Contest Yachts Contest 55CS
About this yacht
The Contest 55CS represents a compelling evolution in bluewater cruising yacht design. Launched in 2020 by Contest Yachts, this 18.10-meter performance cruiser earned European Yacht of the Year recognition by balancing offshore capability with contemporary living space—a combination that appeals to owners seeking both extended passages and comfortable coastal cruising. Built to CE Category A certification, the Contest 55CS is engineered for open ocean voyaging. Her vacuum-infused GRP hull incorporates laminated fiber chainplates bonded directly into the structure—a technology adapted from grand prix racing that distributes rigging loads throughout the hull rather than concentrating stress on traditional attachment points. This approach delivers exceptional structural rigidity and upwind performance while maintaining the sea-kindly motion Contest Yachts are known for. The dual-cockpit layout demonstrates thoughtful attention to both safety and usability. The forward cockpit serves as a protected leisure space, while the aft station handles sail management and helm operations. A central walkway connects both areas and leads to a generous aft deck with integrated tender garage and lazarette storage below. Wide side decks feature elevated guardrails and detailed boarding gates on each side, providing secure passage forward—practical considerations often sacrificed on more style-focused Mediterranean designs. Sailing performance benefits from a tall, powerful rig that maintains speed in light air, reducing reliance on the engine. Owners can specify carbon or aluminum spars, cutter or sloop configuration, and choose between in-mast furling or traditional slab reefing systems. A carbon bowsprit with integrated furling accommodates downwind sails. The well-balanced rudder and moderate-draft keel provide precise helm feedback, allowing the crew to read the yacht's tolerances with confidence. Below deck, the three-cabin layout offers genuine personalization. The owner's suite typically occupies the aft section, while forward accommodations can be configured to match individual preferences—island or vee berths in the VIP cabin, bunks or three-quarter doubles in the guest cabin forward of the mast. Mattress specifications, head and shower arrangements all adapt to owner requirements. Interior finishing showcases Dutch craftsmanship at its finest. Working with long-standing design partners Wetzels Brown, Contest creates flowing, radiused joinery forms finished by hand to exacting standards. Wood species, décor elements, and fixtures are selected individually, ensuring each Contest 55CS reflects her owner's aesthetic while maintaining the builder's reputation for quality. This sailing yacht delivers on the promise of going anywhere, anytime—whether that means offshore passages, extended cruising grounds, or simply maximizing enjoyment at anchor and in marina. The Contest 55CS proves that a racer-cruiser can provide both the systems for serious bluewater voyaging and the space for relaxed onboard living.
Activities & Experiences
- Diving — Dedicated storage for diving equipment and convenient water access for easy entry and exit
- Fishing — Facilities and layout suitable for recreational fishing activities on board
- Sea & Ocean Exploration — Long-range capability, typically around 3,000 nautical miles, enabling ocean crossings and remote destinations
- Water Sports Activities — Suitable for a wide range of water sports, including towing and board sports
- Family Leisure — Comfortable setup for spending time on board with family, including safe spaces and shared living areas
- Travel & Cruising — Suitable for extended cruising, typically from 300 nautical miles and above
- Regatta Participation — Designed or suitable for participation in sailing regattas
Suitable For
- Family — Comfortable setup for spending time on board with family
- Travel — Suitable for extended cruising journeys
- Northern Areas — Design optimized for cooler northern climates
Specifications
- Length
- 18.10 m
- Guests
- 12
- Category
- Sailing
- Hull Type
- Monohull
- Hull Material
- GRP
- Design School
- German-Dutch
- Country of Build
- Netherlands
- Engine Type
- Inboard
- Engine Power
- 150.00 HP
- Fuel Capacity
- 850.00 l
- Navigation Category
- CE Category A (Ocean)
- Price
- 2000000.00 EUR