The Contessa 32

The Contessa 32 is a classic 'cruiser-racer' with a tremendous pedigree.  First seen at the Boat Show in 1970, over 750 have since been built and they are still being made!  Their reputation for seaworthiness is second to none and yet they are still a most beautiful boat to look at.  They are now sailed all over the world and there is an active 'one-design' racing fleet in the Solent that still commands the noon start at Cowes Week each year.

Picture of CONCERTO, currently owned by our Class Measurer, George Isted.  She still races and cruises regularly.  George's father, David Isted, owned a Contessa 32 (AIGLE d'OR) and George was virtually weaned on them.  Once you have the Contessa bug, you keep it!

Although the design is 30+ years old (Classic!), the racing is absolutely first class. The Contessa 32 may not go down wind at 17 knots with an asymmetric kite but it takes 6 skilled sailors to work the boat.  They need to understand everything about racing; sail trim, boat handling, tactics, manoeuvres, navigation and team working.  The top skippers in the fleet are not easy to beat and the racing is close and hugely competitive.

We are also the only "one-design" class that still has a full programme throughout the Solent season, with:

• INSHORE SERIES

• NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

• COWES WEEK

• ROUND THE ISLAND

• OCCASIONAL TEAM RACING

• GROWING 2 HANDED EVENTS