The most striking features are the all-round window strip and the almost flat deck in the foredeck area. The hull and thus the well-known good sailing and sea characteristics have remained.
In the YACHT test in issue 23/2006, the predecessor already showed what makes a Contest: the best workmanship, a high degree of customisability thanks to semi-custom production, a seaworthy deck layout suitable for single-handed use and attention to detail, such as the pull-out espresso machine in the galley. This is not set to change with the new model: "We have received requests from customers for a new 45 that follows the design of the larger 50, 57 and 62 CS models. However, the new appearance is not intended to eclipse familiar Contest virtues such as seaworthiness and quality," says Arjen Conijn, third-generation shipyard owner.
The centre-cockpit yacht is built in vacuum infusion under the strict supervision of Lloyds Register. The sandwich hull consists of iso-resins on the outside and is built over a resin-impregnated balsa core. This is lightweight, insulated and provides high strength. The shipyard attaches great importance to the fact that production takes place entirely in-house. This gives them full control over the processes and allows them to carry out regular quality tests.
So much care gives the owner carefree sailing, which has its price. It starts at 611,000 euros. However, the Contest 45 CS is already quite fully equipped, even the teak deck is included as standard. At the owner's request, the boat presented at boot in Düsseldorf (Hall 16, Stand C 54) has an Esthec deck, a sustainably produced substitute for the precious tropical wood.
