Contessa 32 Owner Testimonials
Below are some of the lovely things said about the Contessa 32 by owners and the press.
She's never really gone out of fashion, but recently owners have been spending small fortunes refurbishing old Contessas.
Elaine Bunting in Yachting World, August 2004.
"I wanted a boat that was for sailing first and would look after me"
Stephen Gratton, owner of 'Amelie of Dart', in Yachting World, August 2004.
"The Contessa gives you a quickening of the heart as you row out to your mooring, an extra pride and joy that comes from her stunning lines."
Stephen Gratton, owner of 'Amelie of Dart', in Yachting World, August 2004.
Whether they buy new or second-hand, most owners just want a Contessa and nothing else will do.
Yachting World, August 2004.
The Contessa 32 is undoubtedly a modern classic. There's a tangible feeling of solidity and no-nonsense capability when you are on board, timeless good looks and a probably unrivalled pedigree of seagoing achievement in her wake.
Jeff Howlett in Classic Boat, August 2004.
She's not just a class … she's a cult.
Yachting World, August 2004.
Owning a Contessa says you love sailing.
Yachting World, August 2004.
Over 600 Contessa 32s have been built to date, making it the most successful one-design cruiser-racer of all time.
Yachting World, August 2004.
Then there are those famous stability characteristics; she has an exceptionally high angle of vanishing stability of 155o.
Yachting World, August 2004.
When the going gets tough the Contessa excels.
Yachting World, August 2004.
It has often been said that she's the best all-round cruiser ever.
Jeff Howlett in Classic Boat, August 2004.
One of the cheering things about owning a Contessa 32 is how often your boat is complimented.
Yachting World, August 2004.
"Each time I'm in a strange port, someone will approach and say: 'Contessa 32, isn't she? Proper boat.' I'm really proud of her."
Contessa 32 owner in Classic Boat, August 2004.
Besides her sweet lines, the Contessa's best features are her sailing manners. She naturally wants to settle in the groove and once there she is a dream to sail, easy and well balanced.
Yachting World, August 2004.
She is as well-mannered a yacht as you could wish for, balanced yet responsive, quick, yet always under control. She'll point high or bowl downwind under spinnaker steady as a train on a track.
Jeff Howlett in Classic Boat, August 2004.
The accommodation is modest by today's expectations, but if you want a floating ballroom you will have to accept bloated topsides, enough windage to power a wind farm and a piggish sailing performance to match.
Jeff Howlett in Classic Boat, August 2004.
It's one thing to lounge around below in a modern, beamy yacht in port or at a boat show as the salesman makes his pitch; it's quite a another to cross a wildly heaving floor with the nearest grabhold 6 ft (1.8m) away. Great for socialising; positively dangerous in a seaway.
Jeff Howlett in Classic Boat, August 2004.
The Contessa is quite roomy enough for four to go cruising in comfort – and she will sleep five at a pinch. The space is sensibly used: a traditional layout ensures that no area is wasted and a grabhold is always within reach.
Jeff Howlett in Classic Boat, August 2004.
The Contessa … is a proper cruiser-racer, with a madly competitive racing series in the Solent…. Yet a new boat is no more likely to win than an old one.
Yachting World, August 2004.
Despite the age of the design and spread of ages of the boats, racing today is as close as in any one-design class.
Rupert Holmes in Yachts and Yachting. April 2006
"… so I started to look for a one-design class that I could race and also cruise with my family."
Ray Mitchell in Yachts and Yachting, April 2006.
"The Contessa doesn't need a fully experienced crew."
Ray Mitchell in Yachts and Yachting, April 2006.
"It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to convey to outsiders the sheer passion that this boat generates among both racing and cruising owners. The Contessa 32 is special, and owners who have had their boats for more than 20 years will tell you of the thrill they still get when they look at their pride and joy."
Robin Holland, Contessa 32 Class Captain 2006 , in Yachts and Yachting, April 2006.
Contact us about building your new, bespoke Contessa 32
Contact us on 01590 645454 or e-mail mail@jeremyrogers.co.uk for more information.