Contest 40 A-B Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Contest 40 is defined by its stability and predictable motion. Dick Zaal’s design philosophy for the hull emphasized a moderate-to-heavy displacement, which results in a vessel that excels when the wind picks up. While it may require a breeze of at least 10 to 12 knots to overcome its inertia, once moving, the boat carries its momentum exceptionally well through choppy seas. The hull features a deep-V entry and a balanced rudder, which Dick Zaal Design historically optimized for directional stability, reducing the workload on both the helmsman and autopilot during long offshore legs.

The rig is typically a silver-anodized Selden cutter or sloop configuration, often found with in-mast furling—a popular option for the short-handed couples who originally purchased these boats. The sail area-to-displacement ratio reflects a conservative approach, prioritizing safety and ease of handling over raw racing speed. According to archival technical reviews, the boat’s ballast-to-displacement ratio is substantial, often exceeding 40%, which ensures a high limit of positive stability. This makes the Contest 40 particularly "sea-kindly," a term owners frequently use to describe the lack of jerky movements in a seaway compared to lighter, modern production boats.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Contest 40 is a masterclass in traditional Dutch joinery, utilizing high-grade teak and meticulous hand-finishing. The "A-B" variations offered by the yard catered to different cruising styles. The "A" layout generally focused on a larger forward guest cabin and a specific linear or L-shaped galley arrangement, while the "B" layout might prioritize a different configuration for the main saloon seating or the walkthrough to the aft cabin.

The centerpiece of the living space is the aft owner’s stateroom. Unlike many 40-footers of its era, the Contest 40 provides a truly private suite with a large double berth, dedicated seating, and an en-suite head with a shower. The center-cockpit design allows for significant headroom throughout the walkthrough and the main cabin, usually exceeding 6'4" (1.93m). The engine room is located beneath the cockpit sole, accessible via the walkthrough, and is noted for its superior soundproofing—a hallmark of Contest’s engineering.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Contest 40 is built to a high standard, its age necessitates a rigorous inspection of several key systems:

• Teak Deck Longevity: Most Contest 40s were delivered with thick teak decks bedded in sealant. By now, many of these decks may be reaching the end of their lifespan. Buyers should check for thinning wood, failing caulk lines, and "popped" screws that could allow water to migrate into the balsa or foam core.
• Chainplate Inspection: The chainplates are robust but are recessed into the deck. Over decades, seal failure can lead to crevice corrosion or moisture ingress into the bulkheads they are attached to.
• Aft Rudder Bearing: Due to the heavy displacement and the loads on the rudder, the lower bearings can develop play. This is often felt as a "thump" or vibration in the steering wheel when sailing downwind in a swell.
• Rigging and Furling Systems: Many units feature early-generation hydraulic or electric furling systems (especially Selden or Furlex). These require specialized maintenance to ensure the motors and seals remain watertight.
• Osmosis Check: While Conyplex used high-quality resins, any hull from this era should be checked for osmotic blistering, particularly if the boat has spent its life in warmer waters.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Contest 40 benefit from a robust support network. The Contest Yachts shipyard in Medemblik remains active and continues to provide technical support and original parts for their heritage models. Additionally, the Contest Yachts Owners Association acts as a primary hub for technical exchange, organizing rallies and maintaining a database of refit projects and "owner-fixes" for the 40 and its siblings, the 40S and the larger 43.

The Verdict

The Contest 40 A-B remains a premier choice for sailors who prioritize safety, craftsmanship, and comfort over contemporary styling and light-air speed. It is a "destination" boat, designed to get its crew to a distant port regardless of the weather conditions.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and joinery that surpasses modern mass-production standards.
• Deep, secure center cockpit provides excellent protection from the elements.
• The aft stateroom offers luxury and privacy rarely found in a 40-foot vintage hull.
• Excellent heavy-weather tracking and sea-kindliness.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Maintenance-heavy teak decks are common on the secondhand market.
• Higher price point than similar-sized production boats of the same age.