High-end interior in design and technology. Contest Yachts in the Netherlands is making excellent progress with the construction of its largest sailing yacht to date. The brand-new Contest 72CS is on schedule to wow the crowds at this autumn’s HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show. State of the art in technical terms, the sleek yacht will be the first to feature a fabulous interior designed by Wetzels Brown Partners.
Setting new standards in terms of performance and comfort, the go-anywhere Contest 72CS will benefit from the Contest yard’s unrivalled experience with vacuum infusion and be fully Lloyd’s certified. Moreover, this blend of premium Dutch quality and superior looks continues below decks in an interior that sets the Contest 72 CS apart from anything available in this size bracket.
“Excellent design has long defined the distinctive identity of a Contest yacht,” says Gillian Brown from Wetzels Brown Partners.“This has been our first opportunity to start with a clean canvas and help redefine the Contest of the future. The owner of the Contest 72CS requested a small super yacht rather than a large family yacht, and together with the yard this is exactly what we have created. The overall result is a boat that synthesizes the Contest quality template with a contemporary new look.”
Setting the tone
The tone is set in the saloon, which features large sofas with a modern soft feel. The master suite has a desk, two long sofas and a large bathroom. To enhance the onboard logistics, the large galley is positioned forward to connect with the captain’s cabin and the captain’s lounge. There is also separate access to the cabin forward.
“In addition to a sophisticated layout, a yacht of this stature also deserves a range of innovative design features,” adds Brown. “We have streamlined the joinery, removing visible ventilation grilles, adding recessed hand grips, and giving the doors a more modern shape. On this specific yacht the material choice moves away from the more traditional teak look, with bright and light oak panels offset by dark oak floors. We have introduced carpet in the master suite to enhance the luxurious ambience there and the bathrooms are detailed with wall mounted taps, new colours of Corian and large showers.”
Spacious accommodations
The owner’s request for lots of accommodation has been met with two double-bedded guest cabins, each with a Pullman bed. This means the Contest 72CS can comfortably sleep up to eight guests and two crew members. Future clients can, of course, choose a different layout that will suit their preferences.
“There are many areas of build quality and seamanship that Contest see as ‘normal’ yet are virtually unique for the industry,” concludes Brown. “With the Contest 72CS and the other projects on which we are partnering with the yard – the first ever Contest motor yacht and the new Contest 42 - we have sympathetically developed the Contest identity. Ultimately, the ‘Life. Style. Sailing’ philosophy is being taken to the next level.”
