Contest 62cs for Sale

Contest 62CS Specifications

The Contest 62CS’s specifications reflect a yacht designed around the demands of long-range ocean cruising rather than racing handicap optimisation or marina prestige. The displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 165 places her in the moderate category — light enough to sail well in the trade winds but heavy enough to carry the full complement of offshore systems, provisions, and ground tackle without degrading her motion or stability. The 30.9% ballast ratio, with all ballast concentrated in an externally bolted lead keel, provides a powerful righting moment and a high angle of vanishing stability — essential for any yacht intended to operate in the Southern Ocean or round Cape Horn.

The sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 17.5 is conservative by modern standards, reflecting the cutter rig’s philosophy of manageable sail areas that a shorthanded crew can handle in all conditions. The cutter configuration — with a yankee jib, staysail, and mainsail — is the rig of choice for serious passage making, offering more combinations of reduced sail area than a sloop while keeping individual sail sizes manageable. With all 1,700 square feet of working canvas set in 15 knots of breeze, the 62CS moves with an authority and composure that belies her offshore purpose.

The 1,000-litre fuel and 1,000-litre water capacities are notable. They give the 62CS a powered range exceeding 1,500 nautical miles at economical cruising speed — enough to motor across calm belts without anxiety — and freshwater autonomy of several weeks for a crew of four, even before factoring in a watermaker. These are the numbers of a yacht that expects to spend weeks between ports, not days.

Performance & Sailing Characteristics

Hull design: The Judel/Vrolijk hull form is a masterclass in the balance between offshore capability and sailing efficiency. Judel/Vrolijk — the same office responsible for the Dehler and Hanse ranges — brought their extensive experience in performance-orientated hull design to a brief that prioritised seaworthiness, directional stability, and comfort in a seaway. The result is a hull with moderate beam carried well aft for form stability and interior volume, fine waterlines forward for a dry ride in head seas, and a long, clean run aft to minimise drag and promote surfing in following seas. The 55-foot waterline — nearly 90% of the overall length — is exceptionally long for a 62-footer, reflecting the modern practice of minimising overhangs to maximise sailing length. The semi-balanced spade rudder, hung on a massive aluminium stock, provides positive and responsive steering even at high angles of heel.

Upwind performance: The 62CS is not a racing yacht, and she does not pretend to be. But she sails remarkably well to windward for a 27.5-tonne bluewater cruiser carrying an aluminium hull and a full offshore inventory. In 14–18 knots of true wind, expect boat speeds of 7.5–8.5 knots close-hauled, with true wind angles of 35–40 degrees depending on sea state. The cutter rig, with the staysail set on the inner forestay, provides a powerful and well-balanced sail plan for windward work in heavy weather — the staysail and reefed mainsail combination is one of the most seamanlike rigs available, keeping the centre of effort low and the boat balanced. The Judel/Vrolijk hull tracks straight through confused seas and does not slam or hobby-horse — qualities that matter far more on a 2,000-mile passage than pointing ability measured in degrees.

Reaching and downwind: Off the wind is where the 62CS comes alive. The long waterline, moderate displacement, and clean hull shape produce sustained speeds of 8–10 knots on a beam reach in 15–20 knots of true wind. In trade wind conditions, with a large asymmetric or Code 0 set from the bowsprit, speeds above 10 knots are readily achievable, and the boat’s directional stability under autopilot makes passage-making in the trades genuinely relaxed. Owner reports from Atlantic crossings describe daily runs of 180–200 nautical miles in moderate trade wind conditions — fast enough to keep crew morale high, comfortable enough to arrive fresh.

Heavy weather: This is the 62CS’s natural environment. The aluminium hull is immensely strong — rated for ice navigation, grounding, and collision impacts that would be catastrophic to a fibreglass yacht. The deep lead keel, combined with the hull’s moderate beam and heavy displacement, produces a yacht that is predictably stiff and progressive in her response to increasing wind and sea. With the staysail and three reefs in the mainsail, the 62CS remains balanced and controllable in sustained winds of 40–50 knots. The centre cockpit, protected by a substantial sprayhood and dodger structure, keeps the crew functional in conditions that would exhaust an aft-cockpit crew exposed to breaking seas. The aluminium hull inspires a level of confidence that composite construction simply cannot match when approaching a lee shore in a gale or navigating growler ice in high-latitude waters.

