Torqeedo joins Contest Yachts on stand at boot Düsseldorf

Contest 49CS - Torqeedo © Sander van der Borch

Demonstrating industry leading collaboration between Torqeedo and Contest Yachts in first specific development of all-electric propulsion for performance bluewater cruising, Torqeedo joins Contest Yachts for world premiere of new Contest Models, the 49CS and 50CS.

• Presentation and talk session - 4pm Thursday 26 January on stand Contest Yachts
• Model demonstration and open conversation throughout full duration of show

Renowned Dutch semi-custom yacht builder Contest Yachts has announced the exciting introduction of long-range all-electric propulsion. This is initially for the two new models premiering at this year's boot Düsseldorf, the Contest 50CS and Contest 49CS, with the intention in time that the option will extend into further range models.

• Propulsion system combines 50kW Torqeedo Deep Blue 50 and ZF saildrive with powerful 42.2kWh BMW battery sets
• High-capacity battery sets run a/c and other appliances, extending silent mode to life at anchor as well as under way
• Power regeneration via reverse generating propeller, plus two in-hull Watt&Sea hydro generators, and Solbian solar panels
• Massively extended long range for distant voyaging via 20kW DC generator and 400l tank replenishing the BMW i3 battery set

Contest Yachts CEO Arjen Conijn says of this move, "Going all-electric is clearly a good thing to do but it cannot be done lightly if it is to be done well. We have looked long and hard at this, and we are excited at our innovative collaboration with our chosen partner Torqeedo and with battery technology from BMW. This system we have arrived at is truly first class. It is robust, enduring and ultimately super-efficient, and especially so with the added power regeneration systems we're inbuilding from Watt&Sea and Solbian. Our 'all-electric' is genuinely all-electric bluewater sailing made real."

Expanding on this, Contest Senior Technical Engineer Robert Vijselaar says, "It's interesting, at the mention of electric drivetrains many immediately question range, yet with conventional drives range is never in the question set, it's always just about tank size, not how far that will get you. Here we've run the numbers across all conditions: wind, sea state, etc and our already class-leading range capabilities are now potentially bettered by going electric. It's a win-win!"

It is also a win in terms of maintenance, with much reduced mechanical componentry, and the removal of LPG from on board with its associated safety and destination-replacement issues.

The joint presentations and demonstrations of Torqeedo and Contest Yachts at Düsseldorf in Hall 16 Stand C54 provide the perfect opportunity to learn more of this innovative collaboration bringing for first time full electromobility to the bluewater cruising fraternity as well as more local sailors. Sessions are open to press and public.

Contest Yachts Hall 16 Stand C54

The first all-electric Contest 50CS is set to splash in 2024. More news along the way.