Inside Contest Yachts: How the luxury performance bluewater yachts are built

Discover the craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation behind Contest Yachts in this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. Since 1959, this family-run, third-generation yard has been shaping some of the world’s finest luxury performance bluewater cruising yachts, spanning 42ft to 85ft. What began with the building of the Olympic-class Flying Dutchman dinghy has evolved into a global benchmark for semi-custom yacht design and construction. In this video, we dive into what truly sets Contest apart: Heritage & family values A story that began in 1959 continues today with the third generation at the helm, preserving a legacy of quality and trust. Luxury performance bluewater cruisers From 42 to 85 feet, each semi-custom yacht blends ocean-going capability with refined comfort. Lloyd’s Register certified hull construction Contest goes far beyond industry standards. We break down what this level of certification really means - and why it’s so rare among yacht builders. Forward-thinking design partners Innovative naval architecture by judel/vrolijk & co, paired with sophisticated, superyacht-inspired interiors by Wetzels Brown. Innovation at the core Contest was the first series-builder to adopt vacuum injection moulding, ensuring unmatched structural integrity, consistency, and weight efficiency. Craftsmanship meets technology See how traditional skills - especially their remarkable wood bending and curving techniques - complement modern composite construction for a yacht that feels both handcrafted and cutting-edge. Award-winning excellence Multiple Contest models have earned honours at the European Yacht of the Year (EYOTY) and British Yachting Awards, particularly in the coveted Bluewater Cruiser categories. If you’re passionate about yacht design, innovation, or bluewater cruising, this deep dive into Contest Yachts is not to be missed. To find out more or step onboard at the boot Düsseldorf boat show (17-25 January 2026), contact the Contest Yachts team: United Kingdom W: https://www.contestyachts.co.uk T: +44 (0)2380 450 011 E: [email protected] Netherlands W: https://www.contestyachts.com T: +31 (0)227 543 644 E: [email protected]