Contest Yachts launches its first 26m sailing yacht

Dutch yard Contest Yachts has launched its first 26-metre (85-foot) sailing yacht Contest 85CS at its shipyard in Medemblik, Netherlands.

Set to become the company’s latest flagship design, the new 85CS is the first step towards the fully crewed 80+ foot sector. She is designed in collaboration with German naval architects judel/vrolijk & co, combining their performance design expertise with Contest Yachts’ innovative construction practises. In addition, Lloyd’s Register has worked closely with the yard to ensure the 85CS’s performance and stability.

judel/vrolijk & co are also responsible for the hull and deck form of the Contest 85CS – bringing together a moderate, shallow underbody running back from plumb bow with an integral bowsprit. An optional furler allows for asymmetrics, while a soft chined, broad stern with twin rudders permits a precise and powerful, yet light control at the twin helm stations.

The yard has utilised a proven Conyplex vacuum infusing technique which includes a sandwich laminate throughout, from sheerline to keel stub, with a single shot infusion for the hull, grid and deck.

Dutch interior designers Wetzels Brown Partners, will be responsible for the customisable interior arrangement, having previously worked on Contest Yachts' current flagship, PH3. A full 6.4-metre beam master suite is joined by two twin cabins, each with en-suite facilities. Further forward are the lounge areas and crew cabins. The Contest 85CS will have the capacity to host up to ten guests.

She has been designed to boast cruising practicalities and pleasure, with a large lazarette which will house compressor and toys. The deck plan creates separate work and helm stations aft of a midships guest cockpit, providing a relaxing social zone and spacious outdoor dining area.

One Volvo Penta D-4 engine with a 2,500-litre fuel tank and a bow thruster will support the sailing yacht during power cruising.

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