Sailing Performance & Handling
The Judel/vrolijk hull design gives the Contest 50CS a distinct performance edge over traditional heavy-displacement cruisers. By employing a twin-rudder configuration, the yacht maintains exceptional grip and control even when pressed hard at high heel angles. This is particularly noticeable in the Mediterranean’s short, steep chop or during heavy-weather ocean passages, where the dual rudders provide redundant safety and reduced weather helm. According to technical reviews by Yachting World, the yacht exhibits a "stiff" feeling under sail, a result of its high ballast ratio and the carbon fiber reinforcements integrated into the hull’s vacuum-infused laminate.
For the short-handed sailor, the 50CS is engineered for ease of operation. The center cockpit layout brings all primary control lines to the helm, often aided by hydraulic or electric winches. While the yacht is relatively heavy compared to dedicated racing hulls, its sail area-to-displacement ratio is optimized for consistent passage-making speeds rather than light-air sprinting. Owners frequently opt for the optional carbon rig to further reduce pitching moment, enhancing the motion comfort that Contest is known for.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the 50CS, styled by Wetzels Brown Partners, departs from the heavy, dark-wood aesthetics of 20th-century cruisers in favor of a bright, contemporary "superyacht" feel. The layout is centered around a massive master suite aft, a hallmark of the center-cockpit configuration, which offers a level of privacy and headroom rarely found in 50-foot aft-cockpit designs. The salon features large panoramic windows that flood the living space with natural light, a design choice that reflects the modern trend toward "inside-outside" living.
Contest typically offers extensive customization in joinery, ranging from traditional teak to modern light oak or walnut. A notable sibling model to the 50CS is the Contest 49CS, which was developed concurrently on a similar hull platform but features an aft-cockpit layout. This sibling variant caters to sailors who prefer a lower boom and easier access to the water, whereas the 50CS (center cockpit) focuses on the safety and expansive aft-cabin volume required for long-term liveaboard cruising.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Contest 50CS has been a frequent finalist in prestigious international awards, most notably being nominated for the European Yacht of the Year in the Luxury Cruiser category. Its launch was heavily documented by the European sailing press, with Yachting Monthly highlighting the boat's "impeccable" engineering and the silence of its systems under power, a result of Contest’s rigorous acoustic insulation standards.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
While the Contest 50CS is built to a standard that exceeds most production yachts, prospective buyers should focus on the following high-signal areas during a survey:
- PLC System Maintenance: Modern Contests utilize sophisticated Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems for electrical management. Buyers should ensure the software is updated and that previous owners have not performed "backyard" bypasses of the digital switching.
- Hydraulic Complexity: Many 50CS models are equipped with hydraulic furling and winches. Check all seals and hoses for signs of weeping, as these systems operate under high pressure and can be costly to service if neglected.
- Rudder Bearings: Given the twin-rudder setup, any play in the steering linkage can be felt more acutely at the helm. Inspect the self-aligning bearings for wear, especially if the boat has completed a transatlantic crossing.
- Teak Deck Integrity: Contest uses high-quality vacuum-bonded teak. On older units of this series, check for the depth of the "seams" to ensure the wood has not been overly sanded, though the modern bonding process has largely eliminated the "leaky screw" issues of previous decades.
Community & Resources
Owners of the 50CS benefit from a robust support network centered around the Contest Yachts Owners Association, which provides technical archives and organizes rallies. Additionally, the builder maintains a dedicated service and refit facility in Medemblik, ensuring that even second-hand owners have access to original blueprints and specialized Dutch craftsmanship for upgrades or repairs.
The Verdict
The Contest 50CS is a premier choice for the experienced sailor who prioritizes safety and build quality over the low entry price of mass-production boats. It is a true "Category A" ocean voyager that balances luxury with legitimate performance.
Pros:
- Lloyd's Certified Construction: One of the few yachts in its class built under constant survey for maximum structural safety.
- Superior Aft Cabin: The center-cockpit design provides a master suite that rivals much larger vessels.
- Twin-Rudder Handling: Offers exceptional control and safety in heavy weather.
- High Resale Value: Contest yachts traditionally hold their value significantly better than high-volume production brands.
Cons:
- Price Point: The "semi-custom" nature and Dutch labor costs make this one of the most expensive 50-footers on the market.
- Complexity: The integration of hydraulic and digital systems requires a dedicated maintenance schedule.
- Draft Considerations: The performance-oriented keel options may limit access to some shallow-water cruising grounds like the Bahamas.
