The 49 CS, on the other hand, has two cabins in the stern and an aft cockpit. The steering columns are raised almost to deck level and the guest cockpit is lower.
YACHT has already had the opportunity to test the Contest 49 CS in the wind and waves of the Wadden Sea. Around 30 knots provided a good load and performance test, which the youngest boat from Medemblik on the IJsselmeer passed with flying colours. She even carried a full set of sails on the beam, and then logged speeds of up to 14 knots. At the cross she was easy to handle with a reduced sail area, entered the waves smoothly and was great fun for the crew once she had confirmed the trust placed in her.
Professionals were brought on board for the acoustics
Surprising given the conditions: Almost nothing could be heard or felt below deck from the wind, no creaking or squeaking of dressings or panelling, no jamming doors. Just silence - a big plus on a long journey. You could also hardly hear whether the engine was running. Here it pays off that Contest works with an external acoustics office to reduce noise sources.
The high level of craftsmanship can be felt in every area and gives the Contest a superyacht aura in a handy format. In addition to the perfectly executed woodwork, the surface design by the interior designers at Wetzels Brown Partners is modern, dignified, individual and of high quality. The actual construction comes from Judel/Vrolijk, and the Contest 49 CS is built using the vacuum infusion process. The bulkheads and reinforcements are also made of sandwich under vacuum. The floor assembly is reinforced with carbon fibre.
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Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
