Contessa 32 v Sadler 32

[NigelCraig]

The Sadler is said to be a development of the Contessa, but looking at a nic 32, Co32 and Sadler 32 all in a line out of the water last weekend, it seemed to me the contessa is an obvious evolution from the long-keeled nic, but with the rudder straightened and on a separate skeg, but the sadler seems to have much less in common hull shape wise with its (admittedly quite deep) canoe shape and separate bolt on keel. Only one I've actually sailed is the contessa but I wouldn't expect the the sadler to have similiar characteristics. Anybody have experience of both?

 

[derekgillard]

The contessa will sail just that bit better, but I guess the answer depends on what your looking for. I have a Sadler 29 and she points better than most boats her size. I also sail a contessa 32 and although she sails a dream she is a lot smaller inside and less practical for the family.
Both in my view are a bugger when trying to park in a marina with the prop warp a little worse on the Contessa. Both very well built and last for ever.

Unless I wanted to race I would go for the Sadler

 

[Norfolknick]

I have a Sadler 32 and my brother in law has a Contessa 32. The deal is really depends on what you are looking for the boat to do. All 3 are excellent sea keepers with the Co32 and Nic obviously enjoying the added advantages of their keels in terms of pointing particularly into heavy seas. That being said the Sa32 is significantly more comfortable down below - indeed SWMBO, the hound and I could comfortably live on ours for extended periods without really make any mods. I am not sure that would be true on the Co32 and certainly my brother in law (who is married with 2 small children and a very big dog) find it quite a squeeze for a weekend away.

We certainly enjoy racing each other - the proof will be in the pudding of RTIR (he has the advantage of a fresh paint job, new sails, running rigging and electronics this year).

 

[doug748]

I have two pages of comment from the designer, published in 1978. Not of great interest but do give me a PM if you would like a copy.

In terms of costs and production, I think the Sadler would have been a significantly better proposition compared to the earlier design. I guess he was immersed in these thoughts as he helped grow the Sadler business.