Sevenstar Contest Cup 2026
by Contest Yachts 11 Jun 22:40 PDT
5-7 June 2026
Sevenstar Contest Cup 2026 © Sander van der Borch
Contest Yachts' annual northern-waters and early-summer regatta proved once again how these very special yachts perform so well racing in class as well as bluewater cruising.
In Medemblik, NL over the first weekend in June there's a cheering bit of tradition - the annual Sevenstar Contest Cup! And this last weekend (5-7 June) in its 22nd edition, the fleet numbered a full 30 Contest yachts of all sizes and age for some excellent racing through two days of at times 20+knot winds.
In the IJsselmeer's short-chop waters, three races were run on the Saturday and two on the Sunday giving the fleet in its three classes plenty of opportunity to jostle for position. And with for the top of the fleet some very close racing and tight starts and mark rounding, a delight through the photographer's lens and a rush for skippers and crew.
Divided between 40ft plus or minus and also a special division for classics, the variety in the fleet was a wonderful showcase for the history of this renowned, Lloyd's Register-certified builder of fabulous yachts for now more than 65 years. On-water were not just the latest in the range but models right back to the shipyard's very first keel-yacht, the 8-metre Contest 25, with two of these, both in still beautiful form and sailed with panache, even winning in class.
And, as ever, the gathering was not just about the racing, but partying too, and based out of the legendary dockside Café Brakeboer (the event's longstanding virtual HQ), the extent of revelry reflected the joy and friendship that participants repeatedly refer to as being part of the Contest 'family'. So much so that for the gala dinner, all guests were this year taken to the 'family home' with a stunning, low-light 'Son et Lumière' set-creation among the yachts in the main outfitting hall. Eye-opening surrealism with five-star catering for the 155 guests. A truly astounding occasion.
The winners were: Class 1 (>40ft) Contest 56CS La Corina, Class 2 (>40ft Classics) Contest 48CS Delta, and Class 3 (<40ft) Contest 25OC Amigo. Overall winner: Contest 48CS Delta - recipient of the Raymarine award of new Alpha Performance Display system and RSW smart wind sensor.
Good sailing, good fun, with both new and repeat entrants, including the two brothers aboard Contest 43CS Njord back for their 20th challenge!
The event's Official Partner was Sevenstar Yacht Transport, with Raymarine and Kuiper Yacht Insurance as supporting Main Partners.
Next year's dates: 4-6 June 2027.