[1][2][3] The yachts have a masthead sloop rig, with a fin keel and a skeg-mounted rudder, a cutting edge concept for the period which now represents a cross between newer and older designs.

In 1996, after rebuilding his bankrupt business from scratch, Jeremy Rogers was able to buy the moulds back, and after their restoration was able to resume production of the Contessa 32 on a bespoke hand-crafted basis.

[5] The narrow beam and substantial ballast provide a high degree of positive stability, with an AVS of 155°, although due to her small size the STIX is only 33.

While the skeg bestows additional lateral resistance to the hull aft producing directional stability, its robust design also supports and protects the rudder.

Although this type of chainplate is sometimes criticised, there is no recorded instance of a dismasting, and Rogers claims reinforcing this system would have no impact on safety.

[4] This means the Contessa avoided the sometimes extreme dimensions associated with boats designed to achieve a favourable rating rather than simply to perform well.

At the aft end of the saloon next to the companionway, and to port, is a small U-shaped galley, consisting of a stove, sink (fed by an 18-gallon freshwater tank), and a counter.

Modern boats have a Beta Marine 20 or 25 horsepower engine with folding or feathering propeller, in conventional or hybrid configuration.

In a review Michael McGoldrick wrote, "The Contessa 32 has a reputation as being one of the better 32 footers for weathering a serious gale, and rates right up there as one of the more seaworthy boats for bluewater cruising.

The Contessa 32 is a no nonsense design that does not attempt to trade seaworthiness for a larger interior or to mimic apartment-like accommodations below decks.

In January 2003, Seb Clover, a 15-year-old from Great Britain, became the youngest person to sail across the Atlantic alone, in a Contessa 32 named Reflection.

[13] Also in 2003, the Contessa 32 Hurrying Angel won the Fastnet Race double handed division, crewed by Harry Allaway and Kathy Claydon.

[14] Among the 58 boats in the smallest class (28 – 32 ft), only one managed to finish the race: a Contessa 32 named Assent, owned by Willy Ker and sailed by his son Alan.

In 2018/19 French sailor and philosopher Pierre Huglo completed the non-stop, round-the-world 'Longue Route' challenge in Contessa 32 'Fresh Herring'.