In 1984, Jeremy Rogers turned to rising young designer Rob Humphreys for a new-generation small,
family cruiser-racer. The Contessa 27 was the innovative result, with a self-tacking, fractional rig, lifting keel option and an inner lining with foam filling, making her just about unsinkable. The joinery of early boats was built in pale American ash and, with an open-plan layout, were light and attractive below decks. She has six berths (two in the forecabin, two in the saloon and a cosy double quarterberth), a big, separate heads compartment and a practical galley. The cockpit is particularly large. She is a very handy performer, though the self-tacking headsail lacks power off-wind and in light airs. When Contessa Yachts went under, the 27 resurfaced, slightly modified, as the MG C27 and
about 50 were built. She is well worth a look as a sporty, easily handled family cruiser, but she was rather lightly built.

LOA 8.38m (27ft 5in), LWL 23ft 5in (7.16m), beam 3.05m (l0ft), draught 1.52m (5ft),
displacement 2,608kg (5,750lb). Price guide: £17,000 to £25,000. YM Test Report April 1985.