Contest Yachts Contest 85CS
About this yacht
The Contest 85CS represents a pinnacle in bluewater cruising design, combining ocean-crossing capability with refined onboard living. Built by Contest Yachts since 2017, this 26.78-meter sailing yacht features a Lloyd's Register certified hull and accommodates up to fourteen guests across five cabins, with optional dedicated crew quarters for extended voyaging. This performance cruiser excels at fast passage-making while remaining manageable by a short-handed crew. The judel/vrolijk hull design delivers exceptional sailing characteristics in all conditions—the near-plumb bow and fine entry provide swift upwind performance, while the wide beam aft with soft chines ensures stable, fast downwind sailing. An integral carbon A-frame bowsprit with internal furlers for asymmetric sails enhances downwind capability, and the design shows remarkable light wind performance alongside its heavy weather credentials. At this scale, the Contest 85CS offers customization rarely seen in production sailing yachts. Eight principal accommodation layouts provide flexibility for different cruising styles, while deck configurations, rigging options, and sail plans can be tailored to owner preference. The carbon rig, hydraulic sail handling with manual backup, and comprehensive ship's management system monitoring virtually every function ensure both performance and reliability across ocean passages. The deck layout prioritizes both sailing efficiency and guest comfort. Twin helm stations separate working areas from the forward cockpit, where ergonomically designed seating accommodates ten or more around a large dining table that converts to a sun lounger. Wide, uncluttered decks with strategically placed handholds and sturdy guardrails make movement fore and aft secure in any conditions. Practical details distinguish this cruising sailboat from lesser designs. The hydraulically operated transom garage accommodates substantial tenders—with optional bulkhead repositioning allowing longitudinal stowage for even larger boats. A dedicated technical room with full standing height and excellent mechanical access simplifies maintenance and systems management. The stainless steel and lead keel balances performance with practical draft, while the carbon rudder keeps weight forward, maximizing lazarette stowage capacity. Interior arrangements reflect genuine offshore experience, with furnishings and walkways designed for safe movement at sea, handholds always within reach. Advanced noise and vibration countermeasures employ extensive preventive technologies, creating a refined environment whether passage-making or at anchor. The Contest 85CS delivers what serious cruising sailors demand: a capable, comfortable platform for exploring the world's oceans without compromise.
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
- Liveaboard Use — Designed for full-time living on board, comparable to a floating home or private villa
- Access to Exclusive Events — Access to exclusive or invitation-only events enabled by yacht ownership and positioning
- 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
- 26.78 m
- Guests
- 14
- Category
- Sailing
- Hull Type
- Monohull
- Hull Material
- GRP
- Design School
- German-Dutch
- Country of Build
- Netherlands
- Engine Type
- Inboard
- Engine Power
- 165.00 HP
- Fuel Capacity
- 2500.00 l
- Navigation Category
- CE Category A (Ocean)
- Price
- 5000000.00 EUR