New Book: Contessa 26 – The first 50 years’
Publication date: 14th November 2015
The first 50 years is a milestone in anyone’s terms, but for a boat design to achieve that and still be very active as a class is very significant.
The Contessa 26 conceived by Jeremy Rogers in his yard in Lymington is as actively cruised, raced and loved by its owners now as it was when it first burst
onto the sailing scene in 1966.
As part of the celebrations to commemorate the history of this amazing little yacht the UK Contessa Class Association will publish a 96 page full colour hardback book compiled from owners contributions in time for the AGM in Lymington on the 14th November 2015 at the RLYC.
Publication has been made possible through the generosity of a bequest by the wife of former CO26 devotee Kenn Virr, who sadly passed away in 2010,
‘Contessa 26 – The first 50 years’ covers the early days when the trophy winning exploits of David Sadler’s Contessa of Parkstone, the forerunner to the Contessa 26, astonished the racing fraternity to the world girdling exploits of lone sailors, cruises from the Arctic to the Pacific and beyond, the important Canadian connection which led to 254 Contessas being launched into the North American market is also covered, together with the stories of incredible transatlantic single handed passages, through to the modern Round the Island race successes and the current vibrant racing and cruising scene and a “where are they now” directory of members boats.
This is the history of a truly classic yacht – with lines that continue to please the eye and never disappoints on the water.
If you would like a copy of this book, please download the form at the foot of this article and send it to me at the address on the form.
Kind regards
David Houlton
Hon Class Secretary