2012 Contest 55CS vs 2014 Amel 55 — Comparison
2012 Contest 55CS
2014 Amel 55
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2012 Contest 55CS | 2014 Amel 55 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Amel |
| Year | 2012 | 2014–2021 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | France |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Olivier Racoupeau |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 16.80 m (55.1 ft) | 16.80 m (55.1 ft) |
| LWL | 14.00 m (45.9 ft) | 14.20 m (46.6 ft) |
| Beam | 4.65 m (15.3 ft) | 4.75 m (15.6 ft) |
| Draft | 2.40 m (7.9 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 20,000 kg (44,092 lbs) | 19,500 kg (42,990 lbs) |
| Ballast | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) | 6,800 kg (14,991 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 125.0 m² (1,346 ft²) | 120.0 m² (1,292 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 150 HP | 110 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 600 L (158.5 gal) | 580 L (153.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 900 L (237.8 gal) | 780 L (206.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 4 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2012 Contest 55CS and 2014 Amel 55 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Contest 55CS is a modern design by Contest from Netherlands, while the 2014 Amel 55 is a modern offering from Amel from France. The 2012 Contest 55CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The 2014 Amel 55 was designed by Olivier Racoupeau.
In terms of size, the 2012 Contest 55CS measures 16.80m (55.1ft) overall with a beam of 4.65m, compared to the 2014 Amel 55 at 16.80m (55.1ft) with a 4.75m beam. The 2012 Contest 55CS displaces approximately 3% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2012 Contest 55CS has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.23 and 125.0 m² of sail area. The 2014 Amel 55, with an SA/D of 16.82 and 120.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2012 Contest 55CS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2012 Contest 55CS offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The 2014 Amel 55 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 2012 Contest 55CS and 34.9% for the 2014 Amel 55, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2012 Contest 55CS provides 8 berths in 4 cabins with 900L of water capacity and 600L of fuel. The 2014 Amel 55 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 780L water and 580L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2012 Contest 55CS 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 2012 Contest 55CS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2012 Contest 55CS offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.