2018 Contest Yachts 85CS

The newly launched 26-metre Contest 85CS clearly demonstrates the strengths in Contest Yachts’ long-term collaboration with world class designers judel/vrolijk & co and Wetzels Brown Partners.

Designed for fast passage with powerful, practical, deep-ocean cruising capability, the Contest 85CS is easily sailed, managed and maintained by short-handed crew, and perfectly set both to sail the world and enjoy sailing’s high society.

The hull and deck-form of the Contest 85CS show the reasoned approach of a design team referenced across every level of performance cruising and racing, from family adventuring to grand prix eventing. This brings a moderate, shallow underbody running back from near plumb bow, with integral bowsprit and optional furler for asymmetrics, to a soft-chined, broad stern. Sailing flat and fast she has a single rudder for precise and powerful yet light control at the twin helm stations.

The composite construction is Lloyds’ certified and includes a sandwich laminate throughout from sheerline to keel stub, with advanced single-shot vacuum infusion for each of hull, structural grid and then deck. The keel is of stainless steel and lead for performance profile with cruising draft. The rudder is carbon for performance and keeping weight out of the stern to allow for good stowage in the large lazarette which has a hydraulically operated transom garage and beach platform. Space is such that the RIB can be stowed with outboard still in place. 

The low, sleek styling of the saloon coachroof sits well with the sweet sheerline profie and wide expanse of laid teak decking. Flush decks are standard and hardware is according to intended sailing. For some that means all-carbon, for others a more conventional approach. All enjoy the top line specification for which Contest yachts are so well known and which makes handling and operation safe, secure and satisfying. Nothing is left to chance. It’s all to the point and fine-tuned for personal goals.

Simply put, the Contest 85CS has perhaps the widest cabin plan options in any yacht this size, and the making of this interior sensibly begins with practicality at sea. You’ll see this in the arrangement of furnishings and walkways with handholds and support always within reach. It is in the easy access always given to service and maintenance of all onboard services and systems. It is in the very fabric of the yacht from the way in which safety systems are incorporated and operated, right through to the finished surface materials, be it in the impeccably hand-crafted timber work or upholstery. And completing the picture the entire interior is wonderfully bright with extensive panoramic outlook to saloon and multiple hull windows and hatches in the cabins. Dutch heritage and modern technology ensure