Join the British Contender Association!
The Contender has survived and thrived for the last 40+ years because it has benefited from an enthusiastic and dedicated class association.
The BCA and its international counterpart, the International Contender Association, are entirely voluntarily run members' organisations, and the only resources we have to look after the class and its interests comes from the annual membership subscriptions.
Without the support of all UK Contender sailors, the BCA will not be able to support, develop, or promote the class in the manner it deserves.
So if you own or sail a Contender, join us and help us represent YOU!
The British Contender Association
The British Contender Association is the official UK class association of the International Contender Class.
The International Contender is the World's most popular single-handed trapeze sailing dinghy.
It was originally designed back in 1967 by Australian Ben Lexcen as a potential successor to the Olympic Finn Class. The boat won the 1968 Olympic selection trials, but for a variety of reasons was never adopted as an Olympic class. This was probably something of a blessing, as the class has thrived ever since. The longevity of the class is a testament to the original design: simple, practical, with classic good looks.
The Contender Class is truly International, holding ISAF International status. As well as a strong UK fleet, there are fleets in Australasia, North America, and right across Europe. The World Championships routinely attracts turnouts of over 140 boats.
This site contains details of what's going in the Contender Class in the UK; How, Who, What, Why and where.
If you've found your way here, you probably have an idea of what you're looking for - and if you can't find on the site in the FAQs etc, please feel free to contact us, and we'll try to help, or just contact us anyway we're here to serve the Contender sailing community of the UK.
If you only find yourself here by accident, well, welcome again, and please feel free to browse the site to find out a bit more about the International Contender - you never know, you might get hooked!
Latest News & Announcements
Northern Championships at Filey 29/30th June
Due to the cancellation of the Northern Championships at Halifax, the class has been searching for a suitable replacement, and it has found one!
The Northern championships will take place on the same weekend as planned; the 29/30th June, at Filey sailing club. We will get our own start at their regatta.
Filey is great sea venue that has welcomed Contenders for many opens and Nationals in the past, it will be great practice for the worlds.
Enter before or on the day, NOR and more details can be found here;
Poole Open Report and Results
Report and results here with thanks to Mike Millard for the pictures.
Travellers and Handicaps updated
You can get a better visual appreciation of the racing by going onto Mike Millard flickr.com
Send an e-mail to Mike and he will send to you free of charge the digital image of you and your boat ghosting along at Poole.
Details of Highcliffe open 1st & 2nd June
Find the NOR, SIs and entry form here
Main points are:
Sat Briefing 11:30 1st race 13:00 - 3 races
Sun 1st race 10:30 - 3 races
Enter and pay £40 on the day - including evening meal
Charged car parking is available in Mudeford Quay council car park. Free car parking is available 10 minutes walk from the quay.
HSC are trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible, and in attempt to reduce reliance on one use plastic, can we ask everyone going out on the water during the Open Meeting to bring refillable bottles as we will not be providing bottled water. You will be able to fill up all your water bottles at the club before you go out.
Please be reminded that HSC have a fully licensed bar (and now a new card reader machine for payment by card). When the bar is open, please can we ask that visitors do not consume their own alcohol on the premises.
Details of Hartley Boats Contender Nationals 2019
The Event will take place from Sept 6th -9th at Broadstairs SC in Kent.
To enter and for more details click here
There are 3 discount options. You can only choose one option!
1, The first 30 paid entries will get £35 off.
2, if it is your 1st Nationals it will be £60 off
3, if you are U25 it’s free
Broadstairs is only 40mins from the Dover ferry so we would really love to see some entries from NED, DEN, GER, ITA, AUT, FRA and SUI, all discounts apply to anyone who is member of their National association.
Tony would still like to see your money.
Membership renewal for 2019 is £35.00 but was £30 before the end of January, so make a note for next year.
Interested in a trial sail?
OK, so you've read about the class, seen awesome pictures and videos and want to try one before you buy?
Well, we're a friendly bunch and if you've got one at your local club just ask for a go one day.
If you're unlucky enough not to have any Contenders at your local club, don't worry, just give the Chairman a call or email him by clicking here, he's nearly always got a boat you can borrow for a test sail down at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club. You can also have a go in Stranraer, Scotland by emailing here.
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