Contessa 33 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Contessa 33 is defined by its Doug Peterson pedigree, which prioritizes windward ability and responsiveness. Unlike the earlier David Sadler designs (like the Contessa 32), which featured long keels and a heavy-displacement feel, the 33 utilizes a deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder. This configuration, combined with a fractional rig, allows the boat to point exceptionally high and move through stays with the agility of a racing dinghy.

On the water, the boat is known for being "tuck-up" and light in the ends, which helps it accelerate quickly in light airs. However, sailors familiar with the OOD 34 will notice that the 33 feels slightly more planted, thanks to the added weight of its cruising interior. The high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio makes it a potent performer in light to moderate winds, though it requires early reefing to stay upright and efficient as the breeze freshens. Technical discussions among Peterson-design owners often highlight the "groove" that the boat finds upwind; once trimmed, the 33 tracks with remarkable precision, though the spade rudder requires an attentive hand on the helm when running downwind in a following sea to prevent the "death roll" common to many IOR hulls of this vintage.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike its sibling, the OOD 34—which often featured "pipe cots" and exposed hull surfaces—the Contessa 33 was built with the craftsmanship Jeremy Rogers Ltd. is famous for. The interior is characterized by extensive use of high-quality teak joinery and a layout optimized for a crew of five or six. The accommodation typically features a dedicated V-berth forward, followed by a heads compartment that spans the width of the boat. The main saloon utilizes two settee berths, often with a pilot berth or storage lockers above, and a substantial folding table.

The galley and navigation station are the highlights of the 33's interior transition. While the OOD 34's galley was often an afterthought, the 33 provides a functional "L" shaped galley with a proper sink, stove, and insulated cool box. The chart table is full-sized, acknowledging the boat's dual purpose as a distance cruiser. A quarter berth is located aft on the starboard side. This interior was intended to compete with the French "Fast Cruisers" of the era, such as the early Beneteau First series, but the Contessa differentiates itself through a significantly more robust "Lymington-built" feel.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Contessa 33 often shares the limelight with its more famous sibling, the Contessa 32, but it has earned its own accolades in the racing world. It was a popular choice for the Cowes Week circuit in the 1980s and continues to be a staple in the "Contessa Class" at major UK regattas. While it hasn't achieved the literary fame of the 32—which was immortalized in works following the 1979 Fastnet Race—the 33 is frequently cited in technical retrospectives regarding the "Golden Age" of Doug Peterson's IOR designs.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Contessa 33 with a focus on its structural integrity, particularly given its history as a dual-purpose cruiser-racer.

• Keel Grid and Floor Timbers: Because these boats were often raced hard, the internal hull grid (the matrix that supports the keel bolts) should be inspected for stress fractures or "crazing," which can indicate a history of groundings or excessive rig tension.
• Deck Delamination: The 33 used a balsa-cored deck for weight savings. Areas around stanchion bases, the mast step, and deck organizers are prone to moisture ingress. A soft feel underfoot or high moisture readings usually indicate the need for a core replacement.
• Rudder Bushings: The spade rudder is a high-load component. Excessive play in the helm often points to worn bushings or, more seriously, corrosion in the internal rudder stock frame.
• Osmosis: Like many hulls from the early 1980s, the Contessa 33 is known to develop osmotic blistering if the gelcoat has not been treated with an epoxy barrier coat.
• Rod Rigging: Many Contessa 33s were originally fitted with rod rigging for racing performance. If this has not been replaced with modern wire rigging or new rod within the last 10–12 years, it should be considered "end-of-life" regardless of visual appearance.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Contessa 33 are typically supported by the broader Contessa 32 Association, which, while focused on the 32, often serves as a hub for all Jeremy Rogers-built yachts. Additionally, the "Peterson Contessa" group is an informal but highly technical network of owners who share maintenance tips specific to the Doug Peterson-designed hulls (the 25, 28, 33, 35, 39, and 43).

The Verdict

The Contessa 33 is a "sailor’s sailboat," offering a level of tactile feedback and pointing ability that modern high-volume cruisers cannot match. It is the ideal choice for an owner who appreciates the build quality of a boutique English yard but desires the speed and pedigree of a world-class racing designer.

Pros:

• Exquisite windward performance and agility.
• Significantly higher interior build quality than its OOD 34 predecessor.
• Timeless, aggressive IOR aesthetic.
• Built by Jeremy Rogers Ltd., ensuring long-term value and structural honesty.

Cons:

• The deep fin keel (approx. 6' 3") limits access to shallower cruising grounds.
• The fractional rig and large headsails require a more active, skilled crew.
• Spade rudder and IOR hull shape can be nervous when running in heavy following seas.