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Contessa 27
Designer: Rob Humphreys  ·  Builder: Mg Yachts (Uk)  ·  First built: 1981
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About the Contessa 27

Designed by Rob Humphreys and built by MG Yachts in the UK starting in 1981, this fractional sloop represents a thoughtful approach to compact cruising. With 150 hulls produced, the Contessa 27 carved out a respectable niche in the competitive small cruiser market of the 1980s. The boat's proportions reveal a design prioritizing seaworthiness over pure speed. Her substantial displacement of 5,750 pounds and generous ballast-to-displacement ratio provide excellent stability, while the deep 5.42-foot draft ensures good upwind performance. The fin keel with transom-hung rudder configuration offers responsive handling and simplified maintenance compared to skeg-hung alternatives. Humphreys crafted a yacht well-suited for coastal cruising and extended passages, as evidenced by the conservative comfort ratio of 16.75 and capsize screening value of 2.24. These numbers indicate a boat that prioritizes safety and comfort over racing performance. The 413 square feet of sail area provides adequate power while remaining manageable for short-handed sailing. Construction quality from MG Yachts was generally solid, contributing to the model's reputation for durability. Today, well-maintained examples offer good value for sailors seeking a capable small cruiser with offshore potential and classic British sailing characteristics.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.50 ft / 8.38 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.50 ft / 7.16 m
Beam 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
Max Draft 5.42 ft / 1.65 m
Displacement 5,750.00 lb / 2,608 kg
Ballast 2,608.00 lb / 1,183 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 413.00 ft² / 38.37 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Rob Humphreys
Builder MG Yachts (UK)
First Built 1981
Number Built 150
Related Sailboats ["J27" · "Impala 27" · "Contessa 28" · "Cal 27" · "Express 27"]
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 20.65
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
 45.36
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
 197.8
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 16.75
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.24
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.50 kn
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. 839.68 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo (opt.)
Engine Model 2001
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 9
Fuel Capacity 10 gals / 38 L
Water Capacity 20 gals / 76 L
How It Compares

vs. Cal 27, Contessa 28, Impala 27

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Contessa 27 ★
27.5 ft
Cal 27
27.3 ft
Contessa 28
27.7 ft
Impala 27
27.4 ft
LWL
Contessa 27 ★
23.5 ft
Cal 27
22.3 ft
Contessa 28
22.0 ft
Impala 27
23.0 ft
Beam
Contessa 27 ★
10.0 ft
Cal 27
9.0 ft
Contessa 28
9.4 ft
Impala 27
10.2 ft
Displacement
Contessa 27 ★
5 lbs
Cal 27
5 lbs
Contessa 28
6 lbs
Impala 27
5 lbs
Ballast
Contessa 27 ★
2 lbs
Cal 27
2 lbs
Contessa 28
2 lbs
Impala 27
2 lbs
Sail Area
Contessa 27 ★
413 sq ft
Cal 27
—
Contessa 28
—
Impala 27
397 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Contessa 27 ★
—
Cal 27
198 s/nm
Contessa 28
171 s/nm
Impala 27
—
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Contessa 27 ★
20.7
Cal 27
—
Contessa 28
—
Impala 27
21.6
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Contessa 27 ★
45.4 %
Cal 27
50.5 %
Contessa 28
40.2 %
Impala 27
43.7 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Contessa 27 ★
16.8
Cal 27
—
Contessa 28
—
Impala 27
14.7
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Contessa 27 ★
2.24
Cal 27
—
Contessa 28
—
Impala 27
2.37
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Contessa 27 ★
197
Cal 27
216
Contessa 28
292
Impala 27
186
Hull Speed
Contessa 27 ★
6.5 kts
Cal 27
—
Contessa 28
—
Impala 27
6.4 kts
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