2023 Contest Yachts 50CS

For 2023 we have a totally new Contest 50CS. This size has always been the pumping heart of Contest Yachts, with each model over the years most popular for the perfect balance of sailing ease, performance and onboard comforts. Two super suites and a third cabin option, yet still a yacht that can be sailed single-handed. A yacht for all occasions, crossing oceans or leisurely lunching in an idyllic bay. And this new design from judel/vrolijk opens even more opportunity.

Fair to say, the new Contest 50CS resets the yard’s own gold standard at this length. How so? The advanced hull form optimises each of the three most key modern targets: performance up and down wind, stability for low angles of heel, and huge accommodation. This is all achieved in the most sea-safe and comfortable manner expected of a Contest, and with deck and cabin plans introducing for the first time at this size so much more of our larger yacht thinking. It is the perfect balance and looking to sustainability is offered with the option of electric propulsion, integrated photovoltaic solar panels and an alternative synthetic teak-style decking.

The looks are all ‘Contest’ with lines evolved as ever from the learnings and leanings of each preceding model while introducing new thinking also. Which means the new Contest 50CS, with its deep sides and broader deck plan ably incorporates now even more of the styling and detailing of the larger yachts in the range. The brings a low sleek coachroof sweeping aft into the two-section cockpit with deep seated and curved-for-comfort leisure cockpit forward. Behind, the twin helm stations are framed by surrounding coamings for that extra sense of ocean safety, yet with simple central walkthrough easing and making safe deck entry and exit. Again, it’s that balance, an elegance that works – in every sense of the word.

Just as aesthetics must work well, the practicalities of yacht operations are paramount. That has long been the mantra at Contest Yachts and the advanced systems and arrangements for the Contest 50CS make for much eased handling and management. Sheets, lines and halyards are led unobtrusively to stout winches well positioned for both short and fully crewed handing. The expansive flush deck spaces are made sensibly safe with well-placed handholds and grab points and the sturdy, tall guardrails all around. The flying of asymmetric sails is simplified with the A-frame set-up, and the stowage of sails and kit is made easy with sensibly proportioned deck lockers and hatches. All planned to make voyaging always enjoyable.

With wide beam and broad waterline running through to the stern, the increase in interior volume shows as soon as you look below: the saloon proportions way exceed convention. Not just because of the beam and height but in its length. The ‘magic’ is in the design team extending the aft master suite far into the stern, maintaining scale of this vital feature yet opening so much more of the yacht’s middle for the benefit of saloon and guests. The longitudinal corridor galley is now also two-sided, so again bigger than in previous 50CS models. Forward there is a spacious VIP suite with island berth, and an optional third cabin can be with bunks or as office or workroom. The master suite aft can be specified with the innovative transom window premiered on the Contest 55CS.