Contessa 32
respected offshore cruiser
- Boat REF# · 352126
- LOA · 9.75m
- Year · 1972
- Construction · GRP
- Underwater profile · Fin
- Berths · 6
- Engine · 1 x Diesel 20hp, Beta Marine BD 722 (1997)
- Lying · River Itchen
Extra Details
| Designer | David Sadler |
|---|---|
| Builder | Jeremy Rogers |
| Lying | River Itchen |
Mechanical
| Engine | 1 x Diesel 20hp |
|---|---|
| Engine make and model | Beta Marine BD 722 (1997) |
| Engine Hours | Not Recorded |
| Engine Cooled | Direct |
| Steering | Tiller |
| Drive | Shaft |
| Prop(s) | 3 blade folding |
| Fuel consumption (approx) | Not Recorded |
| Cruising speed (approx) | 5 knots |
| Max speed (approx) | 6 knots |
Last engine service 09/04/2026
Last anode change 2026
Dimensions
| LOA | 9.75m |
|---|---|
| LWL | 7.31m |
| Beam | 2.98m |
| Draft Min | 1.65m |
| Draft Max | 1.65m |
| Displacement | 4,300kg (9,481.5lbs) |
| Storage | On marina |
Rig
Sloop rigged Procter Aluminium spars (1973) with stainless steel standing rigging (2026)
Sails
| Mainsail | Kemp - Slab (2012) Lazy Jacks, 3 Reefs |
|---|---|
| Headsail | Kemp - Furling (2003) |
| Other sails | Spinnaker () |
| Spare main () | |
| Storm Jib () |
| Spinnaker gear |
|---|
Electrical Systems
12 volt battery, 240 shore power voltage, 2 batteries charged by: engine, solar panels, shore power
Construction
| Construction | GRP |
|---|---|
| Underwater profile | Fin |
| Finish | Gelcoat finish |
Last antifouled 2026
There is a black water tank fitted in the heads with a manual selector for straight to sea or to waste tank.
Accommodation
| Total # of berths | 6 |
|---|---|
| No. of double berths | 1 |
| No. of single berths | 4 |
| Cabin(s) | 2 |
| Handbasin | 1 |
| Heads | 1 heads (Electric) |
2 burner gas cooker/stove
Accommodation
| Cooker/stove | |
|---|---|
| Grill | |
| Oven | |
| Sink | |
| Refrigerator | |
| Curtains | |
| Manual water system |
2 burner gas cooker/stove
Deck Gear
| Sail cover | |
|---|---|
| Sprayhood | |
| Spray dodgers | |
| Cockpit cover | |
| Warps | |
| Fenders | |
| Instrument Covers |
2 halyard winches
2 sheet winches
Electric Quick windlass (with remote control)
2 anchors
dinghy (2026)
(Inflatable)
2.5hp outboard, Honda, Short Shaft ()
Nav Equipment
| Compass | |
|---|---|
| Speed | |
| Log | |
| Wind | |
| VHF | |
| VHF DSC radio | |
| SSB Modem | |
| GPS | |
| Chart plotter | |
| Autopilot | |
| Navigation lights | |
| Echo sounder |
Raymarine Axiom7 MFD
Safety Equipment
| Liferaft | |
|---|---|
| Life buoys |
2 bilge pumps (1 manual / 1 Electric)
Broker's Comments
This lovely example of the legendary Contessa 32 has been in the same family's ownership since 1979 — nearly half a century of care and continuity that shows throughout the boat. Designed by David Sadler and built by the highly respected Jeremy Rogers yard, the Contessa 32 needs little introduction to anyone who knows offshore sailing; her reputation for seaworthiness in genuinely testing conditions is second to none, and this well-loved example is no exception.
Now lying on the River Itchen, she's fitted with a Beta Marine BD 722 20hp diesel (1997) driving through a shaft with a 3-blade folding prop, and benefits from recent attention including stainless steel standing rigging fitted in 2026, 2026 antifoul, and an engine service in April 2026. Sails comprise a slab-reefing main with lazy jacks (Kemp, 2012) and a furling headsail (Kemp, 2003), backed up by a spare main, storm jib and spinnaker for those who like to be properly prepared.
Down below she offers accommodation for up to six across two cabins, with a single heads compartment and a two-burner gas cooker galley — practical, seaworthy cruising accommodation rather than modern excess, very much in keeping with her character. On deck she's equipped with an electric Quick windlass with remote, two anchors, and a 2026 inflatable dinghy with a Honda 2.5hp outboard, ready to go cruising as soon as she finds her next owner.
This is a boat that has genuinely been sailed and used, having covered ground in NW Scotland's Inner and Outer Hebrides, South Ireland, North Wales and the SW UK — real sea miles under her keel, not just marina ornamentation. She's being offered for sale after 47 years of family ownership, giving a new custodian the chance to take on a proven, capable, and much-loved example of one of the most respected small offshore cruisers ever built.
These boat details are subject to contract.
Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.
Owners FAQ's
How long have you owned the boat for?
Family ownerd since 1979
Why are you selling her?
health reasons
Where have you sailed her?
NW Scotland (Inner and Outer Hebrides), South Ireland, North Wales, SW UK