Contest Sailing Yachts for Sale
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Browse All YachtsAbout Contest
Contest Yachts is a Dutch builder of semi-custom luxury sailing yachts, producing some of the finest bluewater cruisers in the world from its shipyard in Medemblik, North Holland. Founded in 1959, Contest brings over sixty-five years of Dutch yacht-building heritage to every vessel, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design and engineering.
The Netherlands has a long and distinguished tradition of yacht building that extends from the superyacht industry — where Dutch yards dominate global production — down through premium sailing yachts. Contest benefits directly from this ecosystem. The craftspeople working in Medemblik have access to the same skills, materials, and suppliers that serve Holland's renowned superyacht builders, and it shows in every detail. The joinery, the systems integration, the paint quality, and the engineering solutions in a Contest yacht are closer to superyacht standards than to production sailboat norms.
Contest builds each yacht on a semi-custom basis. While hull moulds and deck tooling are standardised for production efficiency, interiors are bespoke — designed to the owner's specifications from an extensive catalogue of layouts, materials, and finishes. This approach allows Contest to offer genuine customisation at a price point significantly below full custom builders like Oyster and Swan, while delivering a quality standard that rivals them.
The Contest 63CS won the European Yacht of the Year award in the Luxury category in 2025, validation of the brand's position at the premium end of the sailing yacht market. The current range spans from the Contest 42CS to the Contest 72CS, with models designed for both Mediterranean cruising and serious bluewater passage-making. The "CS" designation stands for "Contest Sailing" and denotes the modern range.
Contest's design philosophy balances Dutch practicality with luxury. The boats are built to go to sea — strong hull structures, well-engineered systems, and the kind of thoughtful design details that experienced bluewater sailors appreciate. At the same time, the interiors are refined and elegant, with the quality of materials and finish that Dutch buyers expect.
The typical Contest buyer is an experienced sailor with the budget for a premium yacht and the intention to use it seriously — extended Mediterranean cruising, Atlantic crossings, or circumnavigation. Contest competes with Oyster, Hallberg-Rassy, Swan, and Discovery in the luxury bluewater sailing yacht segment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contest
Where are Contest yachts built?
Contest yachts are built at the company's shipyard in Medemblik, North Holland, the Netherlands. The yard has been operating since 1959 and benefits from the Dutch tradition of premium yacht building. Each yacht is built on a semi-custom basis with bespoke interior layouts and specifications.
What makes Contest yachts different from production sailboats?
Contest yachts are built to a standard closer to superyacht quality than production sailboat norms. Each yacht features bespoke interiors designed to owner specifications, premium materials and finishes, and engineering solutions that reflect the Dutch superyacht tradition. The semi-custom approach offers genuine customisation at a price below full custom builders.
How does Contest compare to Oyster or Hallberg-Rassy?
All three are premium bluewater sailing yacht builders. Oyster (British) is larger and more established in the luxury segment. Hallberg-Rassy (Swedish) is known for its distinctive centre-cockpit designs and Scandinavian quality. Contest (Dutch) brings superyacht-level craftsmanship and won the European Yacht of the Year Luxury award in 2025. All three command premium pricing and attract serious cruising sailors.
Are Contest yachts suitable for bluewater cruising?
Yes. Contest yachts are specifically designed for bluewater passage-making. The strong hull structures, well-engineered systems, and practical design details reflect the company's understanding that a luxury yacht must also be a capable ocean-going vessel. Many Contest owners complete Atlantic crossings, Mediterranean circuits, and extended offshore passages.