The Bluewater Sailboat Contest 42CS has been described as “modish, graceful, and the bluewater Stradivarius” by the world’s premier yachting media. So it’s no surprise that this sleek, stylish 13-metre cruiser was named European Yacht of the Year.
Nearly 40 years ago, Contest debuted a 42-footer to its lineup, which was regarded a relative behemoth for a manufacturing boat at the time. The 42CS is now the smallest model in the Dutch company’s lineup, at exactly half the length of its recently unveiled flagship, the 84CS.
But here’s a model that cleverly represents everything this third-generation, family-run yard stands for: a manageable-sized bluewater cruiser with the options and attention to detail learned from building larger vessels, and thus an ideal introduction to the quality produced by time-honored knowledge and skill.
When discussing a Bluewater Sailboat Contest construction would be overly simplistic. Indeed, for more than a half-century, this shipyard has been manufacturing boats that, in addition to being created with refined materials and extremely high-quality standards, reflect the preferences of their owners. This is why the shipyard blends cutting-edge building technology, such as the Conyplex vacuum infusion system®, with handcrafted manufacture of the most crucial elements, where the experience of its boatbuilders is evident.
This aft-cockpit boat is about performance and design, as well as quality and comfort. The Contest 42CS is the smallest model in the Contest line, yet it was designed and built with the same high manufacturing and sailing values as the larger yachts. At this length, exceptional, and as such, the professional jury of top European yachting editors’ findings.
Together with an impressive selection of cabin, deck, and rig configurations, the up to 6+2 berth Contest 42CS is fully capable of safe, comfortable, and rapid ocean passageaging while also providing ideal coastal hopping and bay adventures for younger families or couples simply relaxing.
The anchor lead from the bow roller to the Maxwell electric windlass is short and direct, with pre-marked 10m intervals on the chain. Because the buttons are located forward of the chain locker lid, you cannot stand on the buttons while the lid is open to see the chain. You may, however, stand in the locker (the waterproof crash-space below indicates that the sole is lifted) and manually press the buttons.
A lovely blend of topside height, sheerline, and coachroof shape creates a classic, powerful appearance. The decks and cockpit are especially spacious for a boat of this size, with a broad stern and dual helm stations. With vacuum bonded eco-decking, top brand hardware, and ingenious design details like the aft-led sail controls channeled discreetly, internally via the mullions in the coachroof windows, the outfitting is first class. The selection process begins with two primary deck plans: Shorthanded and Performance, each with various winch and sheeting configurations based around the two different cockpit versions.
Five relatively steep steps lead to a modern, light space. You can expect this Bluewater Sailboat to discover a raised saloon format on the descent. Instead, until the boat is heeled, the single-level low sole limits view out of the coachroof windows. The natural light they bring in, along with the added headroom, makes it appear exceptionally spacious. The decor is airy and sophisticated, albeit a little clinical. Following all of the woodworking talents displayed in the yard, the profuse use of light oak veneer is a tad underwhelming.
From trendy, light grain joinery like this pale-washed oak to more classical honey toned teak, the owner can choose the accommodation ambiance while deciding which cabin plan is appropriate for them. There is plenty of headroom and storage space throughout.
The finish is shiny, tactile, and complete, with soft edged cabinets, upholstered panels, and a Corian Sailboats Galley top, giving the impression of a much larger yacht. Natural light floods each cabin during the day, while feature lighting shines luxuriously at night. The fittings and furnishings are all of high quality, and there is easy access to all service points, which is a great feat for such a flexible interior.
The advantage of being confined to narrow canals with a big tidal range is that if you timing things correctly, you can get a slingshot ride on your journey – just like turtles riding the Gulf Stream. Her owner chose a short-handed cockpit setup with a single-point mainsheet, designed so that all sheets and running rigging can be operated from the helm. The motorized coachroof-mounted winch, like the jib furler, has a remote switch by the helm. So the sails were raised in a matter of minutes and with little muscular exertion.
It was clear from away why the Bluewater Sailboat 42CS was named European Yacht of the Year in 2014. She is a joy to sail. It ‘s twin carbon wheels, joined with Jefa wire, create a tactile, direct, and communicative feeling at the wheel. Sailor can feel every knot rise in wind speed in the calm conditions. Her sturdy build belies her small 11-tonne displacement (40 percent in the keel), and her tall mast suggests performance potential.
At a time when Bluewater Sailboat Contest 42 CS has just revealed the largest model in its 57-year history, its smallest, three-year-old model best exemplifies the enduring nature of outstanding design and workmanship.
The 42CS has a big boat feel and Dutch quality from an experienced yard that is now on a roll. She is a luxury family cruiser that thrives under sail because she is easy to sail and trim. The 42CS strikes a precise balance between performance and seaworthiness.
Technically, the Contest 42CS is a highly adaptable sailboat capable of excelling in both club races and pleasure sailing.
She is stable, comfortable, and swift at all speeds, and she can sail many miles per day, which, combined with the livability of larger boats, surely earns her the title of “blue sea cruiser.”
If you are interested in learning more about the specifications and details of a sailboat, we recommend visiting the page Bluewater Sailboat data by Ocean Wave Sail. This page provides comprehensive information and is an excellent resource for anyone seeking detailed information about 1000+ sailboats.
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