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Contest 250C
Designer: Jac. De Ridder  ·  Builder: Conyplex  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Contest 250C

Built by Dutch yard Conyplex between 1982 and 1985, this fractional sloop represents a brief but notable chapter in European small boat design. Designer Jac. De Ridder created a compact cruiser that maximizes sailing performance within a 24-foot package, featuring a modern fin keel and spade rudder configuration that delivers responsive handling and solid windward ability. With its waterline length of just over 20 feet and moderate displacement of 3,858 pounds, the Contest 250C strikes a balance between manageable size and seaworthy characteristics. The substantial ballast ratio provided by 1,510 pounds of ballast contributes to good stability, while the comfort ratio of 14.65 suggests a boat better suited to coastal cruising than extended offshore passages. The fiberglass construction and fractional rig configuration reflect 1980s European design philosophy, emphasizing sailing performance over accommodations. Only 30 hulls were produced during the model's short production run, making this something of a rare find in today's used boat market. The boat's hull speed of just over 6 knots and capsize screening value of 2.3 indicate solid performance characteristics for coastal exploration and weekend cruising in moderate conditions.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 24.61 ft / 7.50 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.51 ft / 6.25 m
Beam 9.02 ft / 2.75 m
Max Draft 4.92 ft / 1.50 m
Displacement 3,858.00 lb / 1,750 kg
Ballast 1,510.00 lb / 685 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Jac. de Ridder
Builder Conyplex
First Built 1982
Last Built 1985
Number Built 30
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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
 39.14
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
 199.63
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
 14.65
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
 2.3
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. 6.07 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. 661.03 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 12 gals / 45 L
Water Capacity 15 gals / 57 L
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