Contender Information, Review, Specs

This iconic dinghy was conceived by Australian designer Bob Miller, later known as Ben Lexcen, in 1967. Its construction and ongoing development have been strongly associated with builders known for their commitment to competitive sailing, including Rondar Raceboats, a UK-based company celebrated for its precision construction of high-performance one-design sailing craft.

History and Design

The Contender's inception arose from an international search for a new single-handed dinghy class. It was originally presented at trials sponsored by the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU, now World Sailing) held in La Baule, France, in 1966. While a previous event in Weymouth proved inconclusive, Miller's design quickly gained traction. The provided "notes" field The class officially gained International status in 1968, the year its production commenced. [The provided

Rondar Raceboats, the builder of many Contenders, was established in the mid-1960s and quickly earned a reputation for specializing in high-quality racing vessels. Their manufacturing ethos, consistent throughout the Contender's production era, emphasizes precision, consistency, and a deep understanding of what makes a boat perform on the racecourse. Rondar's dedication to technical advancement, including the use of modern composite construction and self-draining epoxy hulls, has ensured their boats remain competitive at the highest levels of the sport. Over 2,200 Contenders have been built, a testament to the design's enduring popularity and the class's longevity. [The provided While specific Mark I or Mark II variations are not commonly cited, the class has seen continuous development in control layouts and construction techniques across various builders to optimize racing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contender is celebrated for its dynamic sailing performance, particularly in windy conditions where its trapeze allows the sailor to generate significant righting moment. With a length overall of 16.0 feet and a reported sail area of 120 square feet powering a lightweight displacement of just 230 pounds, the Contender is designed for speed and agility. She features a cat rig and a centerboard, offering a minimum draft of just 0.33 feet when retracted and a maximum draft of 4.33 feet with the board fully deployed.

Sailing the Contender is an engaging experience that demands a high level of skill. It is known to be a fast boat, particularly when windy, allowing the sailor to get on the trapeze and push the boat to its hull speed of approximately 5.19 knots. [9, The provided While it excels in stronger breezes, some sailors note it can be more challenging in light wind conditions. The boat's design includes a boom that sweeps low over the deck, requiring the sailor to duck deep during tacks and gybes. Despite this, experienced Contender sailors praise its balance and the thrill it delivers, describing it as a "brilliant boat as soon as you are trapezing" and "lots of fun." Its high-performance nature means that getting the boat handling down requires practice and dedication, but the rewards are significant for those seeking a competitive and exhilarating single-handed racing dinghy.

Accommodations and Layout

As a high-performance single-handed racing dinghy, the Contender's design prioritizes speed and ergonomics for the racing sailor over interior accommodations. Consequently, there are no enclosed living spaces, cabins, or traditional berths. The cockpit is shallow and optimized for the single crew member, equipped with the necessary control lines and hardware for racing.

The layout focuses on functionality and ease of control, with a non-slip deck to provide secure footing. The boat's specifications typically include a Selden Series 1 High Modular carbon mast and a carbon boom, paired with a laminate race sail, all contributing to its lightweight and high-performance profile. The open, uncluttered design of the cockpit ensures that the sailor has maximum mobility and control while on the trapeze, vital for competitive racing.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Contender consistently praise its exhilarating performance and the engaging, challenging sailing experience it offers. Many describe it as a "great boat" and "lots of fun," particularly highlighting the thrill of sailing on the trapeze in strong winds. The longevity of the International Contender class is a strong testament to the quality and enduring appeal of its original design.

While the low-sweeping boom is a characteristic of the design, experienced owners note that it becomes a non-issue with proper technique. The Contender fosters a dedicated community of sailors who appreciate its demanding yet rewarding nature. Owners often emphasize that the boat requires an active and committed approach to sailing, but for those willing to put in the effort, it provides an immensely satisfying and competitive platform. The robust construction and one-design principles ensure that boats, even older Rondar models, remain competitive, reflecting the builder's commitment to quality and the class's strong administration.