Contest 28 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Contest 28 is rooted in Contest Yachts' formative years, a period when the company, founded by Ed Conijn, was transitioning from building Olympic-class dinghies to establishing itself as a builder of first-class cruising yachts. Following the success of earlier models like the Contest 25, the Contest 28 emerged in 1976 as a testament to this evolving vision. Designed by Dick Zaal, a prominent Dutch naval architect known for his practical and performance-oriented designs, the Contest 28 reflects a design philosophy that sought to balance comfort with seaworthiness in a smaller vessel.

Conyplex, during this period, was known for its fiberglass construction techniques, a departure from the traditional timber methods of its founder's background. The company focused on creating durable and well-engineered boats, a reputation that has been maintained through generations of family leadership. The Contest 28 featured a round-bilged hull with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration chosen for both good handling and directional stability. While the production run saw approximately 121 hulls built, no significant variations such as "MkI" or "MkII" versions are widely noted, indicating a consistent design throughout its five-year production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Contest 28 has earned a reputation as a high performer with notable stability. Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Contest 28 as a stiff boat, capable of standing up to a breeze without excessive heeling. This inherent stability contributes to a comfortable motion, making it a reliable choice for navigating various sea states. The design, featuring a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, generally provides good helm balance and responsiveness, contributing to a pleasant sailing experience. While its substantial stability is a clear advantage, some sources suggest it possesses a low righting capability if fully capsized. This characteristic, common in many heavily ballasted fin-keel designs, emphasizes its primary stability and resistance to capsize under normal sailing conditions. Its hull speed is calculated at approximately 6.34 knots, indicating efficient performance for its length.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Contest 28, while designed for a vessel just under 28 feet overall, makes efficient use of its space to provide comfortable accommodations. The specific interior layout details can vary slightly between individual boats due to owner customizations over the years, but a typical arrangement would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that often convert into berths, a galley area, and a navigation station. The builder, Contest Yachts, has always been known for its meticulous attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, and this would have extended to the interior finish of the Contest 28, likely featuring warm wood trims and practical fiberglass surfaces. Storage solutions are integrated where possible, a common challenge in smaller vessels, and ventilation would rely on opening ports and hatches. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the design would aim to provide reasonable standing room in key areas for its size, maximizing the livability for a crew.