Contessa 32

1972 Contessa 32 | Exceptional Single-Owner Example of a True Offshore Classic


COSANTES is a truly special example of the legendary Contessa 32 — built in 1972, launched in 1973 and remarkably still in her original ownership from new. Few Contessa 32s can claim such provenance, making her an increasingly rare find. Designed by David Sadler and built by Jeremy Rogers, the model earned an outstanding reputation for offshore capability and seaworthiness, becoming one of the most respected cruiser-racers of her generation. COSANTES has clearly been carefully maintained throughout her life and remains presented in good, tidy condition with maintenance fully up to date.




Her classic navy-blue hull, encapsulated lead keel and skeg-hung rudder deliver the balanced sailing performance for which the Contessa 32 is renowned. Upgrades include Z Spars mast and spars, 2020 Dyform standing rigging and chainplates, Furlex genoa furling system and Sailtec hydraulic backstay tensioner. Power comes from a well-maintained 1997 Beta Marine 20hp diesel engine with annual servicing and winterisation, most recently completed in 2026. Below decks, the traditional teak interior with original cream upholstery offers comfortable accommodation, excellent headroom and a practical cruising layout.




COSANTES is well equipped for coastal cruising and offshore passages alike, with Raymarine navigation electronics, autopilot, Furuno GPS, sprayhood, sun awning and Avon Redcrest tender with Mercury outboard. Her seacocks were serviced in 2023, antifouling renewed in May 2026 and previous osmosis treatment completed, reflecting the attentive ownership she has enjoyed for over five decades. Combining genuine pedigree, original ownership history and the timeless appeal of the Contessa 32, COSANTES represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of Britain’s most iconic yachts in thoroughly cared-for condition.

Construction

Navy Blue GRP hull

Pale Blue GRP integrated non-slip deck

Pale Blue and White GRP superstructure

Fin keel with encapsulated lead ballast

Skeg-hung rudder

Tiller steering

2016 last structural survey

2 coats Micron 350 antifouling May 2026

Osmosis treatment completed late 1990s / early 2000s

2023 serviced and checked seacocks

Machinery

1997 Beta Marine BD 722 20 hp diesel engine

Freshwater cooled

Shaft drive transmission

Fixed propeller

2026 last engine service

Annually serviced and winterised engine

Electrics

12v onboard system

Battery monitor

2 x Varta batteries 2020

Engine charged battery system

Combined domestic and engine battery arrangement

Tankage

30 litre stainless steel fuel tank

55 litre GRP water tank

Accommodation

Sleeps 2 in forward cabin, 3 in saloon and 1 in pilot berth

Heads with Manual flush WC

1.98m approximate headroom

Teak varnished interior joinery

Cream original upholstery

Navigation desk

Domestic

Plastimo gas cooker

2 Burner hob

Oven fitted

Grill fitted

Fitted fridge

2 x stainless steel sinks

Deck

Plough anchor with 30m anchor chain

6 x mooring warps

6 x fenders

Sprayhood fitted

Sun awning fitted

Boat hook included

Navigation

Raymarine speed/log system

Raymarine depth sounder

Raymarine Smartpilot autopilot

I-Com VHF radio

Furuno GPS Navigator 30/35

Clipper GPS repeater

2 x Plastimo bulkhead compasses

2017 Raymarine i50 and i60 speed/depth/wind system

Tenders

Avon Redcrest tender

6 person tender capacity

Mercury 2.5hp outboard engine

2020 last outboard service

Dinghy with hand trolley included if required

Safety

2 x Fire extinguishers

Fire blanket

Manual bilge pump

Jack stays

Life buoy

Radar reflector

Emergency tiller

Gas alarm fitted

The condition or level of safety equipment on board is not to be negotiated on following survey. It is likely to be listed by most surveyors but is not structural or an integral working part of the vessel and is not to be used to further negotiate the price down after survey. We strongly suggest that for your own personal safety that when purchasing a yacht you provide new safety equipment rather than relying on second hand gear.

Should you become the new owner of this yacht then the responsibility to re-register or update official bodies for items such as EPIRB, VHF, MMSI or AIS becomes yours.

Rig & Sails

Sloop rig

Keel-stepped mast

Z Spars aluminium spars 2008

Dyform / Compact Strand standing rigging 2020

2017 Single Dyform backstay backstay

2020 replaced chainplates

Sailtec hydraulic backstay tensioner

2020 Furlex genoa furling system with new forestay

Spinlock clutches

Some control lines led aft to cockpit

2 x Anderson 46ST 2-speed self-tailing primary winches

2 x Anderson 10ST secondary winches

2 x Anderson 12ST self-tailing coachroof winches

1 x Anderson mast winch

Sails Wardrobe

White sails all Dacron

Mainsail – Slab reefing, Sanders – Good condition

Furling Genoa With UV protection panel – Good condition

No. 1 Genoa – Cord for foil forestay – Good condition but well used

No. 2 Genoa – Cord for foil forestay – Good Condition but well used

No. 3 Genoa – Cord for foil forestay – Good Condition

No. 4 Blade Genoa – Cord for foil forestay – Good condition

Storm Jib

Light Weight Spinnaker – Good Condition

Heavy Weight Spinnaker – Good Condition