When Contest Yachts launched hull number six of its acclaimed Contest 63CS, the owner's brief was straightforward. Create a yacht that could be sailed efficiently and comfortably by a small crew, with a sail handling system that delivered precise control in a wide range of conditions.
To achieve that, Contest turned to More Marine, Ronstan's long-standing distributor in the Netherlands, to develop and supply a comprehensive package of deck hardware tailored to the owner's requirements.
Built in Medemblik, the Netherlands, the Contest 63CS has quickly established itself as the standout luxury performance cruiser in its class. At just over19 metres, it combines long-range cruising capability with responsive sailing characteristics and the ease of operation that has become a hallmark of the Contest range.
For hull #006, however, the owner wanted to go beyond the standard specification.
A Traveller System Inspired by Experience
"The skipper wanted to go with a traveller, which isn't standard on the Contest 63CS," explains Marijn Eggermont of More Marine.
Having previously specified a similar arrangement for a Contest 85CS, the owner knew exactly what they wanted. More Marine worked closely with the project team to develop a custom traveller system built around Ronstan Series 55 track and car components.
"This boat number six is rather special," adds Jan-Pieter Botman, Director of More Marine. "It has a slab reef system and a traveller, which is not the standard arrangement."
The solution uses paired custom Series 55 cars linked together and fitted with Orbit Lashing Blocks, working in conjunction with a 150mm Orbit Lashing Block on the boom. The arrangement delivers smooth operation, high load capacity and the level of mainsail control expected on a modern performance cruiser of this size.
The custom traveller became a defining feature of the deck layout and an example of how Ronstan's modular product range can be adapted to suit a specific owner's sailing style and preferences.
Engineering for Short-Handed Sailing
While the traveller system is the most visible departure from the standard Contest 63CS specification, it forms part of a broader sail handling package designed around ease of operation and dependable performance.
Ronstan hardware can be found throughout the yacht. Series 42 jib lead tracks are equipped with coupled cars that allow both jibs to be adjusted using the same control system. One of the standout details can be found in the genoa lead arrangement, where the aft car incorporates a slightly raised sheave that prevents the sheets from rubbing against one another.
"It is a really nice Ronstan feature," says Botman. "The system we use for these genoa cars is fantastic."
At the mast base, 125mm Orbit Stand-Up Blocks handle the significant loads generated by halyards and reefing lines, while additional 125mm Orbit Lashing Blocks are used for gennaker sheets and check stays. Numerous other blocks guide control lines beneath the deck, helping maintain the clean deck layout for which Contest Yachts is known.
Rather than selecting components individually, the hardware package was developed as a complete system. Each element was chosen to work seamlessly with the others, delivering efficient load management, low friction performance and straightforward line handling whether sailing short-handed offshore or enjoying a coastal passage.
More Than a Distributor
Projects like this showcase the expertise that More Marine brings to the Dutch sailing industry.
Based in the Netherlands, More Marine works closely with boat builders, riggers, sailmakers and yacht owners to specify and integrate sail control systems across a broad range of projects. Their technical knowledge spans everything from dinghies to performance racing yachts and premium bluewater cruisers, enabling them to provide practical solutions tailored to the requirements of each vessel.
For custom projects such as Contest 63CS hull #006, that expertise becomes particularly valuable. By understanding both the technical demands of the yacht and the owner's expectations, More Marine can help turn a concept into a fully integrated and highly refined sail handling package.
A Partnership Built on Trust
The Contest 63CS project also reflects the strength of the relationship between Ronstan and More Marine.
For many years, More Marine has represented Ronstan in the Netherlands, providing local technical support and application expertise while helping Dutch sailors and boat builders gain access to Ronstan's latest developments in deck hardware and sail control systems.
That close collaboration benefits everyone involved. Boat builders gain access to proven hardware solutions, owners receive expert local support, and Ronstan gains valuable feedback from one of Europe's most respected sailing markets.
Hull #006 is a strong example of what that partnership can achieve. By combining Contest Yachts' renowned craftsmanship, More Marine's technical expertise and Ronstan's hardware solutions, the team has delivered a yacht tailored to the owner's vision and ready for hassle-free, high performance cruising adventures.
Main image © Contest Yachts, all other images © More Marine
