Contest 25-2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Contest 25-2 emerged from a period of innovation at Contest Yachts. In the early 1970s, designer Dick Zaal introduced a new line of cruiser-racers for the company, of which the 25-2 was a significant part. Produced from 1974 to 1980, this model followed the original Contest 25 (designed by Jacques De Ridder and G. Luyten) but was an entirely unrelated design, sometimes referred to as the Contest 25 Mk II to differentiate it.

During this era, Contest Yachts, under founder Ed Conijn, established a strong reputation for quality. The company's commitment to excellence was evident in their construction practices, with new boats often receiving Lloyd's Register certification, a testament to their "design and build integrity.", 10] The 25-2 was constructed with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, ensuring durability. It features a fin keel for performance and a skeg-hung rudder, a design choice often associated with good directional stability and protection for the rudder.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As an IOR Quarter Ton boat, the Contest 25-2 was conceived to offer a competitive edge in racing while still providing practical cruising amenities for its size. Its design, featuring a masthead sloop rig, fin keel, and skeg-hung rudder, contributes to a balanced and capable sailing experience. While specific anecdotal reviews of the 25-2's handling are limited, the combination of these design elements typically results in a boat that is responsive and tracks well, particularly upwind. Contest Yachts generally focuses on "performance bluewater cruisers," indicating a design philosophy that prioritizes robust and capable sailing characteristics across its models, even for smaller vessels.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of just under 25 feet, the Contest 25-2 was designed to offer practical accommodations for its size. The interior provides a respectable headroom of approximately 1.85 meters (about 6 feet 1 inch), which is generous for a boat in this class. The layout typically includes five berths, a common arrangement for boats of this era, likely featuring a V-berth forward, and convertible settees or berths in the main salon. While specific details on the finish materials are not widely documented for this model, Contest Yachts has a long-standing reputation for quality craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, suggesting a well-appointed interior for its time, likely featuring traditional wood trim and durable fiberglass surfaces.