1986 Contest 38 Ketch
Valletta, Maltaon the market since 15 days
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About
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 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.
