Contest 36 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Contest 36 emerged during a period when Contest Yachts, under the guidance of Fritz Conijn, was solidifying its reputation for building high-quality, semi-custom yachts. The company's long-standing heritage, rooted in a "Dutch approach to performance bluewater sailing," emphasized meticulous attention to every aspect of design and engineering. The design ethos of Dick Zaal, who penned the lines for the Contest 36, focused on delivering vessels with "good sailing characteristics, robust construction and the large amount of space."

During its production run from 1974 to 1981, the Contest 36 was available with either a sloop or ketch rig, offering versatility to suit different sailing preferences. While the standard model was typically a fin keel sloop, some variations, like the Contest 36S, were specifically designed for serious seagoing, featuring an aft-cockpit configuration and high topsides. A shoal draft wing keel option was also available, further demonstrating the builder's adaptability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contest 36, with a length overall of just under 36 feet and a waterline length of approximately 28.87 feet, presents a solid and stable platform. Its design characteristics point to a boat built for comfortable cruising rather than outright speed. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 12.45, the Contest 36 is not a light-air performer, indicating it requires a decent breeze to get moving effectively. Data Conversely, this ratio, combined with a robust Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of about 331.66, classifies it as a heavy displacement cruiser, suggesting a stable and comfortable motion even in challenging sea states. Data

The boat's ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 37% contributes to its inherent stability and stiffness, allowing it to stand up well to wind and provide a secure feel offshore. Data Dick Zaal's designs, including the Contest 36, are widely recognized for their "good sailing characteristics" and robust construction, suggesting a predictable and reliable handling experience. The fiberglass hull construction further contributes to its low maintenance requirements during the sailing season. While not a pure racer, the Contest 36, particularly its 'S' variant, is often described as a cruiser-racer with "outstanding sailing performance" for its category, praised for its "excellent design, performance and craftsmanship."

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Contest 36 is designed with an emphasis on comfortable living accommodations, a hallmark of Contest Yachts. While specific headroom dimensions are not consistently detailed, the design prioritizes spaciousness for extended cruising. Typical layouts feature a wide saloon, a well-appointed galley, and two separate sleeping cabins—a V-berth forward and an aft cabin. The ketch versions often incorporate a center cockpit, which allows for a particularly spacious aft cabin that can be accessed directly from the main interior.

Contest yachts are renowned for their high-quality interior finish, frequently featuring generous use of wood trim and robust joinery, contributing to a warm and traditional yachting ambiance. Owners have noted variations in interior configurations, with some models offering an additional head in the forward cabin, enhancing livability and privacy. Ample storage throughout the vessel and good ventilation are generally characteristic of Contest designs of this era, catering to the needs of cruisers on longer voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Contest 36 consistently praise its "robust construction" and the "large amount of space" both on deck and below, reflecting the builder's commitment to durable bluewater cruisers. The sailing characteristics, attributed to Dick Zaal's design philosophy, are generally lauded as good, contributing to a sense of confidence and comfort, especially in more challenging conditions. The vessel is frequently regarded as a "very complete seaworthy ship."

However, as with any vessel of its age, potential owners should be mindful of common maintenance items. While not exclusive to the Contest 36, older fiberglass boats with original deck fittings can sometimes develop leaks over time, potentially requiring the re-bedding of hardware. Overall, the collective sentiment among owners points to a solid, well-built yacht that delivers on its promise of comfortable and capable cruising for those seeking a dependable offshore vessel.