Under power: The standard Volvo Penta D3-110 (110 HP) or optional D3-150 (150 HP) drives through a conventional shaft and propeller arrangement — no saildrives here, which is appropriate for a yacht of this size and offshore ambition. Cruising speed under power is 8.0–9.0 knots at 2,000–2,200 RPM, burning approximately 3–5 gallons per hour depending on conditions. With the 1,000-litre fuel tank, the powered range at economical speed exceeds 1,500 nautical miles — sufficient for extended motoring through doldrums, canals, or the Mediterranean calms of high summer. Engine access through the aft cabin companionway and dedicated engine room is exemplary; Contest designs the engine space for real-world maintenance, not merely for a surveyor’s approval at handover.

Build Quality & Aluminium Construction

The decision to build in aluminium is the single most defining characteristic of the Contest 62CS, and understanding why Contest chose this material — and how they work it — is essential to appreciating the yacht. Marine aluminium (typically 5083 or 5086 alloy) offers a combination of properties that no other boatbuilding material can match for a yacht intended to operate unsupported in remote waters.

Strength and impact resistance: Aluminium is dramatically more resistant to impact than any fibreglass construction. Where a composite hull may crack, delaminate, or hole on contact with a submerged container, a coral head, or a growler, an aluminium hull will dent and deform — absorbing the energy without breaching. This is why virtually every expedition yacht, research vessel, and high-latitude sailing yacht in the world is built in metal. The 62CS can also take the ground without damage — whether intentionally, to dry out for antifouling in a tidal harbour, or accidentally through a grounding — a capability that fibreglass yachts with bolt-on keels simply do not possess.

Ease of repair worldwide: Aluminium can be repaired almost anywhere in the world. Every port with a commercial fishing fleet or industrial workshop will have welders capable of working with the material. A damaged plate can be cut out and a new section welded in, restoring the hull to full structural integrity — a repair that is impossible with composite construction without specialist materials and controlled environmental conditions. For a yacht operating in South America, Southeast Asia, the Pacific islands, or the Arctic, this repairability is a significant safety factor.

Contest’s aluminium methods: At the Medemblik yard, the process begins with CNC cutting of every structural component from flat plate. Frames, floors, stringers, bulkheads, and hull plating are all cut with precision that eliminates the cumulative errors of manual marking and cutting. The hull is then assembled in a jig to ensure fairness and dimensional accuracy, and every structural joint is TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welded by Contest’s in-house welding team. TIG welding is slower and more demanding than MIG welding, but it produces a cleaner, stronger, more consistent weld bead with less distortion — critical in aluminium construction, where heat input must be carefully controlled to avoid weakening the heat-affected zone adjacent to the weld. Every weld on a Contest hull is visually inspected and critical structural welds are tested by dye penetrant or radiographic methods. The finished hull is fair, rigid, and remarkably smooth — a testament to the skill of Contest’s welders, some of whom have worked at the yard for decades.

Corrosion protection and insulation: Contest applies a comprehensive coating system to the hull exterior, with two-component epoxy primer below the waterline and polyurethane topcoat above. All through-hulls, propeller shafts, and keel bolts are carefully isolated from the aluminium hull to prevent galvanic corrosion, and a sacrificial anode system protects the underwater surfaces. Internally, closed-cell foam insulation bonded to the hull and deck creates a thermal barrier that prevents condensation and maintains cabin comfort in sub-zero conditions. Combined with diesel-fired central heating (standard on bluewater specifications), the 62CS interior feels warm and dry — nothing like the industrial interior of an unfinished metal boat. Properly maintained, a Contest aluminium hull has an effectively unlimited structural lifespan.

Interior Layout & Living Aboard

The “semi-custom” designation means that the Contest 62CS interior is specified by each owner in collaboration with Contest’s design team, within the structural constraints of the hull form and bulkhead positions. This is one of the most compelling aspects of the CS concept: the interior is not a take-it-or-leave-it production layout but a bespoke arrangement tailored to how the owner actually intends to use the yacht. Standard configurations typically include three cabins and three heads, but four-cabin and specialised layouts are possible.

