Contest 40 Information, Review, Specs

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Summary of Information for Article:

• Introduction:
  • Contest 40, designed by Dick Zaal, built by Contest Yachts (Conyplex) between 1979 and 1983.
  • Only 14 units built, making it relatively rare.
  • Known as a robust, quality bluewater cruiser from a reputable Dutch builder.
  • Often center-cockpit design (common for Contest).
• History and Design:
  • Production: 1979-1983.
  • Designer: Dick Zaal.
  • Builder Ethos: Contest (Conyplex) has a heritage of quality, performance, and building well-found bluewater cruisers. They focus on robust construction and attention to detail.
  • Design Philosophy (Dick Zaal & Contest 40S): The 40S (a close relative or iteration of the 40) was "designed to maintain high speeds in all conditions" and was "finer and lower than her predecessors". This indicates a move towards more performance-oriented cruising while retaining Contest's renowned stability. Zaal is a renowned naval architect. Contest collaborated with designers to add "regatta experience to cruising pedigree".
  • Variations: mentions "Sloop or ketch." Most search results refer to the "40S" as a sloop. The ketch rig offers smaller, more manageable sails, which can be beneficial for larger boats, though sloops are simpler. Given the limited production numbers, specific documented variations (MkI/MkII) beyond rig type were not found. I'll highlight the sloop as the prevalent rig.
• Sailing Performance and Handling:
  • SA/D Ratio: 19.19. This indicates good performance, especially in lighter winds, typical for a performance cruiser.
  • Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 36.09%. This is moderate, suggesting good stability but perhaps not the extreme stiffness of a dedicated heavy-weather boat (though Contest's reputation implies otherwise, so it should be balanced with their construction ethos).
  • Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L): ~395. This is very high, indicating a heavy displacement vessel, traditionally associated with comfortable motion offshore and robust build, rather than planing performance. It aligns with Contest's focus on bluewater cruising.
  • Anecdotal Handling: Described as having "ideal sailing characteristics". Designed to "maintain high speeds in all conditions". Contest yachts are known for combining comfort, safety, and seaworthiness. "Hull includes a fine entry with the beam carried well aft to a broad stern. It is modern without being" overly radical. The center cockpit offers safety and good visibility.
• Accommodations and Layout:
  • max_headroom_ft is null. Search for interior details.
  • "Space, comfort, reliability and quality in construction and finishing".
  • Contest is known for luxurious and well-finished interiors 15, 17, Builder Article.
  • No specific Contest 40 interior plans found with detailed cabin layouts in the search. General Contest features include adaptable layouts and quality materials like wood trim. The centre-cockpit design typically allows for larger aft cabins. I will infer typical layouts for a boat of this size and Contest's known style.
• Owner's Perspectives:
  • Limited specific owner reviews for the Contest 40. General statements about Contest yachts being robust and well-built are present. No recurring "common problems" were explicitly identified for this specific model. Therefore, this section will be omitted or very brief, stating a general positive reputation based on the builder.

Structure:

1. Introduction
2. History and Design
3. Sailing Performance and Handling
4. Accommodations and Layout
5. (Optional) Owner's Perspectives - Likely omit due to lack of specific data for this model.

Confidence Score: 4/5 - I have most information, but the interior layout details are still somewhat generic for the Contest 40 specifically. I will rely on general Contest interior characteristics and typical layouts for a boat of this size with a center cockpit.

Strategizing complete. I will now generate the article.