Designed by Rob Humphreys and built by MG Yachts in the UK starting in 1981, this fractional sloop represents a thoughtful approach to compact cruising. With 150 hulls produced, the Contessa 27 carved out a respectable niche in the competitive small cruiser market of the 1980s. The boat's proportions reveal a design prioritizing seaworthiness over pure speed. Her substantial displacement of 5,750 pounds and generous ballast-to-displacement ratio provide excellent stability, while the deep 5.42-foot draft ensures good upwind performance. The fin keel with transom-hung rudder configuration offers responsive handling and simplified maintenance compared to skeg-hung alternatives. Humphreys crafted a yacht well-suited for coastal cruising and extended passages, as evidenced by the conservative comfort ratio of 16.75 and capsize screening value of 2.24. These numbers indicate a boat that prioritizes safety and comfort over racing performance. The 413 square feet of sail area provides adequate power while remaining manageable for short-handed sailing. Construction quality from MG Yachts was generally solid, contributing to the model's reputation for durability. Today, well-maintained examples offer good value for sailors seeking a capable small cruiser with offshore potential and classic British sailing characteristics.
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What is the Contessa 27's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Contessa 27 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 20.65. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Contessa 27's comfort ratio?
The Contessa 27 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 16.75. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Contessa 27 safe for offshore sailing?
The Contessa 27 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.24. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Contessa 27?
The theoretical hull speed of the Contessa 27 is 6.50 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Contessa 27 weigh?
The Contessa 27 has a displacement of 5,750.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 27.50 ft.
Who designed the Contessa 27?
The Contessa 27 was designed by Rob Humphreys, first built in 1981.