Owner’s suite: The owner’s cabin is typically located forward, taking full advantage of the hull’s beam at this section. The centreline double berth is island-style with walk-around access on both sides, generous hanging lockers to port and starboard, and a dedicated en-suite head with separate shower compartment. Owners can specify solid hardwood joinery in their choice of timber — teak, cherry, oak, or walnut — with the finish quality comparable to bespoke furniture rather than marine cabinetry. Overhead hatches and hull ports provide natural ventilation and light, and the cabin benefits from the 62CS’s generous headroom of 6 ft 7 in throughout.

Guest cabins and skipper’s berth: Two guest cabins amidships provide double or twin berths with en-suite heads. The standard layout also includes a dedicated skipper’s cabin aft, accessed separately from the cockpit — a practical arrangement for owners who employ professional crew or who want a private watch-keeper’s berth that does not intrude on the living accommodation. This separation of skipper and owner accommodation is a hallmark of serious offshore yacht design and is rarely found on production yachts below 70 feet.

Saloon and galley: The saloon is the social heart of the yacht, with a dining area seating six to eight, a separate settee area, and a dedicated navigation station with space for full-size chart plotting and modern electronics. The galley is typically U-shaped or L-shaped, located adjacent to the companionway for ventilation and communication with the cockpit. Standard galley equipment includes a four-burner gas or diesel stove with oven, front-loading refrigeration and separate freezer, a deep stainless steel double sink, and extensive storage for provisions on long passages. Counter surfaces, sole materials, and upholstery fabrics are all selected by the owner — the flexibility extends to every visible surface in the yacht.

Passage comfort and storage: The centre cockpit places the crew near the boat’s centre of motion, and the 27.5-tonne displacement damps motion effectively. Handholds, lee cloths, crash bars in the galley, and proper fiddles throughout are integral to the design — not afterthoughts. Storage capacity reflects the yacht’s purpose: deep lockers accommodate months of provisions, a dedicated forepeak sail locker stows the offshore wardrobe, and the chain locker is oversized for 100 metres of heavy chain with an anchor well designed for a primary anchor of 40–50 kg plus a secondary of 25–35 kg. The lazarette and transom storage accommodate a dinghy, outboard motor, and fenders without sacrificing cockpit space.

Systems & Offshore Capability

The Contest 62CS is typically delivered with a systems specification that reflects its ocean-crossing purpose. While the semi-custom nature means that no two boats are identical, most 62CS yachts include the following core offshore systems, which Contest integrates during the build rather than leaving as owner-installed aftermarket additions.

Electrical system and watermaker: The standard electrical installation is a dual-voltage system (12V DC / 230V AC) with a large domestic battery bank — typically 800–1,200 Ah, increasingly specified with lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells on recent builds. A diesel generator (typically 9–13 kW, Fischer Panda or Onan) provides autonomous AC power at anchor or on passage, and solar panels contribute 500–1,500 watts of charging capacity. A reverse osmosis watermaker producing 100–200 litres per hour is standard on bluewater specifications, giving the 62CS effectively unlimited freshwater autonomy. The entire electrical system is designed and wired by Contest’s in-house team, with labelled circuits, proper fusing, and marine-grade tinned wiring throughout.

Heating: Diesel-fired central heating (Webasto or Eberspacher) with ducted outlets in every cabin, the saloon, and the heads is standard on bluewater specifications. For high-latitude cruising, this is not a luxury but a necessity — the ability to maintain a warm, dry interior in sub-zero conditions is fundamental to crew safety and comfort. The aluminium hull’s insulation system works in concert with the heating to maintain cabin temperature even in Arctic conditions.

Navigation and communication: The 62CS navigation station is designed to accommodate a comprehensive electronics suite — chartplotter, radar, AIS, SSB radio, satellite communication (Iridium or Inmarsat), weatherfax, and full instrument displays. Most owners specify Raymarine, B&G, or Furuno systems. A proper chart table with space for paper charts remains a standard feature, reflecting the reality that electronic systems can and do fail in remote waters. The aluminium hull provides natural lightning protection through its conductive structure — a significant advantage over fibreglass yachts, which require separate bonding and grounding systems that may or may not function when struck.

