From its humble beginnings in a timber yard to its current standing as a global leader in semi-custom luxury yachts, Contest Yachts, originally known as Conyplex, has consistently upheld a commitment to quality, performance, and the dreams of discerning sailors. With a heritage spanning over six decades and three generations of family leadership, this Dutch builder has carved out a unique and respected niche in the marine industry.
The Origin Story
The narrative of Contest Yachts begins in 1959 with its visionary founder, Ed Conijn. A passionate yachtsman and owner of a timber yard, Conijn identified a distinct market demand in the Netherlands for expertly built boats. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with an early exposure to fiberglass construction techniques learned during a visit to the United States, set the stage for a groundbreaking venture.
While Conyplex initially gained experience by building Olympic-class Flying Dutchman dinghies, their true leap into cruising yachts came in 1959 with the launch of the Contest 25. This 25-foot keelboat, designed by Jacques De Ridder, was an immediate international success, with over 300 units sold. The Contest 25 laid the foundation for the company's future, embodying Ed Conijn's original vision of crafting first-class vessels.
History and Evolution
The trajectory of Contest Yachts is one of continuous growth and adaptation, guided by successive generations of the Conijn family. Ed Conijn steered the company through its formative years, establishing its reputation for quality. The pivotal shift in the company's focus occurred under the guidance of his son, Fritz Conijn. It was during Fritz's tenure that Contest Yachts transitioned from serial production to specializing in semi-customized yachts, typically ranging between 40 and 65 feet. This strategic move allowed for greater customization and a higher level of craftsmanship for individual owners.
Today, the third generation, Arjen Conijn, alongside Marcel Borgmann, has taken the helm, continuing the legacy while embracing modern advancements. Throughout its history, Contest Yachts has consistently developed unique construction techniques and maintained a commitment to building robust, well-found performance bluewater cruisers. A notable instance of their innovative spirit includes their collaboration with the creator of the wing keel concept, applying this technology to their yachts just months after it proved successful in the America's Cup.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Contest Yachts has earned a formidable reputation in the sailing world for producing high-quality, performance-oriented bluewater cruisers that emphasize both comfort and safety. Their yachts are designed for a variety of sailing aspirations, from coastal cruising to challenging offshore and bluewater exploration. The company's identity is deeply rooted in a "Dutch approach to performance bluewater sailing," emphasizing meticulous attention to every aspect of design and engineering to enhance the sailing and ownership experience.
A signature design feature often associated with Contest is their expertise in the centre-cockpit yacht sector, which has been described as the "pumping heart" of their offerings, balancing performance with improved living spaces below deck. Contest Yachts works closely with a roster of esteemed naval architects and designers. While they have steadily grown their own in-house design and engineering teams, they also collaborate with leading external designers. Notable collaborations include Jacques De Ridder for early models like the Contest 25, and more recently, the acclaimed Judel/vrolijk & co for modern designs such as the Contest 67CS.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Over its more than six-decade history, Contest Yachts has produced a variety of classic and highly successful models that have left a significant mark on the industry. The Contest 25, as their inaugural cruising yacht, was a foundational success, demonstrating the builder's capability for international appeal with 300 units sold.
As the company evolved, it continued to launch yachts that garnered widespread recognition. The Contest 55CS, for instance, received the prestigious European Yacht of the Year award, cementing Contest's standing as a producer of top-tier bluewater performance yachts. The Contest 67CS, designed by Judel/vrolijk & co, was lauded by Yachting World as a "sensational" semi-custom model, showcasing Contest's practical and luxurious approach. Furthermore, the Contest 72CS was specifically conceived to meet the exacting technical and luxury standards of experienced superyacht owners.
Today, Contest Yachts offers a comprehensive range of performance bluewater sailing yachts, spanning eight models from 42 feet (13 meters) to 85 feet (26 meters), catering to diverse sailing needs, from club racing to extensive offshore passages.
Contest Yachts Today
Under the leadership of the third-generation Arjen Conijn, alongside Marcel Borgmann, Contest Yachts remains a prominent figure in the global yachting market. The company maintains its focus on building semi-custom yachts, appealing to owners who seek a blend of bespoke luxury, exceptional performance, and robust bluewater capability. Contest Yachts is active not only in the production of luxury sailing yachts but also has a presence in the superyacht market.
The ownership experience for a Contest yacht is characterized by the thoughtful development, design, and engineering of every detail, ensuring an enhanced sailing journey. Contest Yachts fosters a strong global community of owners, supported by strategic partnerships with groups like Ancasta, which provide dedicated sales, after-sales service, and support in key markets. This network underscores Contest's commitment to its clientele and its enduring legacy of Dutch craftsmanship in the world of high-performance luxury sailing.
