1988 Contest 44CS vs 1988 Westerly Corsair — Comparison

1988 Contest 44CS
VS
1988 Westerly Corsair1988 Westerly Corsair

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1988 Contest 44CS1988 Westerly Corsair
General
ManufacturerContestWesterly
Year1988–19961988–1994
TypeSloopSloop
CountryNetherlandsUK
DesignerDick ZaalEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA13.41 m (44.0 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL10.67 m (35.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.50 m (11.5 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,700 kg (27,999 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)2,450 kg (5,401 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area85.0 m² (915 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialSteelFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity500 L (132.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1988 Contest 44CS
15.86
1988 Westerly Corsair
14.81
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1988 Contest 44CS
40.94
1988 Westerly Corsair
38.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1988 Contest 44CS
0.68
1988 Westerly Corsair
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1988 Contest 44CS
23.62
1988 Westerly Corsair
19.55

Detailed Comparison

The 1988 Contest 44CS and 1988 Westerly Corsair represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 44CS is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 1988 Westerly Corsair is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The 1988 Contest 44CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 1988 Westerly Corsair was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 44CS measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1988 Westerly Corsair at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.50m beam. The 1988 Contest 44CS is 2.41m longer than the 1988 Westerly Corsair. The 1988 Contest 44CS displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1988 Contest 44CS has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.86 and 85.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Westerly Corsair, with an SA/D of 14.81 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1988 Contest 44CS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1988 Contest 44CS offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.68). The 1988 Westerly Corsair has a comfort ratio of 19.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1988 Contest 44CS and 38.6% for the 1988 Westerly Corsair, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1988 Contest 44CS provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 300L of fuel. The 1988 Westerly Corsair offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Contest 44CS is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 1988 Contest 44CS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 1988 Contest 44CS · 1988 Westerly Corsair