Contest Yachts
On a sunny day, 28 KIVI members gathered at the extensive factory site of the Contest Group, which consists of Contest Yachts (new construction), Contest Brokerage (buying and selling) and Medemblik Yacht Service (MYS for repair, maintenance and (winter) storage). In addition to some 10 large storage (materials, moulds and vessels), repair and manufacturing (composite moulding, spray painting, woodworking, joinery, teak covering and finishing) halls, there is a large quay area, including berths for Contest vessels.
Managing Director Alfred de Bood began with an introduction about the family business, founded in 1959 as Conyplex by Ed Conijn and now run by grandson Arjen.
All these years, Contest ships have been built entirely at the Medemblik site, with constant innovations and improvements such as from 'manual composite spraying' to 'vacuum composite injection', from 'series' to 'individually tailored, semi-custom' construction and from 25 to 31 feet to the current 42 to 85-foot range. Of the latter model, at the time of the tour, the hull was being manufactured for first delivery (in 2018).
During the tour, the construction process was illustrated through the following stages
1. Preparation, design & engineering
The starting point of a new Contest ship is the basic design of a particular model/length, developed with the naval architect (now Judel/Vrolijk), including latest technical developments and recommendations from suppliers. The individual character of the new ship is determined by the customer's wishes and suggestions, in consultation with the Contest specialists and, where necessary, the naval architect.
2. Composite hull and superstructure
For the manufacture of the new ship, Contest is using the 'vacuum resin infusion' method developed in 1995 in cooperation with TNO, which offers major advantages both for the health of employees and for technical strength and quality. A vacuum technique is also used to apply teak decks. As no metal bolts have to be used, the risk of future deck leakage is minimal.
3. Interior and paintwork
Besides highly qualified carpenters and joiners, modern CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools play a major role in the manufacture of the interior. Paint spraying activities for interior and exterior also take place on site, which promotes quality control.
4. Technical installation
Modern ships require extensive technical systems and many hundreds of metres of wires, cables and pipes. Designing and installing these in a sailing ship with limited space is therefore a challenge. Besides a 'hot' engine room with main engine, generators and air conditioning system, there is also a cooled hold for the more sensitive equipment.
5. Sailing
Last but not least for sailing vessels, mast, rigging, winches, halyards and sheets are installed.
6. Delivery
Before the new vessel is handed over to the customer, extensive sea trials are carried out to ensure the product meets the stringent Contest requirements.
Description
Contest Yachts started as a wood processing company about 60 years ago. The company's owner Ed Conijn was familiar with processing various modern materials such as polyester and his interest in boats and sailing led him to decide to start building boats. After some experiments, "Conyplex" launched their first sailing yacht the CONTEST 25 in 1959. The design was an international success and the CONTEST name was born.
Product development remains a key focus. The revolutionary wing keel, as used by the Australians during the 1983 America's Cup, immediately got Contest Yachts' attention. Collaboration with TNO to improve production techniques and continuous attention to well-trained staff also characterise the Dutch yard in the years when Fritz Conijn takes over the helm from his father. These are all aspects that made an important contribution to the continuity of the yard.
Today, under the leadership of the third generation ( ARJEN ) Conijn series and custom yacht building takes place of CONTEST yachts from 45 to 85 feet ( The 85 CS launch is in 2018).
From 2012, CONTEST motor yachts are also successfully built by CONYPLEX B.V. By keeping the entire production and engineering in-house, the internationally renowned CONTEST brand name is synonymous with the highest quality guarantee and great customer satisfaction.
-- PLEASE NOTE --
You must bring your proof of identity with you.
Location
Organiser
Region North Holland
Name and contact details for information
Theo Fikke