Contest 29 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Contest 29's lineage traces back to Conyplex's pioneering efforts in fiberglass construction, drawing upon the success of their earlier Contest 25. Founded by Ed Conijn in 1959, Conyplex quickly established itself by building Olympic-class dinghies before transitioning to cruising yachts, leveraging early exposure to fiberglass techniques. The company's ethos, from its inception, was to craft first-class vessels, a principle clearly applied to the Contest 29.

The design for the Contest 29 was primarily penned by G. Luyten, who sought to combine good headroom with a balanced aesthetic, creating a boat that was both practical and pleasing to the eye. There appear to have been at least two primary design variations during its production run, with the Contest 29 (Luyten) often referred to as the Mk I, and a subsequent Contest 29 (Essen) identified as the Mk II, suggesting minor evolutions or different design interpretations during its twelve-year production span. The hull and deck of the Contest 29 are constructed from reinforced fiberglass, with the hull thickness at the chine reportedly being a substantial 14 inches, underscoring its robust build quality.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a design rooted in comfort and stability, the Contest 29 offers a confident sailing experience. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 13.9 suggests it is a solid performer in moderate to stronger winds, prioritizing stability over light-air speed. The boat's Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.388 indicates good initial stability and stiffness, allowing it to stand up well to its canvas and providing a comfortable, level ride. This is further supported by its Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of approximately 274.5, which places it firmly in the moderate to heavy cruiser category. This higher D/L ratio contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it well-suited for extended passages. Owners often describe the Contest 29 as stable, stiff, and possessing excellent righting capability, making it well-regarded as a bluewater cruising boat. Its masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and effective sail plan for various conditions. The Contest 29 is considered by some analyses to be more comfortable than a significant majority of similar sailboat designs, a testament to its design philosophy.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just under 29 feet, the Contest 29 is surprisingly spacious below deck, offering a generous maximum headroom of 6.42 feet. While specific detailed layouts can vary, the interior typically features a well-arranged space designed for comfortable cruising. Common arrangements for a boat of this size and era would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that often convert to berths, a galley area for meal preparation, and an enclosed head compartment. The solid fiberglass construction of the hull and deck not only contributes to its structural integrity but also provides a durable and easy-to-maintain interior shell. Thoughtful design elements for storage, such as dedicated compartments for anchor chain and water tanks, are characteristic of the practical approach taken by the builder.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of vintage Contest yachts, including the Contest 29, frequently praise the enduring quality of their construction. The reputation established by Conyplex for building robust and reliable vessels translates into a loyal ownership base that values the longevity and seaworthiness of these boats. While specific recurring issues for the Contest 29 are not widely documented, the general sentiment among owners of the brand's early models is one of satisfaction with their solid build and capability for comfortable cruising.