Yachting Art Magazine

Despite rough weather conditions, the Contest Yachts fleet enjoyed an intense weekend of racing in Medemblik, Netherlands, combining sporting performances, camaraderie at the docks and resilience at sea.

The wind, rain and sea dictated the conditions, but not the mood. From 6 to 8 June 2025, the Dutch town of Medemblik hosted a new edition of the Sevenstar Contest Cup, the annual gathering of the Contest Yachts community.

Around twenty yachts lined up at the start line, ready to brave the elements in a resolutely sporting and convivial atmosphere. Three classes of yachts took part this year, divided according to size. On Saturday, two races were held in changing winds, while a final race in stronger conditions took place on Sunday.

At the finish line, three crews stood out: Beluga 2, a Contest 42CS, won Class 1 (>40 feet); Astridr, a classic Contest 50CS, took the lead in Class 2; and Stella Maris, a Contest 37, won Class 3 (<40 feet). But beyond the podium, it was above all the feeling of having shared an intense moment at sea that left a lasting impression on the participants.

On the quays, the weather did not spare the festivities planned on land either. Many of the activities were moved to the Café Brakeboer, a familiar place for regulars of the event, which was transformed into a clubhouse for the occasion. Saturday evening combined a refined dinner at the Shun restaurant with a friendly quiz and lively dance floor, proving that the Contest spirit is not limited to performances at sea.

The event once again demonstrated that the pleasure of sailing does not depend solely on the weather conditions. Well equipped, well supported and aboard a yacht designed to withstand the elements, it is possible to turn difficult weather into a memorable experience.

The date has already been set for the 2026 edition, scheduled for 5 to 7 June.

Let's hope that the same energy, the same high standards and the same enthusiasm will be there, whatever the wind.