Single-handed sailing enthusiasts have long recognized the Contender as one of the most demanding and rewarding dinghies in competitive sailing. Originally designed in the 1960s as a potential Olympic class boat, this high-performance single-hander quickly established itself as a favorite among serious racing sailors seeking an ultimate test of skill. Built for pure speed and athletic sailing, the Contender features a sleek, narrow hull that slices through water with minimal resistance. The boat's design philosophy centers on maximizing sailor input – every gust of wind and shift in conditions demands immediate response from the helm. This makes the Contender particularly well-suited for experienced sailors who thrive on the physical and mental challenges of high-performance dinghy racing. The class has maintained a devoted following in competitive sailing circles, with active racing fleets in several countries. While certainly not a boat for casual weekend sailing, the Contender rewards skilled sailors with exceptional speed and responsiveness that few other single-handed dinghies can match. Those considering this boat should be prepared for a steep learning curve but an incredibly satisfying sailing experience once mastered.
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What is the Contender's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Contender has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 51.19. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Contender's comfort ratio?
The Contender has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.98. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Contender safe for offshore sailing?
The Contender has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.05. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Contender?
The theoretical hull speed of the Contender is 5.19 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Contender weigh?
The Contender has a displacement of 230.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 16.00 ft.
How much does a used Contender cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used Contender sailboats typically sell for between $2,500 and $2,500, with a median asking price of $2,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Contender?
The Contender was designed by Ben Lexcen, first built in 1968.