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Contention 30 Peterson
Designer: Doug Peterson  ·  Builder: Southern Ocean Ltd (Uk)  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Contention 30 Peterson

Designed by the renowned Doug Peterson, this 30-foot sailboat represents the distinctive styling and performance-oriented approach that made Peterson one of sailing's most celebrated naval architects. Peterson's influence on modern yacht design, particularly through his America's Cup innovations and IOR racing successes, carries through to his smaller designs like the Contention 30. While detailed specifications remain limited, Peterson's design philosophy typically emphasized clean lines, efficient hull forms, and a balance between performance and practicality. His boats are known for their ability to move well in light air while maintaining control in heavier conditions, making them versatile platforms for both coastal cruising and club racing. The Contention 30 likely appeals to sailors seeking a boat that can handle weekend coastal adventures while offering enough performance to be competitive in local racing series. Peterson's reputation for creating boats with good sailing manners suggests this design would be well-suited for intermediate sailors looking to step up from smaller boats, offering enough sophistication to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. For sailors prioritizing sailing performance over interior volume, Peterson designs typically deliver rewarding helm feel and responsive handling that makes every sail engaging.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 29.66 ft / 9.04 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.88 ft / 7.28 m
Beam 10.29 ft / 3.14 m
Max Draft 5.66 ft / 1.73 m
Displacement 5,732.00 lb / 2,600 kg
Ballast 3,086.00 lb / 1,400 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Doug Peterson
Builder Southern Ocean Ltd (UK)
First Built 1977
Last Built 1980
Number Built 30
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
53.84
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
187.91
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 5.27 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 19.09
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.01 ft / 3.66 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 381.00 ft² / 35.40 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 187.91
How It Compares

vs. Arcadia 30 Jeanneau, Cal 92 R, Elite 286, Mirage 30 Sx, Sun Light 30 Jeanneau

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Contention 30 Peterson ★
29.7 ft
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
29.5 ft
Cal 92 R
30.0 ft
Elite 286
29.3 ft
Mirage 30 Sx
30.0 ft
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
30.0 ft
LWL
Contention 30 Peterson ★
23.9 ft
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
24.4 ft
Cal 92 R
25.4 ft
Elite 286
23.4 ft
Mirage 30 Sx
24.1 ft
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
25.3 ft
Beam
Contention 30 Peterson ★
10.3 ft
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
10.3 ft
Cal 92 R
10.3 ft
Elite 286
10.0 ft
Mirage 30 Sx
10.5 ft
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
10.6 ft
Displacement
Contention 30 Peterson ★
5 lbs
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
6 lbs
Cal 92 R
7 lbs
Elite 286
5 lbs
Mirage 30 Sx
5 lbs
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
6 lbs
Ballast
Contention 30 Peterson ★
3 lbs
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
2 lbs
Cal 92 R
2 lbs
Elite 286
1 lbs
Mirage 30 Sx
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
2 lbs
Sail Area
Contention 30 Peterson ★
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
378 sq ft
Cal 92 R
389 sq ft
Elite 286
462 sq ft
Mirage 30 Sx
474 sq ft
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
439 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Contention 30 Peterson ★
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
Cal 92 R
Elite 286
183 s/nm
Mirage 30 Sx
120 s/nm
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Contention 30 Peterson ★
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
18.0
Cal 92 R
17.1
Elite 286
23.8
Mirage 30 Sx
23.3
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
19.6
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Contention 30 Peterson ★
53.8 %
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
43.5 %
Cal 92 R
39.0 %
Elite 286
31.6 %
Mirage 30 Sx
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
38.8 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Contention 30 Peterson ★
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
16.4
Cal 92 R
18.0
Elite 286
15.7
Mirage 30 Sx
15.4
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
17.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Contention 30 Peterson ★
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
2.26
Cal 92 R
2.16
Elite 286
2.27
Mirage 30 Sx
2.33
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
2.24
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Contention 30 Peterson ★
187
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
188
Cal 92 R
190
Elite 286
191
Mirage 30 Sx
187
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
189
Hull Speed
Contention 30 Peterson ★
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
6.6 kts
Cal 92 R
6.8 kts
Elite 286
6.5 kts
Mirage 30 Sx
6.6 kts
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
6.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Contention 30 Peterson ★
Arcadia 30 Jeanneau
3.0
Cal 92 R
2.8
Elite 286
2.9
Mirage 30 Sx
3.6
Sun Light 30 Jeanneau
3.1
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