TOUGH CONTEST

CONTEST YACHTS HAS CREATED A HULL WITH THE UNIQUE OPTION OF TWO DIFFERENT DECKS AND LAYOUTS. WE TESTED THE FIRST AFT HELM 49CS OVER TWO LIVELY DAYS

They weren’t the sort of conditions you’d ordinarily choose to go out in. It had been blowing 30 knots for the past 30 hours straight that we’d been aboard and despite the protection the small fishing port on the Dutch island of Texel offered, there was still enough swell bouncing around inside its walls to make the warps groan as we pitched up and down against the old musselling barge alongside. No, were time not an issue – were you cruising proper – you’d choose to stay warm and dry, read a book in the decidedly welcoming interior, enjoy some more coffee and local cuisine. 

But as I donned all of the foul weather kit I could in preparation for our second day of sailing in these conditions, there was a certain pleasure in the task, a knowledge that this craft would take in its stride what was lurking outside the harbour’s confines. Once we were spat out of that tight entrance channel, there’d be no hiding, but also little need to – because, I knew now, there was still sailing enjoyment to be had. I’d built up a rapport with this Contest 49CS, a level of confidence only a well built yacht can provide.

That said, this new model does bring with it some fundamental questions – not least, whether you might choose this or its twin sister, the 50CS.

DECISIONS DECISIONS 

The new 50ft premium bluewater cruiser market is brimming with top choices, including the proven Amel 50, Hallberg-Rassy 50 and the new Oyster 495. These all tend to share a layout formula: a deep centre cockpit to protect the crew and the typical large aft master suite this can help buy space for.