Contest 36 S Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Contest 36 S hails from an era when Contest Yachts was solidifying its reputation for quality and performance, transitioning towards more semi-customized, well-found bluewater cruisers. During the 1980s and early 1990s, the builder was known for its commitment to developing unique construction techniques and maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship. The collaboration with the creator of the wing keel concept, applied to their yachts just months after its success in the America's Cup, underscores their innovative spirit during this period.

Dick Zaal, the designer behind the Contest 36 S, aimed to create a comfortable cruising yacht that excelled in seagoing conditions, emphasizing both strong sailing characteristics and spacious, comfortable interiors. The design features a "Raised Flush Deck," which not only provides an expansive and easy-to-work deck area but also significantly contributes to the generous interior volume. While the standard configuration featured a fin keel, a shoal draft wing keel option was also available, offering increased flexibility for exploring shallower waters without significant compromise to performance under sail. The vessel was primarily offered as a masthead sloop, though some were built with a fractional sloop rig. A total of 88 units of the Contest 36 S were built during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contest 36 S exhibits a balanced blend of performance and stability, making it a capable cruiser for varied conditions. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.7 (using the reported sail area), the Contest 36 S suggests commendable performance in lighter air, indicating it can be responsive and move well even when the breeze is modest. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.40 points to a stiff and stable platform, capable of standing up to a considerable amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length ratio of around 286.7 places the Contest 36 S firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, emphasizing its robust build and comfortable motion over sheer speed.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often highlights the Contest 36 S's excellent sailing characteristics and seaworthiness. Owners have reported the boat's ability to sail efficiently, with one noting a wing keel 36 S with a fractional rig "effortlessly pulled away from much larger yachts". Generally considered an offshore-capable yacht, the 36 S is designed for serious cruising, instilling confidence in its handling and overall behavior in various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just under 36 feet, the Contest 36 S is noted for a remarkably spacious interior compared to other 36-foot designs of its era. This generous volume is partly attributed to Dick Zaal's "Raised Flush Deck" design. The interior is typically finished in mahogany, contributing to a classic and warm ambiance.

While specific configurations can vary, a common layout for the Contest 36 S includes two cabins and two bathrooms, providing comfortable sleeping for up to six individuals. The saloon is a key living area, offering ample space and featuring a reported headroom of approximately 6.07 feet (1.85 meters). The interior is designed for comfortable living during extended periods, often equipped with amenities like a diesel ducted hot air heating system. Storage is generally considered good, befitting a cruising yacht designed for longer voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Contest 36 S yachts, and Contest yachts in general, tend to express high satisfaction, often providing strong endorsements of their vessels' qualities. The enduring appeal of the Contest 36 S lies in its reputation as a "typical older style heavier conservative cruiser from a good builder," commonly chosen for extended cruising. Owners consistently praise the solid construction and the comfortable, secure motion of the boat in a seaway, attributes that align with Contest Yachts' philosophy of building robust, well-found performance bluewater cruisers. The general sentiment among owners is one of appreciation for a well-built, reliable, and comfortable yacht capable of serious voyaging.