I owned a Contender when I was younger, fitter but lighter (I'm 33 and 94kg) and found it a hoot but struggled to get up to competitive speed. I bought another Contender at the beginning of the year and still found it a hoot but with the extra weight and experience I've picked it up fairly well in just 6 months and am comfortable sailing in anything up to 4-5. The performance isn't anything like most other singlehanded trapeze boats because it's an older design and heavier but this weight has advantages (hull life, stability). The racing scene is excellent though with a consistantly high turnout at opens and nationals (worlds in Plymouth 2003!) you just have to find the right club or 'do the circuit'. Value for money is fantastic with a £1000 boat being a great (just competitive) learner and £3500 boat being an ex national champ. It's not a rocket but it's challenging, fun and a friendly class. Check out the link.
I've only ever owned older dinghies (with the bried exception of an ISO) and find the Contender to be one of the most exhilerating single handers you can own.
Upwind performance is amazing when you get it right, reaching speeds approaching 10 kts (confirmed by Protrim, the dinghy log) though sailing off the wind can be a challenge. You need a lot of twist in the sail to counter the massive amount of mast rake you carry.
The boat is a little easier to sail then mor modern single handed trapeze boats, so is an ideal beginner-in-single-handed-trapeze dinghy.
The racing scene is not as active as it has been in the past, though there are still regularly 5 or 6 boats appear for the Scottish travellers series.
If you do decide to buy one of these boats, prepare to get very wet. There is no way to sail it well within its limits, so sail it on the limits and you'll be fine!
These boats now represent very good value for money, with prices for decent examples starting around £400 and going all the way up to £3000 or more for top flight racing boats.
Owned for 3 years.
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