Contest 60CS Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Contest 60CS are defined by a sophisticated balance between displacement and sail area, ensuring that the vessel remains responsive in light winds while maintaining a steady, upright posture when the breeze freshens. According to technical insights from Contest Yachts, the hull is constructed with a sandwich core and high-quality vinylester resins, which reduces weight and lowers the center of gravity compared to traditional hand-laid laminates. This construction method directly translates to a more comfortable motion at sea, as the yacht resists the "hobby-horsing" often found in heavier, less technically advanced cruisers.

The deck layout is optimized for short-handed sailing, featuring a twin-wheel configuration that offers excellent visibility from the helm. Most 60CS models were delivered with hydraulic or electric in-mast furling and powered winches, allowing a couple to manage the significant sail plan without leaving the safety of the cockpit. The hull shape, characterized by a fine entry and a relatively broad stern, provides excellent tracking. Editorial reviews by European publications, such as Yachting World, have previously noted the model’s ability to maintain high average speeds on ocean passages, often comfortably clocking 200-mile days in trade wind conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Contest 60CS showcases the "Med-style" influence that Birgit Schnaase brought to the brand, moving away from the dark, cavernous aesthetics of older Dutch yachts toward a brighter, more open-plan feel. The signature of the 60CS is its panoramic deckhouse windows, which flood the raised saloon with natural light and offer those seated at the dining table a view of the horizon. The joinery is typically finished in high-gloss or satin teak or oak, executed to a standard that rivals custom superyacht builds.

The 60CS was primarily offered in two main configurations: a three-cabin or four-cabin layout. The master suite is located aft, taking full advantage of the center-cockpit design to provide a palatial cabin with a centerline queen berth, extensive hanging lockers, and a private ensuite head with a separate shower stall. Forward, the yacht could be configured with a VIP guest cabin in the bow and a twin-bunk cabin to port, or a split forward layout for larger groups. A notable sibling variant is the Contest 62CS, which extended the stern to create a dedicated dinghy garage, a feature that many 60CS owners retrofitted via custom davit systems.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Contest 60CS is a pedigree build, prospective buyers should focus on the complexity of its integrated systems. Being a sophisticated modern yacht, the following areas require careful inspection:

1. Hydraulic and Electric Systems: The yacht relies heavily on 24V DC and 230V AC systems for sail handling and climate control. Review the service history of the hydraulic power pack, which operates the furling and winches, as leaks or pump failures can be costly to rectify.
2. Teak Deck Integrity: Contest utilizes a vacuum-bonding process for their teak decks, which eliminates the need for thousands of screws. While this significantly reduces the risk of core saturation, the condition of the caulking and the remaining thickness of the teak should be measured, as these yachts are often used in high-UV environments.
3. Rudder Bearings: Given the loads generated by a 60-foot hull, the steering system should be checked for play. Reports on owner forums suggest that the large spade rudder bearings may require replacement after 10,000 to 15,000 nautical miles of blue-water use to maintain the yacht’s signature "fingertip" helm feel.
4. Seal Transitions: Inspect the hull-to-deck joint and the large saloon windows. The expansive glass panels are a design highlight but require high-quality sealant maintenance to remain watertight in heavy weather.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Contest 60CS are supported by a dedicated community and an active shipyard presence. The Contest Yachts Owners Association serves as a primary hub for technical exchange, organizing rallies and providing a repository of manuals and historical build data. Because the shipyard remains family-owned and operated in Medemblik, Netherlands, technical support and original parts availability remain high compared to defunct builders of the same era.

The Verdict

The Contest 60CS is a premier choice for the offshore sailor who refuses to compromise on luxury or build quality. It bridges the gap between a production boat and a full-custom yacht, offering a level of engineering that justifies its premium price point on the brokerage market.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: The vacuum-infused hull is among the strongest and quietest in its class.
• Ease of Handling: Advanced sail-handling systems make it one of the few 60-footers truly manageable by a couple.
• Interior Volume: The raised saloon and massive aft master suite provide "big boat" comfort in a 60-foot footprint.

Cons:

• System Complexity: The high level of automation requires diligent maintenance and a knowledgeable owner.
• Draft Considerations: The deep fin keel (approx. 2.65m) may limit access to some shallower cruising grounds in the Bahamas or the US East Coast.
• Cost of Entry: Even on the secondary market, the Contest 60CS maintains a high valuation relative to its peers.