Contest 48 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Contest 48 emerged during a pivotal period for Contest Yachts. Founded by Ed Conijn in 1959, the company initially gained recognition for smaller, serially produced boats like the successful Contest 25. Under the guidance of Ed's son, Fritz Conijn, Contest Yachts began a strategic transition towards specializing in semi-customized yachts, typically in the 40 to 65-foot range, allowing for a higher degree of craftsmanship and owner input. This ethos of building robust, well-found performance bluewater cruisers was clearly applied to the Contest 48.

The design of the Contest 48 is attributed to the collaboration of naval architects Dick Zaal and Georg Nissen. While specific details about their individual design philosophies for this particular model are limited, Dick Zaal is known for his work on various sailing yachts, and Georg Nissen's firm has designed boats built by Conyplex. Contest Yachts themselves emphasize a "Dutch approach to performance bluewater sailing," focusing on meticulous attention to design and engineering to enhance the sailing and ownership experience, principles that would have guided the creation of the Contest 48. Although later iterations, such as the Contest 48CS, saw production in subsequent decades with possible refinements, the original Contest 48 set the precedent for a robust and capable offshore design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contest 48 is characterized by its heavy displacement and ketch rig, indicative of a design prioritizing comfort and stability in varied sea states over pure speed. With a displacement of 37,883 lbs and a length at the waterline of 37.57 feet, her displacement-to-length ratio is exceptionally high, suggesting a vessel with a comfortable motion in a seaway, capable of standing up to significant wind and waves without excessive pounding.

Her sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 14.4, indicates that the Contest 48 is a powerful boat that will perform best in moderate to stronger winds, being less prone to light-air performance. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.32 suggests a moderate degree of initial stability, providing a steady and predictable platform. The combination of a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder contributes to good directional stability and a balanced feel at the helm, which is crucial for long-distance cruising. Owners have noted that the Contest 48 can be easily sailed single-handed from the cockpit, highlighting its balanced sailing performance and deck layout.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Contest 48 is renowned for its spaciousness, offering more volume than many comparable designs of its era. While specific headroom figures are not available, Contest Yachts are generally known for their well-thought-out interior designs that maximize living space and comfort. Typical interior layouts often feature a classic teak finish, providing a warm and traditional ambiance.

The arrangement commonly includes multiple cabins, such as a comfortable V-berth forward, a generous salon area, a well-equipped galley, and often a private aft cabin, making it suitable for larger crews or extended stays onboard. Many configurations offer two or even three cabins with multiple heads and separate shower cabins, providing ample privacy and convenience for owners and guests. The generous water capacity of 416 gallons and fuel capacity of 285 gallons underscore the Contest 48's design for extended, self-sufficient cruising. Storage is typically ample, and Contest's overall build quality suggests robust fittings and good ventilation, essential for bluewater sailing.