Contessa 32 Information, Review, Specs

The first two Contessa 32 hulls were molded by Jeremy Rogers Ltd. in late 1970 and launched in 1971. Production continued robustly until 1982, during which time Jeremy Rogers Ltd. built over 700 units. In Canada, J.J. Taylor produced 87 Contessa 32s until 1990. Following an economic downturn that impacted the British boat manufacturing industry, Jeremy Rogers reacquired the molds for the Contessa 32 in 1995, resuming limited production of this beloved classic which continues to this day., 5]

David Sadler's design philosophy for the Contessa 32 blended traditional yachting attributes with emerging concepts of the era. The hull design is a cross between older and newer forms, featuring a well-ballasted fin keel and a skeg-mounted rudder, which was considered cutting-edge for the period. This configuration provides the lateral stability of a full keel while offering greater responsiveness to the helm. The robust construction includes solid fiberglass hulls and decks on British-built boats, with the two tonnes of lead ballast encapsulated within the hull, eliminating the need for keel bolts. Canadian-built versions later adopted fiberglass headliners and molded interior furniture, which, while practical, offered a brighter interior and slightly reduced weight compared to the all-wood finish of their British counterparts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contessa 32's design ratios underscore its capabilities as a capable and stable cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of approximately 15.41, she is a moderate performer, suggesting a balanced approach rather than an emphasis on extreme light-air speed. A high Ballast to Displacement Ratio of 0.473 indicates excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and inspiring confidence in heavy weather. Her Displacement to Length Ratio of around 306.7 classifies her as a heavier, more traditional cruiser, contributing to her renowned comfortable motion in a seaway.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Contessa 32 for its exceptional seaworthiness and robust handling, particularly in challenging conditions. The boat is famously forgiving and rewarding to sail, known for its ability to cut through waves without pounding. She excels when sailing to windward in strong breezes, instilling confidence that she can beat away from a lee shore even in gale-force conditions. This heavy-weather prowess was notably demonstrated during the infamous 1979 Fastnet Race, where a Contessa 32 named Assent was the smallest yacht to complete the race, earning praise for its high ultimate stability (Angle of Vanishing Stability of 156°).

Despite these strengths, the Contessa 32 has certain characteristics reflective of its design era. Its low freeboard means it can be a wet boat when sailing to windward in a blow, earning it the affectionate nickname "submarine with sails". In strong downwind conditions, some owners report a tendency to roll, and the relatively small rudder can make control challenging. While generally well-balanced, the tiller-steered versions can develop notable weather helm under full canvas upwind. Maneuvering under power is generally predictable, with a tendency to walk to port when going astern.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Contessa 32, while practical and cozy, is notably compact when compared to more modern yachts of similar length, a direct consequence of its narrow beam and low freeboard designed for offshore capability rather than maximizing harbor living space. Headroom is approximately 6 feet 1 inch at the foot of the companionway, diminishing quickly to about 5 feet 10 inches in the main salon and around 5 feet in the forward heads compartment.

The typical layout features a V-berth in the forward cabin. A narrow heads compartment to port, often opposite a hanging locker or additional stowage, separates the forward cabin from the main salon. The main salon commonly includes a U-shaped settee to port, with a folding central table that can convert the settee into a double berth. A single settee/berth is situated to starboard. The galley is positioned to port at the foot of the companionway. Early models featured an L-shaped galley, while later versions (from 1982 onwards) adopted a U-shaped configuration, offering decent cupboard space and counter area. To starboard, a half-Admiralty size chart table with integrated storage serves the navigation area, with a quarter berth extending aft, the head of which doubles as the navigator's seat.

British-built Contessa 32s are celebrated for their traditional all-wood (often teak) interior finishes, contributing to a comfortable and homely atmosphere. Canadian versions, however, utilized fiberglass headliners and moldings for interior furniture, finished with wood trim, providing a brighter yet perhaps less classic aesthetic. Storage is generally adequate, provided outboard of settees and in shelves. Ventilation, primarily through overhead hatches, can be limited, particularly in warmer climates, due to the boat's low freeboard which restricts the feasibility of opening portlights while underway.

Owner's Perspectives

The Contessa 32 enjoys a remarkably strong and supportive owner community, actively fostered by the Contessa 32 Association which organizes racing events and maintains a vibrant virtual yacht club. Owners consistently praise the yacht for its solid construction, reassuring stability, and unparalleled seaworthiness, often prioritizing these attributes over the more expansive accommodations found in modern designs. Many commend its ability to handle severe weather with grace and its "bulletproof" reputation as a go-anywhere cruiser. The classic lines and timeless aesthetic are also frequently cited as reasons for its enduring appeal.

However, common owner observations also highlight the boat's limitations. The cramped interior, particularly the low headroom and small heads compartment, is a recurring point. The tendency for the boat to be very wet when sailing to windward and to roll downwind in strong breezes are also frequently mentioned characteristics. Maintenance considerations for older models often include inspecting and upgrading original deck fittings and hatches, which can be prone to leaks, and addressing the bilge water tank, which sometimes leaks into the tank. Owners also commonly find that the electrical systems on older boats require significant modernization to accommodate contemporary electronics. Some older boats may also show signs of bonding failure in bulkheads or hull flex. Despite these potential issues, the high demand for well-maintained examples, which can command significant premiums, underscores the deep affection and confidence owners place in the Contessa 32.