Safety systems: Standard offshore safety equipment includes a liferaft housed in a dedicated transom or cockpit cradle, jacklines and pad-eyes for harness attachment, an emergency tiller, manual bilge pumps in addition to electric, and properly positioned fire extinguishers and detection systems. The aluminium construction itself is a safety system: the hull will not burn, cannot develop osmosis, and is resistant to the kind of catastrophic structural failure that can occur when a composite hull sustains a severe impact. For owners planning passages through remote waters where rescue may be days away, the inherent robustness of the aluminium structure provides a margin of safety that no amount of equipment can replicate.

Running Costs & Ownership Considerations

Owning a Contest 62CS is a commitment that reflects the yacht’s size, complexity, and premium build quality. Running costs are higher than for a 40–45-foot production yacht, but the aluminium construction and Contest’s build quality can reduce certain long-term maintenance costs compared to lesser-built fibreglass competitors of similar size.

• Annual haul-out and hull maintenance: Expect €6,000–€12,000 per year for haul-out, pressure wash, hull inspection, antifouling, and anode replacement. Aluminium hulls require careful antifouling selection — copper-based paints are not compatible with aluminium and will cause galvanic corrosion. Contest specifies aluminium-safe antifouling systems. The hull exterior coating (two-component polyurethane) may need refreshing every 8–12 years at a cost of €15,000–€30,000 for a full respray.
• Engine and mechanical systems: Annual engine service (oil, filters, impeller, belts) costs €1,500–€3,000. The generator adds €800–€1,500 for annual service. Major engine service intervals every 1,000–1,500 hours add €3,000–€6,000. Watermaker membrane replacement every 3–5 years costs €1,500–€3,000. Heating system service is approximately €500–€1,000 annually.
• Rigging: Standing rigging on a 62-footer should be replaced every 10–15 years. Budget €20,000–€35,000 for a complete replacement of rod or wire rigging, swage fittings, and turnbuckles. Running rigging replacement every 5–8 years costs €5,000–€10,000. Sails (mainsail, yankee, staysail, and light-air wardrobe) represent a significant investment: €25,000–€50,000 for a full replacement set depending on material choice.
• Insurance: Hull and liability insurance for a 62CS valued at €1,500,000–€2,500,000 typically costs €12,000–€30,000 annually (0.8%–1.2% of insured value). Aluminium construction may attract favourable underwriting compared to fibreglass due to the reduced risk of catastrophic structural failure. Extended cruising areas and high-latitude endorsements add premiums.
• Marina and storage: Annual berth fees for a 62-foot yacht range from €12,000–€30,000 in northern Europe to €20,000–€50,000 in the western Mediterranean. Winter storage (heated indoor) adds €5,000–€12,000. Many 62CS owners cruise extensively on anchor, where the yacht’s large tankage, watermaker, and generator make extended self-sufficiency practical.
• Teak deck maintenance: The teak-laid deck requires annual washing and periodic re-caulking of seams. Budget €2,000–€5,000 annually for ongoing deck maintenance. A full teak deck replacement on a 62-footer costs €40,000–€70,000 and should not be needed for 20–25 years with proper care.

Total annual ownership costs for a well-maintained Contest 62CS — excluding purchase financing, fuel, provisioning, and crew — typically range from €40,000 to €80,000 per year for an owner-managed yacht. Basing in less expensive cruising grounds (Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Caribbean) can reduce marina-related costs significantly. The 62CS’s aluminium construction eliminates osmosis concerns entirely, and the absence of a GRP hull-to-deck joint removes one of the most common sources of long-term maintenance on composite yachts. Over a 20-year ownership horizon, the total cost of ownership may be comparable to or lower than a fibreglass yacht of similar size that requires gel coat repairs, osmosis treatment, and structural joint maintenance.

Used Market Analysis & Pricing Guidance

The Contest 62CS used market is small and specialised, reflecting the yacht’s semi-custom nature and low production volume. With approximately 25–30 hulls built, the 62CS rarely appears on the brokerage market, and when it does, sales tend to be private or handled by a small number of specialist brokerages with established relationships in the Contest owner community. Patience is essential — the right boat may take months to find.

