Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the Contest 44CS are defined by its balanced, semi-skeg-protected rudder and a relatively high ballast ratio. With a displacement of approximately 13,500 kg and a lead keel, the boat exhibits the stiff, "on-rails" tracking typical of Nissen designs. While it is not an ultralight racer, the vacuum-infused construction allowed the designers to move weight lower into the keel, improving the righting moment and allowing the boat to carry its sail area longer into freshening breezes.
Handling is optimized for short-handed sailing, featuring a center-cockpit layout that brings the primary winches within easy reach of the helm. Most 44CS units were delivered with in-mast furling and a slightly overlapping genoa, a configuration that emphasizes ease of use over raw light-wind speed. According to archival design notes from the shipyard, the hull shape was optimized to minimize slamming in a head sea, a common critique of flatter-bottomed modern cruisers. This makes the 44CS a particularly "kind" sea-boat, capable of maintaining high average speeds in offshore conditions without punishing the crew.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the 44CS, styled by Birgit Schnaase, marked a significant aesthetic shift for Contest, moving toward lighter woods and more contemporary lines while retaining the "seaworthy" features like deep fiddles and sturdy handrails. The layout is centered around a voluminous raised saloon that benefits from the panoramic deck-house windows, providing excellent natural light—a feature often praised in editorial reviews from the period.
The standard configuration features two large cabins. The aft owner’s stateroom is a hallmark of the Contest brand, offering a center-line queen berth, extensive hanging lockers, and a private en-suite head with a separate shower stall. The forward V-berth serves as the primary guest cabin, also with its own dedicated head. A common variation found on the brokerage market includes a "walk-through" galley located in the starboard passageway to the aft cabin, which provides a safe and secure bracing position for the cook while underway. Sibling models built on similar design philosophies include the Contest 42CS, which offered a more compact aft-cockpit arrangement, and the Contest 45CS, which expanded the footprint to allow for a dedicated third bunk-cabin.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Contest 44CS should prioritize a rigorous inspection of the following technical areas:
- Teak Deck Longevity: Contest used high-quality, thick teak during this era, vacuum-bonded rather than screwed. However, on yachts reaching the 20-year mark, buyers should check for thinning of the wood and the integrity of the caulking, as replacement is a significant capital expense.
- System Complexity: As a semi-custom yacht, many 44CS units were fitted with complex 24V DC systems, hydraulic furling, and bow thrusters. A professional marine electrician should verify the condition of the wiring looms and the functionality of the original Mastervolt or Victron charging systems.
- Rudder Bearings: Due to the weight of the semi-skeg rudder, some owners have reported play in the lower bearings after extended blue-water passages. Checking for "thumping" at the helm under load is a standard sea-trial requirement.
- Hull Finish: While the vacuum-infused hulls are robust, early 2000s gelcoats can occasionally show signs of "clouding" if not maintained with regular UV protection.
Community & Resources
Owners of the 44CS benefit from one of the most dedicated manufacturer-supported communities in Europe. The Contest Yachts Owners Association provides a repository of technical manuals, historical data, and a platform for owners to share maintenance tips. Because the shipyard remains family-owned and operated in Medemblik, technical support and original parts are often still available directly from the builder, a rarity for yachts of this age.
The Verdict
The Contest 44CS remains a premier choice for sailors seeking a "forever boat" that balances offshore safety with luxury aesthetics.
Pros:
- Exceptional Build Quality: Lloyd’s certified construction with high-end Dutch craftsmanship.
- Sea-Kindliness: Heavily ballasted and stiff, providing comfort in heavy weather.
- Owner’s Suite: One of the best aft-cabin layouts in the 45-foot-and-under category.
Cons:
- Premium Price: Commands a significantly higher resale value than mass-production cruisers.
- Light Wind Performance: Requires a dedicated cruising chute or code zero to remain competitive in winds under 8 knots.
- Maintenance Costs: Complex systems and teak decks require a higher-than-average annual budget.
