Design and Construction
The hull measures 8.84 meters overall, with a 6.78-meter waterline and a 2.50-meter beam. Standard draft is about 1.30 meters and can increase to 1.40 meters under load, allowing the boat to fit into shallow marinas.
Displacement is 3,600 kg, with a ballast ratio of 39%. Both the hull and deck are solid fiberglass. A length-to-beam ratio of 3.54 makes the Contest 29 slimmer than 90% of comparable sailboat designs. Her displacement-length ratio of 244 puts her among moderate racers rather than heavy cruisers.
A capsize screening value of 1.75 and an immersion rate of about 686 pounds per inch complete the picture of a comparatively narrow, moderately loaded coastal cruiser.
Rig and Handling
The Contest 29 carries a masthead rig with 41 m² of sail area. Her standard SA/D is 16.8, rising to 19.8 with a 135% genoa. This makes her slightly overrigged relative to 69% of similar boats and quicker than 58% of them in light wind.
Wetted surface is about 21 m², and theoretical hull speed is 6.6 knots. Under the Bukh 20hp diesel with shaft drive, calculated maximum speed is about 4.0 knots.
The halyard and sheet specifications are generous for a boat of this size. The mainsheet and halyards use 8 mm and 10 mm diameters, with lengths near 23 meters, supporting a robust cruising rig rather than a stripped-down racer.
Accommodations
The standard interior has two cabins, one head, and six berths. Headroom is described as above average for the class. Mahogany joinery, conventional for the period, gives the saloon a warm, traditional character.
With two cabins and six berths, the layout suggests a boat aimed at small families or couples cruising with guests rather than primarily at solo weekend sailing.
Verdict
The Contest 29 is a thoughtfully proportioned small cruiser. Her narrow beam and moderate displacement produce a comfortable motion: a Motion Comfort Ratio of 24.1 to 31.0 beats 90% of similar designs. At the same time, the slightly overrigged masthead sail plan preserves useful light-air pace.
This is a straightforward, well-found Luyten design from the mid-1960s, built in meaningful numbers and easy to haul for shallow-water cruising. Its modest engine speed and narrow hull, however, limit offshore range.
Pros
- Above-average headroom, with six berths in a two-cabin layout
- More comfortable motion than 90% of similar sailboats
- Shallow 1.30 m draft for easier marina and anchorage access
- Slightly overrigged masthead sloop that performs well in light wind
Cons
- Calculated maximum speed under power is only about 4.0 knots
- Slimmer hull and lower ballast ratio than many comparable cruisers
- Narrow beam limits interior volume compared with later designs