Pricing guidance: Used Contest 62CS asking prices currently range from approximately €1,200,000 for early-production examples (2005–2010) with moderate specification to €2,500,000 for recent builds with comprehensive bluewater outfitting. A well-maintained 2012–2016 example with a full offshore systems package — watermaker, generator, SSB, satellite communication, lithium batteries, and a recent rig service — typically asks €1,600,000–€2,200,000. Transaction prices are typically 5–10% below asking, though exceptional examples with documented maintenance histories and recent refits can command close to asking price. The semi-custom nature means that specification varies significantly between boats, and the systems package can account for €200,000–€400,000 of the yacht’s value.

What to inspect: When surveying a used 62CS, focus on the hull coating system (check for galvanic corrosion around through-hulls, propeller shaft, and keel bolts), dissimilar metal isolation (stainless fittings, bronze seacocks, and copper piping must be properly isolated from the aluminium), weld seam integrity throughout the interior, insulation condition (any areas where foam has separated from the hull will cause condensation), and mechanical system histories. Engage a surveyor experienced with aluminium yachts and request ultrasonic thickness testing of the hull plating at multiple points, particularly in areas of high loading. Contest’s records department in Medemblik can provide original build documentation for any hull. Survey costs for a 62-footer are typically €4,000–€7,000 including haul-out.

Competitors & Alternatives

The Contest 62CS competes in the rarefied segment of premium bluewater sailing yachts above 60 feet, where build quality, offshore capability, and the builder’s reputation are the primary purchasing criteria. The alternatives below represent the yachts most commonly cross-shopped by Contest 62CS buyers, each offering a distinct construction philosophy and set of trade-offs.

Contest 62CS vs Oyster 625

The Oyster 625 is the most frequently compared alternative to the Contest 62CS. Both are premium bluewater yachts of similar size with centre cockpits and semi-custom interiors, both have strong reputations for quality, and both attract experienced circumnavigators. The fundamental difference is construction material: Oyster builds in composite (fibreglass with foam core), while Contest builds in aluminium. This distinction shapes every downstream consideration. The Oyster is lighter (approximately 25,000 kg vs the Contest’s 27,500 kg), which gives a marginal performance advantage in light airs. The Oyster’s interior finish — particularly the signature hand-finished cherry or teak joinery — is widely regarded as among the finest in production yacht building. However, the Contest’s aluminium hull offers superior impact resistance, repairability in remote locations, and the ability to take the ground — advantages that matter most to owners planning high-latitude sailing or extended voyaging far from specialist boatyards. Pricing is broadly comparable, though Oyster’s waiting list can be longer. For Mediterranean and trade-wind cruising, either yacht is superb. For high-latitude and expedition-style voyaging, the Contest’s aluminium hull provides a meaningful safety margin.

Contest 62CS vs Hallberg-Rassy 64

The Hallberg-Rassy 64 is the Swedish builder’s flagship cruiser and competes directly with the Contest 62CS for the most discerning bluewater buyers. The HR 64 is a Germán Frers design built in hand-laid GRP with Divinycell core, the signature HR windscreen, and an interior joinery standard that is among the best in the world. The key distinction, again, is material: GRP versus aluminium. The HR 64 is beautifully built and benefits from Hallberg-Rassy’s unmatched global dealer network and the deeply loyal HR owner community. The HR windscreen and centre cockpit combination provide outstanding crew protection. However, the Contest 62CS’s aluminium construction gives it the edge for owners specifically planning high-latitude or expedition sailing where impact resistance and field repairability are paramount. The HR 64 is the choice for buyers who value the Hallberg-Rassy brand heritage, the Frers design pedigree, and the comfort of the world’s most established cruising yacht support network. The Contest 62CS is the choice for buyers who believe that hull material matters more than brand, and who plan to take their yacht to places where the aluminium hull’s robustness is a genuine operational advantage.

Contest 62CS vs Hallberg-Rassy 44

The Hallberg-Rassy 44 is a smaller, less expensive yacht that nonetheless competes with the Contest 62CS in the minds of many bluewater buyers. The question is often not “which is better?” but “how much yacht do I actually need?” The HR 44 can be sailed shorthanded by a competent couple with ease; the 62CS, while possible to shorthand, is more comfortable with an additional crew member or professional skipper. The HR 44 fits in more marinas, costs roughly half as much to buy and maintain, and delivers a superbly rewarding sailing experience. The 62CS offers significantly more interior volume, greater load-carrying capacity for extended voyaging, the safety margin of aluminium construction, and the presence and comfort of a larger yacht at anchor. Many buyers who begin shopping for a 62CS ultimately choose a well-specified 45–50-footer; others who start with a 44 realise they need the space and capability of a 60-footer for their intended programme. The honest answer depends entirely on crew size, sailing plans, and budget.

