Cruising sailing yacht 50CS

3-cabinwith open transomwith bowsprit

For 2023 we have a totally new Contest 50CS. This size has always been the pumping heart of Contest Yachts, with each model over the years most popular for the perfect balance of sailing ease, performance and onboard comforts. Two super suites and a third cabin option, yet still a yacht that can be sailed single-handed. A yacht for all occasions, crossing oceans or leisurely lunching in an idyllic bay. And this new design from judel/vrolijk opens even more opportunity. Fair to say, the new Contest 50CS resets the yard’s own gold standard at this length. How so? The advanced hull form optimises each of the three most key modern targets: performance up and down wind, stability for low angles of heel, and huge accommodation. This is all achieved in the most sea-safe and comfortable manner expected of a Contest, and with deck and cabin plans introducing for the first time at this size so much more of our larger yacht thinking. The looks are all ‘Contest’ with lines evolved as ever from the learnings and leanings of each preceding model while introducing new thinking also. Which means the new Contest 50CS, with its deep sides and broader deck plan ably incorporates now even more of the styling and detailing of the larger yachts in the range. The brings a low sleek coachroof sweeping aft into the two-section cockpit with deep seated and curved-for-comfort leisure cockpit forward. Behind, the twin helm stations are framed by surrounding coamings for that extra sense of ocean safety, yet with simple central walkthrough easing and making safe deck entry and exit. Again, it’s that balance, an elegance that works – in every sense of the word.