Contest 62CS Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Contest 62CS is characterized by a high ballast ratio and a sophisticated hull form that balances a fine entry with a powerful stern. On the water, the boat is surprisingly nimble for its 31,100 kg (approximate) light displacement. During sea trials, reviewers from Yachting World noted that the yacht maintains exceptional tracking even when pressed, a testament to Georg Nissen’s focus on balanced hull volumes. The standard configuration typically features a tall fractional sloop or cutter rig with hydraulic furling systems for the mainsail and staysail, allowing the helmsman to adjust the entire sail plan from the twin steering pedestals.

The steering feel is described by owners as "positive and light," largely due to the high-quality JEFA steering systems and the deep, high-aspect rudder. With a sail area-to-displacement ratio that leans toward "performance cruiser" rather than "heavy cruiser," the 62CS is capable of double-digit speeds in a moderate breeze. The inclusion of a standard bow thruster, and often an optional stern thruster, mitigates the challenges of docking such a high-freeboard vessel in crosswinds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 62CS is where the collaboration with Birgit Schnaase is most evident, moving the aesthetic away from "old world" heavy teak toward a more contemporary, light-filled environment. The salon is exceptionally wide, taking full advantage of the yacht's nearly 18-foot beam. Because Contest operates as a semi-custom builder, several cabin configurations exist. The most common layout features a massive owner’s suite aft with a private companionway to the deck, a VIP guest cabin forward, and a third twin cabin. Some owners opted for a four-cabin layout to accommodate larger families or a professional captain.

Material choices typically included light oak or cherry finishes, though later models often featured teak with a modern, matte varnish. The galley is located in the passageway to the aft cabin, providing a safe "U-shaped" workspace for cooking at sea, and it is frequently equipped with domestic-grade appliances including dishwashers and multiple refrigeration units. While the 62CS shares its hull DNA with no direct sister-model under a different name, its design DNA heavily influenced the Contest 57CS, which offers a similar aesthetic in a slightly more compact footprint.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Contest 62CS gained significant visibility in the late 2000s and early 2010s as a regular participant in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC). It was frequently featured as a benchmark for high-end European production in technical reviews by European yachting publications. Its design excellence was recognized internationally, and the model was often used by Contest Yachts in their marketing campaigns to demonstrate the efficacy of their vacuum infusion technology, which they claimed resulted in a hull that was both 20% lighter and significantly stronger than traditional hand-laid laminates.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned 62CS should focus their inspections on the yacht's complex auxiliary systems. While the hull is robustly built, the following areas require specific attention:

• Hydraulic Manifolds: The 62CS relies heavily on hydraulics for sail furling and winches. Buyers should inspect the Lewmar or Holmatro hydraulic blocks for leaks or signs of seal degradation, as these systems are integrated and can be costly to service.
• Teak Deck Integrity: Contest decks from this era were vacuum-bonded, which is superior to screwed-down decks. However, the 62CS has extensive teak coverage. Check for "silvering" and the depth of the remaining wood, particularly around the flush hatches where drainage can sometimes be restricted.
• Generator and Watermaker Hours: As a boat designed for self-sufficiency, most 62CS models have high-capacity generators. Ensure the service logs for the Northern Lights or Fischer Panda units are meticulous, as the yacht’s domestic systems (air conditioning, electric heads) depend entirely on a stable power supply.
• Plexiglass Coachroof Windows: The large, wraparound windows are a design highlight but are subject to significant UV exposure. Check for crazing or any signs of "weeping" at the seals, which can damage the high-end interior joinery below.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 62CS are primarily served by the Contest Yachts Owners Association, an active group that hosts rallies in the Netherlands and the Mediterranean. The association provides a technical forum where owners share specific maintenance tips regarding the 62CS’s unique systems. Technical support and original build drawings are often available directly from the shipyard in Medemblik, which maintains an extensive archive of every hull produced.

The Verdict

The Contest 62CS remains one of the most respected Dutch-built cruisers on the brokerage market, offering a level of engineering that rivals larger custom builds. It is a "sailor's yacht" that does not sacrifice luxury for performance.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality via vacuum infusion.
• Effortless short-handed sailing thanks to hydraulic power.
• Massive interior volume with a true superyacht-level finish.
• Safe and comfortable center-cockpit design for offshore work.

Cons:

• High complexity of onboard systems requires a knowledgeable owner or professional maintenance.
• Significant draft (approx. 2.7m standard) limits access to some shallow cruising grounds.
• Premium pricing persists even on the secondary market compared to mass-production cruisers.