The Contest 38 is a sailing boat designed and built by the Dutch yacht manufacturer, Contest Yachts. It is a popular cruising yacht known for its excellent performance, comfort, and seaworthiness.
The Contest 38 was first introduced in the late 1970s and remained in production until the mid-1980s. It was designed by Dick Zaal, a renowned naval architect known for his successful racing and cruising yacht designs.
The boat has a length overall (LOA) of approximately 11.6 meters (38 feet) and a beam of around 3.7 meters (12 feet). It features a moderate displacement hull with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, providing good stability and maneuverability.
The Contest 38 has a spacious and well-designed interior layout, offering comfortable accommodation for up to six people. The main saloon typically includes a large dining area, a well-equipped galley, and a navigation station. There are usually two or three cabins, including a forward V-berth cabin and an aft cabin, providing ample sleeping space.
The boat's construction is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The hull is typically made of solid fiberglass, ensuring durability and strength. The deck is usually constructed with a balsa core, providing stiffness and insulation.
In terms of sailing performance, the Contest 38 is known for its excellent upwind capabilities and overall speed. It features a well-balanced sail plan with a large mainsail and a genoa or jib. The boat is designed to be easily handled by a small crew, with all lines leading back to the cockpit for convenience and safety.
Overall, the Contest 38 is a well-regarded cruising yacht that offers a combination of performance, comfort, and seaworthiness. It is a popular choice for sailors looking for a reliable and capable boat for long-distance cruising or coastal sailing.
