Contest 40, PRANA

Broker’s Comments

The Contest yard needs no introduction to experienced sailors, over the years their yachts have been built for seagoing voyages. The Contest 40S is no exception and has been a very popular modal, they offer a high standard sailing performance and with the equipment fitted she is easy to handle with just two people. PRANA has been meticulously maintained and upgraded over the years she is now ready to set sail.

Her rig consists of a masthead Bermudan sloop with deck stepped twin spreader rig by Seldon. There is an added removable inner forestay with blade and storm jib. A new Voilerie Sextant genoa has been fitted in 2023. Anchoring has been upgraded with a stainless steel heavy-duty 1000W windlass with up and down control on the bow. The safe centre cockpit, with fixed windscreen and full cockpit tent is perfect for protection in all weathers. For extra power, solar cells are mounted on the cockpit coaming and coach roof.

Down below PRANA offers six berths in two double cabins and the saloon. The forward cabin has a V-berth with infill that can convert into a spacious double; there is storage above and beneath the berth and an en-suite heads with shower. Aft of the forward cabin is the saloon that has a U-shaped seating to both sides, which can also be used as two single berths. The saloon has approx. 2 metres of headspace.

The galley is to port and has a double stainless steel sink with pressure hot and cold water and manual freshwater/seawater supply (disconnected by the previous owner). There is a two burner gas hob with oven and grill and 12v fridge. Skin fittings and seacocks checked and where necessary replaced in 2023. Webasto heating and hot water unit installed in 2017. Opposite is a navigation station that has a large chart table and an array of instruments as well as ample storage for charts and books etc. The engine has been virtually re-built in 2023 and has full service history.

The owner’s aft cabin has a central berth with seats either side, hanging, and shelved storage lockers. The aft heads boasts a good capacity holding tank with a new diverter valve and macerator fitted in 2023, and a built-in shower cubicle.

Owner’s Comments

There are many features about this boat we have grown to love. EG the centre cockpit not only gives you a great 360 degree panoramic view of your surroundings, it also gives a feeling of security and because you are higher than usual from the sea, you hardly ever get wet, even in lively seas. It also affords you a lovely aft deck, but most of all a wonderful aft cabin with a comfortable double bed on the centreline and en-suite heads and shower.

When we bought the boat she had individual cockpit cushions that slid all over the place. We replaced these with full length cushions that are strapped in place underneath through the teak slatting. The result is very comfortable.

She has a big and powerful rig including a new genoa, and 8 ½ knots through the water is not unusual on a beam reach in only about 14 knots of wind. The engine on its own is well capable of producing the same boat speed at about 25k revs, and powers her effortlessly through the Biscay chop that we sometimes encounter. What’s more her fine entry means no slamming.

The wing keel is a brilliant idea. You can actually feel the cushioning effect as she rides effortlessly up and down on the ever-present Atlantic swell.

When in harbour she’s very comfortable and cooking is easy, thanks to the well designed galley. My wife and I often sail her on our own, but we also have a double forepeak cabin with on-suite heads so if we have two or three guests she amply accommodates everyone, including our Labrador who sleeps in the saloon in her basket under the table.

The Garmin chart plotter down below and the independent Raymarine chart plotter in the cockpit mean that navigation is easy. My aim was to spend more time in the sunshine when underway and less time at the chart table, and that has been joyously achieved!

I honestly can’t think of anything negative to say. We are very sad to say goodbye but we’re not getting any younger and the time has come to put our feet up and pass her to another conscientious owner.