Contest 55CS

The Contest 55CS is a performance bluewater cruising sloop built by Contest Yachts in Medemblik, Netherlands. Introduced around 2019–2020, it represents the current flagship of the Dutch yard's CS (Cruising Sloop) range. The hull lines and exterior were drawn by the German naval architecture firm judel/vrolijk & co, while the interior was developed by Wetzels Brown Partners. The boat won the Bluewater Cruiser of the Year award at the 2020 British Yachting Awards, a recognition that confirmed its standing among serious offshore cruisers.

With a hull length of 17 metres and an overall length of 18.10 metres including the bowsprit, the 55CS displaces just under 25 tonnes. Starting price is around €1.7 million (VAT excluded), placing it firmly in the premium segment. The yacht carries a CE Ocean Category A certification, confirming its suitability for open-ocean passages.

The 55CS is built using a vacuum-infused fiberglass laminate with a foam-core sandwich structure throughout the hull and deck. Contest Yachts calls this their signature "Contest Effect": the closed-cell foam core provides exceptional thermal and acoustic insulation, resulting in a noticeably quieter and more comfortable interior compared to solid-glass or balsa-cored competitors. The mast is deck-stepped and available in either aluminium or carbon, with an hydraulic in-mast furling mainsail system as the standard arrangement. A self-tacking inner forestay is fitted as standard, and a bowsprit extends the platform for downwind sail area.

The keel is a performance fin with a lead ballast bulb. Draft is 2.55 metres on the standard keel. The combination of relatively light displacement for the waterplane area and low ballast positioning gives the boat a high righting moment that translates directly into sail-carrying ability.

In sea trials with 15 knots of true wind, the Contest 55CS consistently logged speeds of 8 to 9.5 knots across a wide range of wind angles, with peak speeds above 10 knots in 20 knots of breeze. Reviewers noted that the hull's moderate rocker and well-distributed buoyancy mean the boat climbs through waves rather than punching into them, resulting in very little pitching and almost no slamming—an important quality on extended offshore passages.

The sloop rig with its 92.75 m² mainsail and self-tacking options makes the boat manageable for a couple sailing short-handed. The hydraulic furling and winch systems allow most sail handling to be done from the cockpit. On a 50-degree apparent wind angle during one published test, the boat held 9.4 knots, meaningfully beyond the theoretical displacement hull speed.

The standard layout below decks provides three cabins and two heads, comfortably sleeping six. The owner's suite occupies the full-beam forward section and features a centerline double berth, private head with shower, and a washer/dryer space. A large primary guest cabin with its own shower and toilet sits to port aft, and a third cabin with full-length twin berths is located to starboard. Headroom throughout is approximately 2.03 metres.

The main saloon is configured as a semi-raised dinette with panoramic windows, giving good natural light and sightlines over the water while seated. The chart table is equipped for dual navigation displays. The galley is a full-service arrangement with generous counter space and storage. Interiors are finished in teak or light woods to the owner's specification, reflecting the high level of customisation the yard offers as standard.

The standard interior arrangement accommodates 6 berths in 3 cabins