Contest 55CS thriumphs at 'European Yacht of the Year' awards

January 22 2021

Contest Yachts is delighted to share news of winning the ‘Luxury Cruiser’ category in the 2021 European Yacht of the Year, considered by all as the world’s yachting Oscars! The winning 17-metre Contest 55CS has met with exceptional acclaim from both press and public ever since debuting at boot Dusseldorf 2020. A strikingly good looking and perfectly hand-finished modern, performance bluewater cruiser, the semi-custom-built Contest 55CS is the result of the now well-established collaboration between the specialist designers, engineers and fabricators from Contest Yachts, judel/vrolijk & co naval architects, and Wetzels Brown Partners for interiors. With stunning lines both above and below water, and Lloyd’s Register oversight and full structural certification for each and every individual yacht built, the Contest 55CS is a real-game changer in this exciting sub-60ft couples and family and friends sector. She’s full of new thinking. Check her swept and lipped superstructure styling. See the modern sea-going hull form, with buoyant plumb bow and tapered forward sections flaring aft into a widened stern with sweetly drawn underbody. Look to the optimised foils and tall, easily managed rig so well balanced for big sea comfort. Combined this way, the Contest 55CS points high at low angles of heel, is fast in light winds, and yet shines in heavier conditions, also. This is not just about design. It’s Contest’s unique construction method too – our single-shot vacuum injection process which seamlessly now incorporates carbon fibre into key structural elements, increasing strength and stiffness for weight while opening more space for increased accommodation. This brings deeper seating and even wider floors without the loss of any of Contest’s well-regarded sea safety featuring. Handholds abound, making passage through the boat always secure. And luxury touches include a dedicated coffee bar. A newly conceived interior styling now features an even bigger flowing corner radius to the exquisitely finished timber work – craftsmanship of a kind not practised by other than the finest superyacht yards. Indirect lighting is to similar high standards, and daylight floods in through increased overhead hatches and unobstructed glazed panelling. There are also now more optional hull windows in up to four stations along the yacht’s length. A further clear vote winner is the innovative panoramic rear viewing window, set in the master suite’s aft bulkhead. With reveal-panel opened and transom garage door lowered, this gives a simply fabulous wide-angle seascape view straight through. Together, this all so clearly presents a whole new take on home from home, whether marina based or ocean bound, and that’s the key to Contest yachting. We go further, so our owners can too. We call it building dreams together. For more information on the European Yacht of the Year winning Contest 55CS, visit: https://www.contestyachts.com/contest-range/sailing-yachts/55cs

Main dimensions

Length overall 17.00m 55.77ft
Length overall incl. bowsprit 18.10m 59.38ft
Maximum beam 5.02m 16.47ft
Mast height above waterline 24.82m 81.43ft
Fuel tank 850ltr 187.0imp. gal.
Water tank 725ltr 159.5imp. gal.
Engine, Volvo Penta 110kW 150hp