Dutch shipyard Contest Yachts unveiled two new 50-footers as world premieres at the Düsseldorf show, Contest 50CS with a center cockpit and Contest 49CS with an aft cockpit (Mediterranean-style). Two very similar boats but with two different souls: for offshore sailing and for sailing with family and friends. Both models mount a hybrid or all-electric powertrain made by Torqeedo with an automotive-derived battery made by BMW.
15 meters of luxury and plenty of space on board
In recent years Contest has worked to make its yacht line more and more elegant and modern. Contest 49CS and 50CS exemplify this path. The new hulls designed by judel/vrolijk & co., one of the world’s leading ship design firms, thanks to an excellent balance between high broadside height and maximum beam aft, they offer exceptional below-deck space without sacrificing performance in the water and giving the hull greater stability. This increased stability allowed the designers to equip the new 50-footers with a larger and taller bow than past models, so that the boats are able to sail in both light and stronger winds. The interior, designed by Wetzels Brown Partners, is very bright, thanks to large windows on the hull and deckhouse.
New Contests are rechargeable
Both models are available with electric or hybrid motor. Contest collaborated with Torqeedo to make a marine version of the 40Kw battery that is used in the BMW i3. The battery, in addition to being able to be recharged at night by connecting to the dock, can be recharged while sailing, thanks to the propeller that can be used as a generator when the boat is driven by the wind. Gaining from this green turn is not only the environment but also the wallet. According to Contest and Torqeedo, the new engines require less maintenance due to fewer mechanical components, and the removal of on-board LPG reduces safety and cylinder replacement issues.
Certified and guaranteed by Lloyds
Like every Contest yacht, 49CS and 50CS, are certified by Lloyds Register (the world’s oldest ship classification society), which ensures their fitness and safety at sea. Each hull undergoes a complete and thorough examination: from finite element analysis, through construction to finishing, inspection and testing of every aspect of the hull, deck, foils, engine assembly and deck fittings, onboard instrumentation, and more.
49CS contest: style the Mediterranean
The Contest 49CS is the first boat of this length made by the shipyard with a cockpit and double aft cabin. On the 49CS the master cabin is forward, the best place to have peace and quiet at the berth. The aft cabins each have two single beds, which can be joined into a double bed, and immediately behind a garage for the tender accessed from the transom. The cockpit, while not central, is in a slightly forward potion so that helmsman, crew and guests are protected. The relaxation area is separate, centrally located, and all maneuvering is carried back to the stern.
49CS Contest – Data Sheet
Overall length 16.10 m
Length at waterline 14.50 m
Hull length 15.20 m
Maximum width 4.90 m
Standard draft 2 .35 m
Standard displacement 22,900 kg
Sail area mainsail 73 sqm
Sail area genoa 106% 60 sqm
Yanmar 81kW (110 hp) engine
Fuel tank 700 liters
Water tank 700 liters
Standard layout 3 cabins with 2 bathrooms
Judel/vrolijk & co project
Interior designer Wetzels Brown Partners
Italian dealer Nautigamma
50CS contest: ready for the ocean
It is the shipyard’s more traditional version with a central cockpit and aft master cabin. It replaces the old 50CS, updating it in design and on-board technology. The enlarged aft master suite now has an even more spacious bathroom, with separate shower and showerheads, and a large window set into the transom. The double-sided hallway kitchen is taller, wider, with more work and storage space and more natural light, as are the salon and navigation area. Forward, the same increase in volume and light apply to the starboard berth cabin, portside bathrooms with separate shower stalls, and the guest suite, which is noticeably tall, wide, and airy with a large island bed placed in the center. The first all-electric Contest 50CS will debut in 2024.
50CS – Data Sheet
Overall length 16.36 m
Length at waterline 14.50 m
Hull length 15.46 m
Maximum width 4.90 m
Standard draft 2 .35 m
Standard displacement 22,900 kg
Sail area mainsail 73 sqm
Sail area genoa 106% 60 sqm
Yanmar 81kW (110 hp) engine
Fuel tank 700 liters
Water tank 700 liters
Standard layout 3 cabins with 2 bathrooms
Judel/vrolijk & co project
Interior designer Wetzels Brown Partners
Italian dealer Nautigamma
James Barbaro
