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Contest 34
Designer: Dick Zaal  ·  Builder: Conyplex  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Contest 34

Built by the renowned Dutch shipyard Contest Yachts, this 34-footer represents the yard's commitment to serious cruising capability in a more compact package. Contest has long been recognized for producing robust, seaworthy vessels that prioritize safety and comfort over pure speed, and the Contest 34 continues this tradition. While detailed specifications remain limited, the boat's pedigree suggests it's designed primarily for coastal and offshore cruising rather than racing. Contest's reputation centers on building heavily constructed yachts capable of handling challenging conditions, making their designs popular among sailors planning extended passages or cruising in demanding waters. The Contest 34 likely features the yard's characteristic solid construction methods, quality joinery, and practical deck layout that Contest owners have come to expect. These boats typically offer generous interior volume relative to their length, with well-thought-out accommodation plans that maximize livability. For sailors seeking a reliable, well-built cruising yacht from a respected European builder, the Contest 34 represents an intriguing option in the mid-size category. While it may not be the fastest boat in its class, Contest's focus on seaworthiness and build quality makes it worth considering for serious cruising applications.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 34.00 ft / 10.36 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.58 ft / 8.41 m
Beam 11.16 ft / 3.40 m
Max Draft 5.42 ft / 1.65 m
Displacement 16,315.00 lb / 7,400 kg
Ballast 7,054.00 lb / 3,200 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 484.00 ft² / 44.97 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Dick Zaal
Builder Conyplex
First Built 1976
Last Built 1980
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
186
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
12.08
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
34.39
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
1.76
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. 7.04
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.08
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 41.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 36.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.06
SA Fore 266.5
SA Main 217.08
How It Compares

vs. Aloha 34, Irwin 34 Ton, Vulcan 34 Westerly

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Contest 34 ★
34.0 ft
Aloha 34
34.0 ft
Irwin 34 Ton
34.0 ft
Vulcan 34 Westerly
34.0 ft
LWL
Contest 34 ★
27.6 ft
Aloha 34
28.7 ft
Irwin 34 Ton
28.3 ft
Vulcan 34 Westerly
28.4 ft
Beam
Contest 34 ★
11.2 ft
Aloha 34
11.2 ft
Irwin 34 Ton
9.5 ft
Vulcan 34 Westerly
11.8 ft
Displacement
Contest 34 ★
16 lbs
Aloha 34
13 lbs
Irwin 34 Ton
9 lbs
Vulcan 34 Westerly
15 lbs
Ballast
Contest 34 ★
7 lbs
Aloha 34
4 lbs
Irwin 34 Ton
4 lbs
Vulcan 34 Westerly
6 lbs
Sail Area
Contest 34 ★
484 sq ft
Aloha 34
531 sq ft
Irwin 34 Ton
529 sq ft
Vulcan 34 Westerly
570 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Contest 34 ★
186 s/nm
Aloha 34
Irwin 34 Ton
159 s/nm
Vulcan 34 Westerly
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Contest 34 ★
12.1
Aloha 34
15.0
Irwin 34 Ton
18.7
Vulcan 34 Westerly
14.7
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Contest 34 ★
Aloha 34
34.6 %
Irwin 34 Ton
46.3 %
Vulcan 34 Westerly
44.7 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Contest 34 ★
34.4
Aloha 34
27.9
Irwin 34 Ton
25.0
Vulcan 34 Westerly
30.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Contest 34 ★
1.76
Aloha 34
1.88
Irwin 34 Ton
1.78
Vulcan 34 Westerly
1.88
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Contest 34 ★
Aloha 34
257
Irwin 34 Ton
192
Vulcan 34 Westerly
303
Hull Speed
Contest 34 ★
7.0 kts
Aloha 34
7.2 kts
Irwin 34 Ton
7.1 kts
Vulcan 34 Westerly
7.1 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Contest 34 ★
1.1
Aloha 34
1.9
Irwin 34 Ton
3.0
Vulcan 34 Westerly
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