Contest Yachts announce launch of first of a new sub-60ft performance bluewater adventure cruiser
by Contest Yachts 30 Jul 2020 15:19 UTC
Contest 59CS © Contest Yachts
The collaboration between Contest Yachts and respected design house judel/vrolijk & co has launched already very successful models, and most recently in January the strikingly beautiful Contest 55CS. Now there is another: the new Contest 59CS - 18 metres of very attractive modern bluewater adventuring.
The first of this new Contest 59CS model is already finished and sailing, and she will be on display at the recently announced Dutch Yachting Weekend, to be staged at the Contest Yacht's shipyard in Medemblik 4-6 September. Hulls number 2 and 3 are also ordered and in build
At Contest Yachts the chosen way is evolution not revolution, an expression often heard but rarely practised so effectively as in Contest yacht design and construction. The living proof is in this acclaimed semi-custom constructor's latest launch, the Contest 59CS. Stealthily advancing design styling and detailing, the Contest 59CS once again shows the flair of Contest design partners judel/vrolijk & co and Wetzels Brown Partners, continuing a new modernity grown out of the previous recent models.
Different yet reliably familiar, it is immediately clear from the drawn lines that this new arrival is certainly a Contest, of that there is no doubt. It's there in the shaping and scaling, with near plumb bow and well protected cockpit with spacious aft deck. Interior floor levels give a direct eye-line and outlook through the panoramic windows which sit beneath a superstructure contour that hints at the pacier performance that the new in-water lines and foils deliver.
On seeing the newly styled, lipped coachroof sweep back into the twin cockpit, early commentators have remarked how this yacht seems a new small sister to the 26-metre Contest 85CS. That's quite some accolade, and one the yard is pleased to agree. The comparison continues inside with similar superyacht theming to the furnishing and advanced systems engineering.
And what's not to be overlooked is that this is all in a yacht designed and purposed for family-and-friends sailing and short-handing. In this the Contest 59CS is specifically planned for owner operation with everything aimed at ease and simplicity without loss of involvement and action. It's all about sailing made convenient. Safe, trip-free walkabout decks, automated systems for sail and rig handling with always top-end specification and manual systems made more manageable by size and gearing of kit. That means big winches, motors and furlers to reduce stresses and strains, with again massively specified power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation of the retractable bow thruster as well.
In judel/vrolijk's working of interior structural plans to benefit centre of gravity and ballast needs, the tanks have been brought central and the generator is no longer on top of the engine, but forward under the saloon floor. Similarly, the battery bank too. Great for weight placement, which means faster, flatter and thereby more comfortable sailing, and also for saving engine room space which enables a much larger galley area. This also permits a fourth cabin or workshop and a forward-facing chart area for better integration and socialising with those in the saloon.
With the long aft sections, the main suite aft includes super stowage, and the lazarette behind has great space for dinghy and toys. Forward there's a choice of cabin arrangements, with a variety of bunk and double-berth options. The fresh interior styling is by Contest Yachts' specialist partner Wetzels Brown Partners of Amsterdam, and signature touches include many of the finer points of the larger Contest yachts.
With the Lloyd's certified construction, there's no limit to where this new Contest 59CS can truly enjoy performance bluewater adventuring. The itinerary is open and the world awaits!
First things first, though... the Contest 59CS will be on show and open to viewing at the Dutch Yachting Weekend in Medemblik 4-6 September 2020. More event details will be announced soon. We'll keep in touch!
Main dimensions
- Length overall incl. bowsprit: 18.52 m
- Maximum beam: 5.12 m
- Displacement: 27,300 kg
- Draft standard keel: 2.63 m
- Ballast standard keel: 10,400 kg
- Mast height above waterline: 27.31 m
- Main sail: 102 metre square
- Genoa 112%: 85 metre square
- Fuel tank: 931 ltr
- Water tank 903 ltr
- Engine: Volvo Penta 110 kW 149.7 hp