Contessa 32 class 2025 season ends on a high note of activity
by Peter Binning 13 Oct 10:59 PDT
CO32 Nationals start lining up © Rob Hamlett
Much to look forward to in 2026
The Contessa 32 class has had a highly competitive season on the Solent with 23 boats competing in the annual points series which culminated in the class National Championship at Cowes in late September.
Going into the nationals, the series was well under the control of the dedicated team on Drumbeat who missed only one event over the season. Andaxi in second and Connie (having a great year's racing as a podium newcomer) in third had also missed only one event each in 2025 but of course the nationals is an event in itself and there was a fleet of some 15 boats out on the water for Friday's opening race, many of whom had every chance of making their mark on the series scoreboard, not least international entry Lecas from Belgium. The nationals and the season series had plenty of interesting rivalry throughout the fleet which goes to show why this class continues to attract very well sailed boats year on year for the series, for the Round the Island, for Cowes Week and much more, including some amazing cruising meets, and this year's special Benelux event.
On 26 September, a very challenging weekend of weather was presented to the highly experienced Royal London Yacht Club race team of Tony Newberry and Bob Milner. Very little wind was supplied for the first race. Despite a brave attempt at race one it was abandoned in the end after some interesting tactical calls across the Bramble Bank and some boats resorting to the kedge before the time limit eventually expired (although the race officer had kindly offered an earlier reprieve!). Perseverance paid off later in the afternoon for competitors and race team alike as the wind built sufficiently for a second race start, still in the central Solent with some tricky tidal calls, especially as the leading boats rounded the leeward gate marks with the tide setting strongly to the west. The boats that followed Merak II round the attractive looking up-tide mark in very light airs saw their advantage savagely cut by Andaxi and others rounding the downtide mark with greater momentum. Race 1 and the overnight lead went to Andaxi with Concerto and Drumbeat not far behind.
Day two saw an impressive four race programme, including a round the cans to test close reaching skills; the race officer not showing any adverse effects from generously supplied Belgian beer at the lively Lecas pontoon party on the Friday night. Saturday was Merak's day, securing three wins against one from Drumbeat as Nick Bradley and his team "got their mojo going" looking once again like the boat to beat in this year's nationals.
The fleet was rewarded with an impressive dinner at the Royal London with the well orchestrated return of some traditional (and very good humoured) Contessa 32 fleet entertainment which received due appreciation from all present. The prospect of a return to very little or no wind on Sunday kept many crews up until even later than usual as competitors contemplated the odds of a cancellation of racing.
Sunday dawned grey and very damp as first Lecas and then several others make the very sensible decision to call it early and head home. For those who persevered and headed out to Hill Head to meet the race team, there was a final reward of one more race which enabled some, such as Robin Holland's Corafin, to notch up an impressive result to make up for the weather. The series went to Merak II with Andaxi and Drumbeat completing the podium with just one point separating them before Concerto in fourth place. Further down the table there were two points between Lecas and Jemima and then English Rose in the top 7 boats.
The season was not confined to the Solent and several Contessa 32's were active both offshore and in regattas further afield.
The Contessa Benelux Regatta in Saint Anna land featured a lively pursuit race. After a fleet review of Contessas (ranging from 26 to 35 feet and many 32s), the start was confusing, with some skippers starting early, others on time, and some using a provisional time. Despite the mix-up, the strong wind and sun ensured everyone enjoyed the competitive sailing. The finish was a thrilling, neck-and-neck contest between the OOD34 Komedie and the CO32 Osprey right in front of the WSV clubhouse, much to the spectators' delight. Following the race, the fleet docked, and a major highlight ensued: visiting each other's boats. This social exchange was so popular the organizers had to beg participants to attend the planned pontoon party
Contessa's also race offshore and this season Jemima entered the RORC Cowes - Dinard St Malo race and also the Cowes - Cherbourg race.
The St Malo race predicted high temperatures and very light to no wind was exactly what the fleet experienced once out of the Solent. On Jemima decisions were based on the need to be back at work and family by Monday morning so after many hours trying to get to the breeze mid-Channel they retired (after a deep water swim) for a long motor home.
The Cowes- Cherbourg race also featured a large wind hole south of the Island however the breeze quickly filled in and Jemima were able to tight reach with the number one and number four in a steadily increasing breeze, peaking at around 20 knots off Cherbourg. Throughout the night they were racing in company with other boats. Skipper Gareth Penn reported that "it was fantastic to be joined by another Contessa 32, Musketeer II. Finishing 3rd in Class 4 we were reminded that just because our boats are old does not mean they are not competitive in the right conditions against modern designs."
In a further display of Contessa 32 achievement, Mike and Julie Sellers' L'Acquerelle won the 2025 Classics series at Dartmouth Royal Regatta in August.
Altogether a great season of racing and cruising for the Contessa 32 class. All Contessa 32 owners are encouraged to join the class association and to send in reports from local racing via the class association website. More reports needed from outside the Solent area please.
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