PIONIER 9

Notes: VDS #055. The PIONIER (9) is said to be the first series-built fiberglass cruising yacht built in Europe. A prototype was built of wood that became the 'plug' and the first boat was finished in the summer of 1959, just in time to participate in the Flevo Race of that year. E. G. van de Stadt sailed the race himself and finished first in class.\nThe PIONIER 9 is also the class of boat Nicolette Milnes Walker sailed becoming the first woman to single hand, non-stop, across the Atlantic in 1971. She authored the book "When I Put Out to Sea" about her journey.\nThe PIONIER 9 was also built in the UK, molded by Tyler Boat Co, and finished by Southern Ocean Shipyard.\nSome other hulls were built by Polyboot Netherlands and finished by Esslinger & Abt, Laupheim, Germany. Esslinger & Abt declared insolvency in 1985.\nThanks to 'Gerard' and Jan Derks for supplying some information.\nThanks also to 'Christopher' for supplying information on the German built boats.