Contest 62CS vs Sabre 42

The Sabre 42 represents a completely different end of the cruising spectrum. Where the Contest 62CS is a 62-foot aluminium ocean-going vessel, the Sabre 42 is a 42-foot GRP coastal performance cruiser built in Maine. The comparison is relevant because both appeal to buyers who value exceptional build quality above all else — Sabre’s cherry-finished joinery and hand-laid construction are world-class. However, the two yachts are designed for different missions entirely. The Sabre 42 excels in coastal cruising, day sailing, and weekend passages along the US East Coast, while the Contest 62CS is designed for circumnavigations, ocean crossings, and high-latitude voyaging. Buyers choosing between these two are really choosing between different sailing lives — the comfortable coastal cruiser or the go-anywhere ocean yacht.

For a full interactive comparison between the Contest 62CS and competing models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool, where you can overlay pricing trends, track seasonal demand, and benchmark value retention across the premium bluewater cruising yacht segment.

Who Should Buy the Contest 62CS — And Who Should Look Elsewhere

Buy the Contest 62CS if: You are an experienced bluewater sailor planning a circumnavigation, extended ocean cruising, or high-latitude voyaging. You value the safety margin of aluminium construction and the ability to have your yacht repaired anywhere in the world. You want a semi-custom interior that fits your specific needs rather than a production layout designed by committee. You appreciate Dutch build quality and the craftsman tradition of one of Europe’s most respected yacht builders. You plan to keep the yacht for 10–20 years and need a hull material with an effectively unlimited structural lifespan. You have the budget not only to purchase the yacht but to maintain her systems, rig, and equipment to the standard she deserves. You understand that a 62-foot yacht requires more crew skill, more maintenance, and more expense than a 45-footer — and you have concluded that the 62CS’s capabilities are genuinely required for your sailing plans.

The ideal owner: The typical Contest 62CS buyer is a couple in their 50s or 60s with substantial offshore experience — often several Atlantic crossings, Mediterranean seasons, and trade-wind passages behind them. They have reached the point where they know exactly what they want from a yacht, have the financial resources to commission it, and plan to live aboard or cruise extensively for a decade or more. Many 62CS owners are planning a circumnavigation via the high latitudes — South Georgia, the Beagle Channel, Svalbard, the Northwest Passage — routes where aluminium construction is not merely preferred but effectively required. They value substance over showmanship, engineering over marketing, and the quiet confidence of a yacht that was built to go anywhere over the conspicuous luxury of a yacht that was built to impress at a boat show.

Look elsewhere if: You are primarily interested in Mediterranean marina cruising, where the 62CS’s aluminium hull advantages are less relevant and a lighter, faster fibreglass yacht may suit better. You want a yacht that maximises interior volume and creature comforts at the expense of offshore capability — a deck-saloon design or a modern wide-beam production yacht may be more appropriate. You are a first-time yacht owner without significant offshore experience — the 62CS is a yacht that rewards skill and punishes inexperience, and the learning curve should ideally be completed on a smaller, simpler boat. You are buying for investment or charter — the 62CS is a yacht for personal use by passionate sailors, not a financial asset or a charter platform. You have a limited maintenance budget — a 62-foot aluminium yacht with a full offshore systems package demands ongoing investment that cannot be deferred without consequences.

Consider instead: For the same bluewater ambition in a smaller, more manageable package, the Hallberg-Rassy 44 offers exceptional build quality at roughly half the cost. For a fibreglass alternative at similar size, the Oyster 625 delivers comparable quality with a lighter hull. But the Contest 62CS is not a yacht for everyone — it is a yacht for a specific owner with a specific purpose. Contest Yachts has been building aluminium sailing yachts in Medemblik for over six decades, and the 62CS represents the culmination of that experience: a yacht built to go anywhere, survive anything, and bring her crew home safely.