The Contest 40S represents a definitive era in Dutch yacht building, marking the transition of the Conyplex yard from serial production to the high-end, semi-custom niche it occupies today. Designed by the prolific Dick Zaal, the 40S was an evolution of the original Contest 40, refining the hull and deck layout to better serve the growing demand for "blue water" luxury and shorthanded efficiency. Unlike its predecessor, the "S" variant typically featured a more integrated sugar-scoop transom and options for a high-performance wing keel—a technology Contest Yachts famously pioneered in the cruising market following the 1983 America’s Cup. Constructed between the late 1980s and mid-1990s, the 40S was built to Lloyd’s Register specifications, ensuring a hull of immense structural integrity. This model served as the middle child in a highly successful range that included the smaller Contest 36 and the larger, iconic 43, sharing the same DNA of deep-V hull sections and a heavy-displacement philosophy.
Contest 40 S Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Contest
- Model
- 40 S
- Builder
- Contest Yachts - Conyplex
- Designer
- Dick Zaal
- Number Built
- 30
- Production Year(s)
- 1993 - 1997
Below are the most recent Contest 40 S sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | 3 | $175,478 |
| Nov 2025 | 2 | $161,190 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | $205,214 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | $187,255 |
| Apr 2026 | 2 | $187,255 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Seacraft 40 | $245,000 | 22 | 2 | |
| Contest 38s | 38' | $66,565 | 20 | 6 |
| Conyplex 31 HT | 31.17' | $22,965 | 15 | 6 |
| Swan 40 | 39.3' | $117,711 | 14 | 3 |
| Nauticat 40 | 39.37' | $129,900 | 13 | 7 |
| Conyplex 33 | 32.25' | $24,617 | 10 | 7 |
| Moody 40 | 39.5' | $88,328 | 10 | 5 |
| Contest 40 S | $187,255 | 9 | 3 | |
| Contest 45 CS | 44.95' | $552,344 | 9 | 5 |
| Contest 43 | 42.65' | $193,144 | 7 | 4 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $181,367 | 6 | 2 |
| Spain | $205,214 | 1 | 0 |
| United Kingdom | $135,124 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Contest 40 S cost?
- The median asking price for a used Contest 40 S over the past 12 months is $187,255. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Contest 40 S sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 9 Contest 40 S listings over the past 12 months, with 3 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Contest 40 S prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Contest 40 S has remained stable over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Contest 40 S?
- United Kingdom currently has the lowest median asking price at $135,124, while Spain is the most expensive at $205,214 — a 52% difference.
- What are similar sailboats to the Contest 40 S?
- Comparable models include the Pacific Seacraft 40, Contest 38s, Conyplex 31 HT. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.