2013 Contest Yachts 52MC Flybridge

A stand out boat in so many ways, the Contest 52MC Flybridge is a spectacularly successful design. And in this version with fully accommodated flybridge, there’s even more for the press to love. Her looks astounding perhaps even more so as a two-decker with perfect design balance that, also in terms of handling, retains the same innovative, half-planing hull riding as though on rails, tracking straight and staying flat right through the tightest of turns.

With power options from twin 350hp to 550hp diesels she’s equally comfortable at 8 or 28 knots, and soft rides through the nastiest chop. And she’s a dry boat, her pronounced spray rails cascading the breaking water away.

The joint creation of longstanding design partner Georg Nissen, the well known boat engineering and designer company Vripack and the yard’s own in-house design team, the 52MC is also an unusually versatile performance platform, available in Fastlane  and Open Sport as well as Flybridge versions. Interior layouts are customisable, too, building out of a raised saloon and two heads, three sleeping cabin standard plan.

Complementing the secure ride, the 52MC Flybridge’s extra wide walk-around decks and high bulwarks with sturdy handrails reinforce the design intent of absolute seaworthiness. Add in to that the deftly integrated side boarding gates to either side and the cantilevering pilot’s deck door, and it’s a beguiling aesthetic. So, too, is the exquisitely contoured moulding leading to and around the enclosable aft cockpit lounging and dining area where, beneath, there’s a tender garage opening onto the bathing/boarding platform.

Then add to this the flybridge made extraordinary by its combination of eye-pleasingly low, sleek riding lines yet wealth of space and stylish, ergonomic, open-air furnishings to best enjoy the full outdoor experience whether piloting at speed or dining and reclining.  This brings enjoyment all around… and with the perfect view and joystick control, the simplest ever yacht management.

With a sense of the mini superyacht, there are so many options to finish and interior layout, with immediately eight different arrangements for the two to three sleeping cabins and suites, a galley also up or down, and helm station port or starboard.  Central to all, with its wraparound glazing, the raised saloon provides an exceptional outlook for helm and guests with comfortable dinette and observation seating forward. Adding to relaxation, extensive sound engineering ensures the 52MC is unusually quiet when running.