All-new Contest 49CS - Freshest ever aft cockpit model, distinctively different

Contest 49CS © Sander van der Borch

• Contest Yachts all-new aft-cockpit model
• First Contest with twin aft cabins at this length
• Exceptional space and light
• Optimised all-weather performance
• Fresh thinking on aft-cockpit helming
• Easy access tender garage in transom

Award-winning Contest Yachts of Holland is pleased to announce the launch of the all-new Contest 49CS, a beautiful aft-cockpit addition to the shipyard's famed 50ft/15m centre-cockpit core.

No other constructor has such long and consistent experience in this semi-custom 50ft sector, having built at this size for 45 of the shipyard's 60-plus years. Now Contest Yachts further strengthens this position with a first aft-cockpit design at this length, bringing extraordinary benefits and inclusions to this style of sailing and differently focused below-decks accommodation.

Contest Yachts' CEO Arjen Conijn says, "We have led the centre cockpit market for so long because we do this very well, as we have again with the very recently announced beautiful Contest 50CS. We also, though, have customers at this length leaning towards an aft cockpit arrangement while still looking for the same high-quality build and comforts of Contest without resorting to the less comfortable, less practical Med-styling of other makers. So, we started to look at our 13-metre 42CS that is so enjoyed for its great cockpit and twin aft cabin plan; to think it a size bigger, and our sketching started to show maybe we could do this differently."

With long-term design partners judel/vrolijk & co for naval architecture, Wetzels Brown Partners for interiors, and Lloyd's Register for world-leading compliance and classification, the Contest 49CS not only took shape but started selling off plan.

As Johan Siefer of judel/vrolijk says, "It has all been worked with handsome effect. Key throughout design development were interior volumes, stability and simultaneously heightened upwind and light wind performance. And in physical terms we have less heel, less drag, less moment in the waves. So, it is smoother, more comfortable."

And with Contest Yachts' single-shot vacuum infusion composite construction technologies uniquely acknowledged by Lloyd's Register as one-of-a-kind and industry leading, the structure is stiff and strong yet still light for type and comprehensively Lloyd's certified. And as with all yachts from Contest, the Contest 49CS will be impeccably quiet, fully freed of intrusive noise and vibration through the company's renowned, finely engineered outfitting.

So, beyond the long standing and multi award-winning Contest offering, what is it that's so new and different in the Contest 49CS' delivery to the act-cockpit sector at this length? Well, this level of quality build and attention to detail to begin with! It is also equally clear in the physical arrangement of the twin-cockpit deck and accommodation plans.

First, below decks are the exceptionally high ceilinged, spacious twin cabins aft; the unique to sector two-sided corridor galley; the unusually large and freshly styled saloon; and the splendid, fully serviced master suite forward, featuring as throughout fabulous cabinetry, lighting, styling and hull glazing. Together, a never-before found configuration enabled only by such long experience in the centre-cockpit 50ft sector.

As Arjen Conijn says, "With the Contest 49CS it's a completely different feeling to that of a normal aft-cockpit where everything inside at the back is conventionally relatively low. And this arrangement works really so well for families sailing with children, giving parents private space forward, and two large, equal cabins aft. And with the option of twin beds or double, this works well for guests too. Plus with the 49CS we have a tender garage that's really handy for quick launch and retrieval. It's tidier, too."

Then there is the forward positioning of the twin helm stations, not with wheels so typically seen pushed back into the pushpit area. Instead, on the Contest 49CS the helm is by nature more secure and also more connected with the forward leisure cockpit, which in Contest tradition is deep, comfortable and perfectly set for confidence in all conditions. Another attractive feature of this arrangement is then a wonderful aft deck for beanbag lounging and a fascinating new take on aft-cockpit sailing.

The Contest 49CS - the freshest ever aft-cockpit sailing

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