Contessa 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Contessa 27 is a product of Doug Peterson’s mastery of the IOR era, featuring a distinctive hull shape with a relatively wide beam carried well aft and a deep fin keel. Unlike the Contessa 26, which tracks with the stubbornness of a full-keeled boat, the 27 is notably more agile. It utilizes a high-aspect rig that provides significant lift in light airs, yet the boat’s healthy ballast ratio ensures it remains stiff and predictable when the breeze freshens.

Owners often describe the handling as "point-and-shoot," noting that the boat rewards active trimming. Under sail, the 27 exhibits a characteristic IOR "bustle" or "kick" in the aft sections, which helps with surfing off the wind, though it requires a firm hand on the tiller in heavy following seas to prevent rhythmic rolling. Its windward ability is a particular highlight; the Peterson-designed foil allows the 27 to tack through tight angles, making it a competitive club racer even four decades after its debut. The boat’s displacement-to-length ratio suggests a sturdy cruiser, yet the sail area/displacement ratio confirms its status as a performance-oriented hull that feels significantly more modern than the Folkboat-derived designs of the 1960s.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 27-foot yacht designed in the late 1970s, the Contessa 27 offers a surprisingly functional interior, benefitting from the increased beam that was absent in the narrower Contessa 26. The layout typically features a classic offshore arrangement: a V-berth in the forward cabin, a compact heads (toilet) compartment located between the salon and the forepeak, and two longitudinal settees in the main salon that double as sea berths.

The craftsmanship is pure Jeremy Rogers, featuring extensive teak joinery and high-quality GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) finishes. While headroom is adequate for a vessel of this size, it remains a "small" 27-footer by modern standards, prioritizing structural integrity over cavernous volume. The galley is generally located to one side of the companionway, featuring a small sink and cooker, with a dedicated navigation station opposite.

A key sibling model to consider is the Contessa 28, also a Peterson design. While the two models share a similar aesthetic and design DNA, the Contessa 28 was built in much larger numbers (approximately 129 units) and features a slightly longer waterline and a different interior configuration tailored for more comfortable coastal cruising. The 27 is often viewed as the more "hardcore" racer-cruiser variant of the two, optimized for specific rating advantages of its time.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Contessa 27 with a checklist focused on the longevity of 1970s-era fiberglass construction.

1. Deck Core Integrity: Like many Jeremy Rogers builds of this period, the decks are balsa-cored. Buyers should check for "soft spots" or delamination, particularly around stanchion bases and deck hardware where water ingress may have compromised the wood core.
2. Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder on the 27 is subject to significant loads. Any excessive "play" or vibration in the tiller often indicates worn bushings or, more seriously, moisture penetration into the rudder blade itself.
3. Engine Access and Age: Many original units were fitted with Volvo Penta MD series engines (such as the MD5 or MD7). These are durable but now reaching the end of their service lives. Prospective owners should inspect the engine mounts and the condition of the sail-drive or shaft seal, as replacement parts can be increasingly difficult to source.
4. Chainplates: The rigging loads on Peterson designs are substantial. Inspect the chainplates where they meet the bulkheads for signs of movement, rust streaks, or cracking in the surrounding fiberglass.

Community & Resources

The Contessa 27 benefits from the umbrella of the wider Contessa community, which is among the most active in the British yachting scene. Technical support and historical documentation are primarily handled through the Contessa 26 & 32 Class Associations, though they often welcome owners of the 27 and 28 siblings into their technical forums and social events.

The Verdict

The Contessa 27 is a sophisticated, well-built cruiser-racer that appeals to the sailor who prioritizes performance and build heritage over maximum interior volume. It remains a "pocket" offshore vessel capable of serious coastal passages and competitive club racing.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality from the Jeremy Rogers yard.
• Strong windward performance and agile handling.
• Timeless Doug Peterson lines that still look modern on the water.
• Robust enough for serious offshore use.

Cons:

• Interior volume is limited compared to modern 27-footers.
• Rare on the second-hand market compared to the Contessa 26 or 32.
• The spade rudder requires more maintenance than a skeg-hung or long-keel alternative.