Contest 40S

Built by Dutch yard Conyplex between 1993 and 1997, this Dick Zaal-designed cruiser represents quality European yacht building during the 1990s. With only 30 hulls produced, the Contest 40S offers exclusivity alongside proven sailing characteristics for serious cruising sailors. The yacht's substantial 26,000-pound displacement and generous 10,000-pound ballast create exceptional stability and seaworthiness for offshore passages. Her fin keel with rudder-on-skeg configuration strikes an ideal balance between performance and directional stability, while the masthead sloop rig provides versatile sail handling options across varying conditions. Notable design strengths include the boat's impressive comfort ratio of 40.82, indicating excellent motion characteristics in seaway conditions—a hallmark of quality cruising designs. The conservative capsize screening formula of 1.71 reinforces her offshore capabilities, while the SA/Displacement ratio of 14.04 suggests respectable sailing performance without sacrificing the stability serious cruisers demand. This vessel excels in blue water cruising applications where comfort, safety, and reliability matter most. The combination of Dutch build quality, thoughtful design proportions, and proven seaworthiness makes the Contest 40S an attractive choice for couples or small crews planning extended coastal and offshore voyages.

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