Contest 43

Built by Dutch shipyard Conyplex between 1989 and 1996, this Dick Zaal-designed cruiser represents the pinnacle of Netherlands yacht construction during the late 20th century. With only 52 hulls produced over seven years, the Contest 43 remains a relatively exclusive find in today's market, embodying the meticulous craftsmanship and seaworthiness for which Dutch builders are renowned. The design strikes an excellent balance between performance and comfort, featuring a fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration that provides responsive handling while maintaining directional stability in challenging conditions. Her substantial displacement of 26,000 pounds and generous ballast ratio deliver the steady, confidence-inspiring motion that serious cruisers demand for extended offshore passages. The masthead sloop rig with 880 square feet of sail area offers versatile sailing characteristics, while the robust fiberglass construction ensures durability for long-distance voyaging. Her comfort ratio of 34.16 indicates a motion that favors stability over speed, making her ideally suited for blue-water cruising rather than racing. The capsize screening formula of 1.78 falls well within accepted parameters for offshore sailing, reflecting the conservative design philosophy that makes Contest yachts sought-after passage makers among experienced sailors seeking proven ocean-crossing capability.

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