Yacht Class n°41 (June-July-August 2025)

Contest Yachts

Renowned for the quality of its models, the Dutch manufacturer maintains its high standards with this Contest 63CS that is sure to appeal to lovers of ocean cruising combining safety and comfort.

Written by : Christophe Varène – Photos : DR

The Dutch builder Contest has definitely made a name for itself in terms of quality with its top-of-the-range yachts featuring meticulous finishes (remember the 67CS built in collaboration with Bentley) and a rather classic design. The 63CS is the latest addition to this large family, ranging from 42 to 85 feet, and retains all the major characteristics. The judel/vrolijk & co architects’ office has retained the same design philosophy, with a strongly modernised neo-classical spirit. The straight bow is combined with a wide, almost constant beam from the mast to the stern. The distinctive deckhouse reflects the quest for comfort, both at sea, by providing good protection for the cockpit, and inside, by increasing headroom and visibility to the outside. Together, these features give the Contest 63CS a dynamic look without being too sporty, and a real ocean-going cruising feel.

Easier manoeuvring

The deck layout confirms this impression, with an organisation designed to ensure the safety of the crew. A large aft area houses the helm stations, with excellent visibility for the helmsman, and the main manoeuvres, with two winches on each side: everything is designed for use by a small crew. With this in mind, the rig, available in a choice of aluminium or carbon, is available with a furling boom (for greater performance and optimised sail cut) or a furling mast (for even greater simplicity when reducing sail area). It is even possible to opt for a self-tacking jib. The visited boat is equipped with performance-enhancing features such as a deeper keel and larger rig. Easy to use, this yacht can be run by family or friends, without the need for a permanent crew (a skipper’s cabin can be fitted in the large sail locker towards the bow). The yacht’s advertised performance (6 to 9 knots at 40 degrees from true wind, 7 to 14 knots at 135 degrees from true wind) and her versatility in light airs and windy conditions mean she can be sailed safely and quickly across the ocean. Let’s return to the rear space, which covers the garage and houses a transverse tender. A little further forward, the cockpit is very well protected, on the sides and at the front, even more so when the soft top is fitted. Two bench seats face each other around two fold-down tables (which block the central passage when open), providing passengers with a pleasant place to socialise. The foredeck is very open, even if it is often unnecessary to go there when sailing. At anchor, it offers a large surface area for sunbathing. So everyone on board can find the place outside that suits them best.

Warm, bright interiors

As mentioned earlier, this Contest 63CS, like most of the units in this shipyard, relies heavily on high standards of comfort and finish, and a visit to the interiors will confirm this. The interior design was imagined by Wetzels Brown Partners and offers a choice of two atmospheres, based on teak or light oak. From the moment you enter the saloon, the quality of the construction is evident in the meticulous joinery, with its gentle curves, leather-covered handrails and cream-coloured fabric-covered lining. The whole boat is bathed in light thanks to the high level of glazing around the deckhouse and the hull portholes. Raised above the technical compartments, the saloon, opposite the dining area with a table for six to eight guests, is extremely welcoming, while the chart table on starboard is functional. Slightly lower on the port side, the galley is ergonomically designed for use at sea, in the passageway leading to the owner’s cabin. The owner’s cabin impresses with its spaciousness, well lit by the double horizontal hull portholes on each side. It offers a sofa, a bench seat and plenty of storage space (cupboards, wardrobes, shelves), before discovering a beautiful bathroom. Crossing back across the saloon to the bow, you enter the guest area with two double cabins, each with its own en suite bathroom. The port side provides an internal access to the skipper’s cabin. It is to be noted that he same standard of quality is reflected throughout the boat. The Contest 63CS is a real invitation to travel, thanks to the shipyard’s expertise, from design to production.