At 26 metres, the Contest 85CS with Lloyd’s Register certified hull, and accommodation for up to ten with the option of expansive dedicated crew quarters, is a yacht set to take the world in its stride. Very capably, very comfortably, very securely. Yachting World magazine succinctly sums this as, “The detailed thought and practical experience that has gone into the conception, design and construction is on a scale that one rarely has the privilege to witness.”

Designed for fast passage with powerful, practical, deep-ocean cruising capability, the Contest 85CS is easily sailed, managed and maintained by short-handed crew, and perfectly set both to sail the globe and enjoy sailing’s high society.

Indicative of the extraordinary levels of customisation, there are eight principal plans for the accommodation. Multiple versions of deck detailing. Rigs at this superyacht threshold are likely all carbon but choice remains, including reefing method, sail plan and sail type. And, as said, that’s just the beginning. Where to end is the owner’s prerogative.

With the Contest 85CS recognisably extending the signature theme first introduced with the Contest 67CS, this step up in size and profile shows the powerful judel/vrolijk hull form even more clearly. The near-plumb bow and fine entry talk of swift, tight upwind performance. The combination of wide beam aft with distinct soft aft chines aft, and integral carbon A-frame bowsprit with internal furlers for asymmetric sails, speak of fast, stable downwind sailing. So, no compromise there. And while ready for the worst of weathers, this is a design with exceptional light wind credentials.

For the rig loads experienced on yachts this size, sail handling is hydraulic with manual back-up, all operated from the twin helm stations which separate working crew from guests enjoying their leisure in the forward cockpit area. The generous seating for ten and more, all ergonomically formed and upholstered for deep, secure, comfort. The large table for dining also lowering for conversion to sun lounger. The decks are wide, uncluttered, with well-placed handholds and tall, sturdy guardrails that make transiting fore and aft simple and safe.

The transom garage door and extending passerelle are hydraulically operated also, and with the option of having the aft bulkhead moved forward, there’s the choice of longitudinal as well as transverse stowage for even bigger tender. And space is such that the tender can be stowed with outboard on. Alternatively, on the foredeck a tender-well doubling as spa bath and lunch cockpit can be specified. The keel is of stainless steel and lead for performance profile yet cruising draft. The rudder is carbon too for performance and also keeping weight out of the stern to allow increased stowage in the large lazarette.

Simply put, the Contest 85CS has perhaps the widest cabin plan options in any yacht this size, and the making of this interior sensibly begins with practicality at sea. You’ll see this in the arrangement of furnishings and walkways with handholds and support always within reach. On-board service and maintenance is also eased with dedicated, full standing-height technical room and excellent working space in other mechanical areas.

There is a full ship’s management system, monitoring virtually every function, and including redundancy for key componentry. Then for that final superyacht qualification, the counter measures against noise and vibration have entered a whole new realm, employing the most extensive preventive technologies and techniques yet.