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
Tankage
30 litre stainless steel fuel tank
55 litre GRP water tank
Electrics
12v onboard system
Battery monitor
2 x Varta batteries 2020
Engine charged battery system
Combined domestic and engine battery arrangement
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
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.
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith, in this case we are acting as Brokers only. Whilst every care has been taken in their preparation, the correctness of these particulars is not guaranteed. The particulars are intended only as a guide and they do not constitute a term of any contract. A prospective buyer is strongly advised to check the particulars and where appropriate at his own expense to employ a qualified Marine Surveyor to carry out a survey and/or to have an engine trial conducted which if conducted by us shall not imply any liability for such engine on our part.
This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice. Please contact us to book an appointment to inspect any yacht before you book flights or pay for travel. This is to ensure you have a confirmed booking in our diary with the right amount of time allocated to inspect the yachts you want. Our yachts are not all in one marina, yard or harbour and in season do change locations. To avoid disappointment, call or email before you make travel plans.
By contacting Williams & Smithells Ltd from this yacht portal or our website direct you are agreeing to providing us with your contact details relating to your interest in purchasing a yacht. We will use these details to contact you offering suitable yachts in the future. If you no longer wish to be send yacht details or promotional information please send an email stating you wish to opt out and be removed.
Trusted British Yacht Brokers, Established almost 40 years, specialising in Cruising and Blue Water yachts offices in Lefkas Marina, Ionian Greece & Portsmouth / Chichester, UK. We specialise in live aboard blue water cruisers. Experienced, Professional, Qualified – All Brokers are Full Members of ABYA, we work to a code of practice, hold dedicated separate ‘Client’ bank Accounts and carry PI Insurance. As Blue water liveaboard specialists we also have extensive experience in lifting keel / centreboard yachts built in Aluminium and GRP having successfully represented the Feeling, Allures and Garcia Brands over the last 20 years.
Experience our Service we sell yachts nothing else.
