Contest 55 CS Information, Review, Specs

Crafted by a collaborative design team, the hull for the 55 CS was developed from a design by the acclaimed Doug Peterson, with contributions from Georg Nissen, blending performance with cruising pedigree. The interior layouts, tailored to maximize onboard comfort, were thoughtfully designed by firms such as Wetzels Brown Partners and Birgit Schnaase. The yacht's primary purpose is that of an owner-operated bluewater cruiser, offering both exhilarating sailing characteristics and the comforts of a much larger vessel for extended voyages.

History and Design

The Contest 55 CS emerged during a period when Contest Yachts, under the guidance of Fritz Conijn, was firmly establishing its niche in the semi-custom luxury yacht market, typically focusing on vessels between 40 and 65 feet. The company's heritage, rooted in the innovative spirit of founder Ed Conijn, emphasized meticulous craftsmanship and robust construction from its earliest days building Olympic-class dinghies and the successful Contest 25. This ethos of producing well-found, performance-oriented bluewater cruisers carried directly into the development of the 55 CS.

Drawing upon a hull design by Doug Peterson, known for incorporating regatta experience into cruising yachts, the 55 CS benefited from a foundation built for spirited sailing. Contest Yachts, which notably collaborated with the creator of the wing keel concept, applied this technology to their yachts, a feature that enhances stability and reduces draft without significantly compromising performance. Throughout its production run from 1998 to 2011, the 55 CS maintained its core design principles, consistently offering a blend of bespoke luxury and robust capability that defined Contest's "Dutch approach to performance bluewater sailing". No significant variations like MkI or MkII models were prominently noted during its production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contest 55 CS is engineered to deliver a superior sailing experience, characterized by a harmonious balance of speed, stability, and responsiveness. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.09, she exhibits strong performance in lighter winds, suggesting an ability to move efficiently even when breezes are gentle. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.36 indicates a good level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway.

As a moderate-heavy cruiser, indicated by a displacement to length ratio of approximately 278.22, the 55 CS is designed for confident passage making. Owners and reviewers often describe her as agile and trim-sensitive, offering an engaging sailing experience. Despite her substantial size, she is noted for making sailing appear effortless, behaving as a big, powerful yacht that handles well in various sea states. Her spade rudder design contributes to responsive steering and maneuverability. The wing keel further aids in reducing leeway and increasing lift, enhancing her overall performance while maintaining a shallower draft than traditional full keels, Builder Article].

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Contest 55 CS is a hallmark of thoughtful design and luxury, crafted to maximize onboard comfort for extended cruising. While exact maximum headroom details are not specified in available data, the yacht's substantial beam of 15.26 feet and overall volume contribute to a remarkably spacious living environment. Drawing design cues from larger Contest models like the 85 CS and 67 CS, the interior typically features an expansive and adaptable layout.

The design firms of Wetzels Brown Partners and Birgit Schnaase have been instrumental in creating interiors that exude an understated luxury, utilizing high-quality materials and finishes. Common interior arrangements found on the 55 CS include a well-appointed owner's cabin, often aft, with generous storage and en-suite facilities, along with guest cabins forward. The salon is typically spacious and inviting, designed for comfortable lounging and dining. A fully equipped galley and multiple heads are standard. Given its focus as an owner-cruising yacht, dedicated crew quarters are generally absent, with the emphasis instead placed on owner comfort and deep storage options for long voyages. Owners have the flexibility to customize layouts to their individual needs, with options such as a 50-inch TV being available. Good ventilation and ample natural light are typically considerations in the design, enhancing the liveaboard experience.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Contest 55 CS consistently laud the yacht for its exceptional build quality and the comfortable, secure motion it provides in a seaway, often described as an "invisible comfort". The solid fiberglass hull and deck construction contribute to a feeling of immense strength and durability, which aligns with Contest Yachts' reputation for building robust bluewater vessels, Builder Article]. Many owners are drawn to the 55 CS for its blend of bespoke luxury and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for ambitious offshore passages and long-term cruising.

The interior design and layout are frequently praised by owners and their guests for their aesthetic appeal and functionality, with the customizable options allowing for truly personalized spaces. The "Dutch approach to performance bluewater sailing" resonates with owners who appreciate meticulous attention to detail and engineering that enhances the overall sailing and ownership experience, 14]. While specific recurring weaknesses are not widely documented, the general consensus points to the 55 CS as a well-engineered and well-supported yacht, reflecting Contest Yachts' commitment to its global community of owners through sales and after-sales service partnerships.