Contest 42 Information, Review, Specs

The Contest 42 emerged during a period when Contest Yachts was transitioning from serial production towards specializing in semi-customized yachts, typically in the 40 to 65-foot range. This era, under the guidance of Fritz Conijn, saw the builder solidify its reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and robust construction using solid fiberglass for both hull and deck. The production run of the Contest 42, spanning from 1977 to 1985, saw 32 units built.

As the designer, Dick Zaal is known for creating yachts with a focus on seaworthiness and comfortable motion, aligning well with Contest's ethos of building well-found performance bluewater cruisers. The Contest 42 was primarily offered with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a common configuration for offshore stability and directional control. A notable variation during its production was the availability of a wing keel version, which reduced the draft from 6.42 feet to 5.58 feet. While many Contest models saw various evolutions, specific "Mk" iterations beyond this keel difference are not widely documented for the original Contest 42.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contest 42, with its ketch rig, was designed to offer versatile sail-handling options, particularly beneficial for long-distance cruising. To assess its likely performance characteristics, several ratios can be interpreted from its specifications.

With a reported sail area of 660 square feet and a displacement of 24,230 pounds, the Contest 42 has a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 13.9. This ratio suggests that she is a moderate performer, capable of making good progress in a range of conditions without being overly sensitive in heavy air. Her sailing characteristics are likely to be steady rather than exceptionally nimble.

The Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of the Contest 42 is approximately 0.43 (10,572 lbs ballast / 24,230 lbs displacement). This relatively high ratio indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This contributes directly to her suitability as an offshore cruiser, as higher stability means less heeling and greater comfort for those on board.

The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) for the Contest 42, with a displacement of 24,230 pounds and a waterline length of 32.83 feet, calculates to approximately 334. This places the Contest 42 firmly in the category of a heavy cruiser. A higher D/L ratio suggests a powerful, comfortable boat with good directional stability, capable of carrying stores for extended periods and maintaining momentum through waves, though at the expense of light-air speed. She is likely to offer a solid, confidence-inspiring ride in challenging conditions. While specific anecdotal descriptions of the original Contest 42's handling are scarce in readily available reviews, the design ratios and the builder's reputation point towards a vessel that is steady, predictable, and capable in various sea states, embodying the "Dutch approach to performance bluewater sailing."

Accommodations and Layout

Details regarding the precise interior layouts of the original Contest 42 (1977-1985) are not widely documented in current online resources. However, drawing from Contest Yachts' established reputation during this period, the interior of the Contest 42 would have been finished to a high standard, characterized by quality materials and robust joinery. Contest yachts of this era typically featured well-crafted wood trim, offering a warm and traditional aesthetic.

Given her length overall of 41.33 feet and a beam of 12.67 feet, the Contest 42 would have provided ample interior volume for comfortable cruising. Standard layouts for ketch-rigged cruising yachts of this size and era often included a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a galley, and a navigation station. Depending on the specific configuration, she likely offered one or two heads, and potentially a quarter berth or an aft cabin. Ventilation would have been provided by deck hatches and portlights, while storage would have been generous throughout the boat, designed to accommodate the provisions and gear necessary for extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

While extensive owner reviews detailing common problems or specific accolades for the original Contest 42 (1977-1985) are limited in readily accessible public forums, the general sentiment surrounding Contest yachts of this era is highly positive. Owners frequently praise the brand for its solid construction and robust build quality, reflecting the "Lloyd's A1 build certification" often associated with Contest vessels. The YouTube video showcasing a 1981 Contest 42 Ketch describes it as an "Iconic model of the 70s/80s" that "seems to defy time and just won't age," suggesting exceptional durability and timeless appeal. Another forum post mentions a Contest 42 as a "very good example" of its kind, implying overall satisfaction among owners. These scattered comments suggest that the Contest 42, like many of her siblings from the Contest lineage, was a well-regarded and enduring vessel, appreciated for its longevity and seaworthiness. Specific recurring issues are not prominently reported, which may also be a testament to the quality of their construction.