Contest 38 Information, Review, Specs

The inception of the Contest 38 in 1972 marked a significant period for Contest Yachts, which had already established itself with the successful Contest 25. During this era, led by founder Ed Conijn, Contest emphasized meticulous attention to design and engineering, being among the first in the industry to ensure every new yacht was Lloyd's Register certified, a clear indicator of their dedication to build integrity. The Contest 38 was developed with a focus on creating a robust, well-found performance bluewater cruiser, a core philosophy that continues to define the brand. While the Contest 38 typically features an aft cockpit and a masthead sloop rig, a notable variation, the Contest 38S, was introduced later in the early 1980s. The 38S differs significantly with its center cockpit design, often rigged as a ketch, allowing for a more spacious aft cabin. This article focuses on the original Contest 38 with its aft cockpit configuration.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just under 38 feet and a waterline length of approximately 27.79 feet, the Contest 38 is characterized by its heavy displacement, indicative of a vessel built for comfort and stability rather than pure speed. Her sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.77 suggests a boat that will be steady and comfortable, albeit not a light-air speedster, aligning with its design as a dedicated cruiser. A high ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.431 contributes significantly to her stiffness and stability, enabling her to stand up well to a breeze. The displacement to length ratio, calculated at roughly 350, further reinforces her identity as a heavy, traditional cruising yacht, designed to handle varying sea states with a comfortable motion. Owners often describe the Contest 38 as a comfortable and seaworthy yacht, appreciated for its solid, heavy displacement characteristics. Equipped with a fin keel, she is generally considered easy to maneuver, providing a secure and predictable ride even in challenging conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Contest 38 is distinguished by classic mahogany joinery, contributing to a luxurious and timeless atmosphere that reflects Contest's commitment to fine craftsmanship. She offers comfortable standing headroom throughout, typically ranging from 1.85 to 1.88 meters (approximately 6.1 feet). The traditional layout for this aft-cockpit cruiser generally includes a forward V-berth, constituting one private cabin. The main saloon typically features opposing settees, often convertible to additional berths, surrounding a central dining table, accommodating 3 to 5 berths in total. A well-appointed galley and a navigation station are usually situated amidships, making efficient use of the space. While specific details on storage and ventilation can vary by individual boat and owner modifications, Contest yachts are known for their practical design, ensuring adequate provisions for extended cruising. The head compartment, typically equipped with a manual underwater toilet, is strategically placed for accessibility.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Contest 38 frequently praise its enduring build quality and robust construction, a hallmark of Contest Yachts. Many describe it as a reliable and comfortable cruising yacht, well-suited for a variety of sailing aspirations from coastal passages to more ambitious offshore voyages. The general consensus highlights the boat's seaworthiness and solid feel underfoot, providing a sense of security in adverse conditions. While some owners of ketch-rigged 38s have noted they can be slow in light airs, this characteristic is generally expected for a heavy-displacement cruiser and is often accepted in favor of the comfort and stability they provide. The strong community of Contest owners further underscores the satisfaction derived from these thoughtfully developed and engineered yachts.