Contest 38 Ketch | Classic Dutch Bluewater Cruiser

The Contest 38 Ketch is a highly respected centre-cockpit cruising yacht renowned for exceptional offshore capability, robust Dutch construction, and timeless design. Built by the prestigious Dutch yard Contest Yachts and designed by acclaimed naval architect Dick Zaal, the Contest 38 earned a reputation as one of the safest and most comfortable bluewater cruising yachts of her era.

Constructed with heavy displacement and a powerful ballast ratio, the Contest 38 was purpose-built for serious offshore sailing. Her deep centre cockpit provides outstanding protection at sea, while the ketch rig offers excellent sail balance, easy short-handed handling, and versatile sail combinations in changing weather conditions.

This particular 1986 example presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a proven long-distance cruising yacht with recent upgrades and Mediterranean positioning, ready for immediate cruising.

Key Highlights

• Legendary Dutch bluewater cruiser

• Centre-cockpit layout for security and comfort

• Heavy displacement offshore design

• Ketch rig ideal for short-handed sailing

• Designed by renowned naval architect Dick Zaal

• Robust GRP construction by Contest Yachts

• Recently rebuilt Volvo Penta engine

• Recent upgrades including Victron charging system

• Teak decks and integrated swim platform

• Ideal liveaboard or long-distance cruising yacht

Principal Specifications

Builder: Contest Yachts – Conyplex

Designer: Dick Zaal

Model: Contest 38 Ketch

Year: 1986

Hull Type: Fin keel with skeg-hung rudder

Construction: GRP

Rig Type: Masthead Ketch

LOA: 11.35 m

LWL: 9.09 m

Beam: 3.66 m

Draft: 1.96 m

Displacement: 8,748 kg

Ballast: 3,444 kg

Ballast Ratio: 39.37%

Hull Speed: 7.32 knots

Fuel Capacity: 200 L

Fresh Water Capacity: 600 L

Cabins: 2

Berths: 6

Heads: 1

Steering: Wheel Steering

Design & Construction

The Contest 38 was engineered during an era when offshore capability and structural integrity took precedence over lightweight production methods. Built with solid GRP laminates and heavily reinforced structural components, these yachts are widely recognised for their durability and long service life.

The hull design features a deep safe centre cockpit, skeg-supported rudder for directional stability and protection, powerful displacement hull for comfortable ocean passagemaking, and strong ballast ratio for offshore stability.

Sailing Performance

The ketch rig configuration provides tremendous versatility and balance, allowing efficient sail combinations across a wide range of wind conditions.

Performance Ratios:

SA/D Ratio: 12.02

Comfort Ratio: 33.97

Capsize Ratio: 1.79

Disp/Length Ratio: 324

These figures reinforce the Contest 38’s reputation as a true offshore cruising yacht rather than a lightweight coastal production boat.

Rig & Sail Dimensions

I: 13.47 m

J: 4.11 m

P: 11.89 m

E: 3.75 m

Sail Area: 50 m²

Mast Height Above DWL: 15.16 m

Accommodation

The centre-cockpit arrangement allows for a practical and comfortable cruising interior with excellent separation between living spaces.

Accommodation includes:

• Spacious aft owner’s cabin

• Forward guest accommodation

• Comfortable saloon seating area

• Functional galley for extended cruising

• Excellent onboard storage

• Dedicated navigation station

• Large freshwater capacity for liveaboard comfort

Engine & Mechanical

Engine: Volvo Penta 2003T

Power: 43 HP

Engine Hours: Approx. 100 hrs since rebuild

Fuel Capacity: 200 L

Recent upgrades include:

• Recently rebuilt engine

• Fresh oil and filters

• New cutlass bearing

• New house batteries

• Victron charger and battery monitor

• New anchor chain

• Genoa UV strip renewed

• Sails checked and serviced

Navigation Equipment

• Autopilot

• GPS

• Chartplotter

• Compass

• VHF Radio

• Depth Sounder

• Wind Instruments

• Speedometer

• Navigation Lights

Domestic & Deck Equipment

Galley Equipment:

• Refrigerator

• Gas stove

• Oven

• Sink

Additional Equipment:

• Hot water system

• Shore power connection

• Battery charger

• Bilge pump

• Fire extinguishers

Deck Equipment:

• Teak decks

• Bimini top

• Cockpit table

• Davits

• Integrated swim platform

• Bow anchor windlass

• Stainless steel anchor

• MP3 audio system

This particular Contest 38 Ketch is currently available for sale in Malta and represents a rare opportunity to acquire not only a proven offshore cruising yacht, but potentially a highly desirable local berth arrangement as well.

The owner is open to discussing the sale or transfer of the berth together with the yacht, offering significant added value for buyers seeking a turnkey Mediterranean base. In Malta’s increasingly competitive marina market, secure long-term berthing can be extremely difficult to obtain, making this an especially attractive proposition for both local and international buyers.

Positioned in the heart of the Mediterranean, the yacht is ideally located for cruising the Maltese islands, Sicily, Southern Italy, Greece, and the wider Mediterranean basin.

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.