exterior
As the new game changer in the mid-fifty-feet sector, the Contest 55CS continues our close collaboration with naval architects judel/vrolijk & co and interior designers Wetzels Brown & Partners. The new model also brings much of the superyacht styling and featuring of the very well-reviewed 26-metre Contest 85CS and 21-metre Contest 67CS to a size previously more constrained. Just look at that coachroof sweeping back into the expansive twin cockpit plan. This degree of equivalency, outside and in, is new to the industry at this length. Especially in a yacht so sleek, yet also so accommodating.
Options in sailing systems, set up and management are many. Carbon or aluminium spars, cutter or sloop, in-mast or slab-reefing, and for downwind sails a carbon sprit with integral furling. Decks are topped with thick, vacuum bonded sustainable teak, and the deck plan incorporates a walk-through cockpit for the simplest and most surefooted working and sidedeck access. While lazing at anchor, that clear aft deck and foredeck, with a choice of shades and covers, make good resting spaces after enjoying a swim and splash or play with toys from that transom door bathing platform and revealed grand garage-store.
interior
For 45 years and more, all Contest yachts have been built under Lloyd's watchful standards and certification. It's a partnership always looking for further structural optimisation and which now in the Contest 55CS sees the introduction of carbon stiffening elements to Contest's own highly regarded and unique vacuum infused molding methods for tightly controlled, lighter yet-to-life, stronger and space saving engineering. For Contest and Lloyd's, integrity is key, as is exactness. This improves performance afloat, in longevity, in residual values - in what can be achieved. It is an enabler, promoting and underwriting new thinking, and the Contest 55CS continues the yard's 60-year history of innovation.
In the flow of that evolution, the Contest 55CS also now includes such featuring as extensive new aft panoramic glazing for the master suite, revealing for the occupants delightful, wide seascape views at anchor as the transom garage door hydraulically lowers to become both bathing platform and launchpad for tender and water toys. And throughout, there is more and more light with a new approach to deck hatches and a choice in hull windows, both in number and size, with in addition to aft cabin and saloon hull windows, the option for galley and forecabin glazing also. The yacht's lighting systems and detailing also show fresh thinking in design installation.
Throughout, the sense of openness is instant. Yet equally evident is Contest's hallmark sea safety with the many handrails plus clever hand-holding lips to cabinetry, all ergonomic in use. And that joinery and its finish is to the yard's always exceptionally high standards. As are the soft furnishings and architectural hardware, with all this, of course, adjusted to individual owners' tastes and needs. And, again, underwriting that, there are many varied cabin plan options for the personal best match. That's the Contest way. The industry catchphrases this as semi-custom construction. We call it building dreams together… and every sailor has a different dream.