“A sensational new 67ft semi-custom model,” said Yachting World of this 21-metre judel/vrolijk & co design, adding, “Contest’s practical, methodical approach is of superyacht standard and ensures owners have the ability to fault-find and maintain the boat easily. In terms of quality, the 67CS is perhaps the most impressive new yacht under 80ft in production today.”

We agree. The Contest 67CS is both a delightful design and a delight to sail and live aboard. The first of our judel/vrolijk collaborations, the famed Contest descriptor of ‘all-weather’ sailing now extended further. Into light-wind performance. For Mediterranean-style sailing as well more classic bluewater voyaging. And a new structural approach bringing reduced displacement, increased stiffness and opened interior volume for greater accommodation. All big wins.

And with a choice of carbon or aluminium rig, the yacht can be tuned specifically to intended purpose. As can the interior with optional arrangements from master cabin forward or aft and for three to five sleeping cabins for family and friends. There’s the option, too, of a crew cabin, either forward or midships, meaning charter can also be added into the mix.

Fast with simple control both upwind and down, the 67CS is remarkably stable and easily sailed by short-handed crew. Ideal for making light equally of short or long voyaging, and regatta eventing too. Evolved styling retains a timeless low deckhouse profile with a generous sail plan on a rig offering a variety of combinations with code sail options flying from integral bowsprit, and with in-mast or in-boom furling for mainsail.

Long horizontal hull windows provide a visual balance for tall topsides that create in the interior good headroom and underfloor space for technical and mechanical equipment. The deck plan centres on Contest’s familiar dual cockpit arrangement with forward, deep and well-upholstered guest area. And aft the working area with its twin pedestals, central plinth-mounted mainsheet winch, the automated sail handling controls and navigation displays. Extensive stowage includes an enormous lazarette and tender garage with space also for dive compressor, sports kit and water toys.

For shade and protection from wind and blown spray, the robustly engineered bimini and sprayhood provide not just shelter but sturdy support and firm handholds for crew on the move. And all are designed for serious sea-work yet cleverly easy to demount and neatly stow. It’s all in the detail, and back to seemingly smaller things, even the louvred grills in the aft edge of the sleek coachroof window-line are specifically engineered for the frequency-driven ventilation system which optimises temperature and airflow while minimising noise.

Down below, the 67CS is a truly calming yacht. Quiet and peaceful, under sail, motor and at anchor. All courtesy of the superyacht standard of engineering and noise and vibration management. Invisible comforts. Just a part of the attention to detail that makes all the difference, and a very fine yacht.

The interior plan is based around master suite aft, two further suites forward, with optional additional bunked cabin, and a choice of two galley arrangements, corridor or wraparound. A dedicated, standing-height technical room ensures best protections and eased maintenance for heat sensitive electronics.