Contest 25-1 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Contest 25-1 aligns with Contest Yachts' foundational years, beginning production in 1959 and continuing until 1969. During this era, company founder Ed Conijn leveraged his background in timber and an early adoption of fiberglass construction techniques, inspired by insights from the United States, to build expertly crafted boats. The Contest 25-1 was initially produced under the designation of G. Luyten, encompassing hull numbers 001 through 304. Jacques De Ridder's design philosophy for this model leaned towards performance, evidenced by its "slimmer" and "significantly more speedy hull design" compared to many contemporary sailboats of similar size. While the Contest 25 name saw subsequent, unrelated designs by other naval architects like D. Zaal (1974-1980) and a later Contest 25 OC by De Ridder himself (1982-1985), the 25-1 remains distinct as the original, pioneering model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a masthead sloop with a fin keel, the Contest 25-1 was engineered for nimble and responsive sailing. With a length overall of 25.0 feet and a waterline length of 20.8 feet, its dimensions, coupled with De Ridder's design, suggest a boat intended to be active and engaging under sail. Its "speedy hull design" indicates a focus on efficiency and performance, likely translating to good light-air capabilities and an ability to hold its own against similar-sized vessels. The fin keel contributes to its upwind performance and maneuverability, providing good lateral resistance while minimizing wetted surface.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to the Contest 25-1's age and the variations in boat construction over its production run, detailed specific interior layouts and finishes for the original 1959-1969 model are not readily available in generalized public records. Generally, a boat of this size and era would typically feature a relatively open-plan cabin, likely offering a V-berth forward, a simple galley area, and a basic head compartment. The design would prioritize functionality and efficient use of space within its compact hull, often relying on convertible settees in the main salon to serve as additional berths. The construction of the time would likely have featured a blend of fiberglass for structural elements and wood for trim and joinery, reflecting the building practices of Contest Yachts during its formative years.