Built by Dutch manufacturer Coniplex from 1974 to 1978, this 30-footer represents the craftsmanship and seaworthiness that would later define the Contest Yachts brand. Designer Dick Zaal created a well-balanced cruising sailboat that prioritizes comfort and stability over pure performance, evident in its conservative design ratios and substantial construction. The Contest 30's fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides good directional stability while maintaining reasonable maneuverability. With a displacement of 8,820 pounds and 4,000 pounds of ballast, this yacht offers reassuring stability for coastal cruising and short offshore passages. The masthead sloop rig with 362 square feet of sail area delivers adequate performance without being overpowering for shorthanded sailing. The boat's comfort ratio of 27.61 indicates a motion that favors comfort over speed, making it well-suited for extended cruising where livability matters more than racing performance. Its capsize screening formula of 1.75 falls within acceptable limits for coastal and near-offshore sailing, though it's best suited for protected waters and fair weather passages. Only 80 examples were built during its four-year production run, making it relatively rare today. The fiberglass construction has proven durable, and many examples remain active in the used boat market, appealing to sailors seeking solid Dutch build quality in an affordable package.

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vs. Columbia 30, J/30, Peterson 30 12 Ton