Design and Construction
The 9.50 is solidly built, with a hull and deck made from high-quality foam-sandwich construction using Coremat. The structure includes a galvanised steel frame and steel strongback, both almost invisible beneath a thick layer of topcoat. Aluminium plates support the deck fittings, and additional aluminium reinforcements are worked into the deck.
The cast-iron keel carries 1.45 tonnes of ballast, giving a ballast ratio of 41 percent. Displacement is 3.5 tonnes, beam is 3.10 metres, and draught is either 1.70 metres or, with the alternative keel, 1.30 metres. These dimensions combine a practical family-cruiser footprint with a ballast-heavy, easily driven hull.
Rig, Sailing and Handling
The fractional sloop carries 48.3 square metres of sail and has a sail-carrying capacity of 4.6. Under sail, the 9.50 is agile and crisp. It comes up to speed easily and offers straightforward, sporty sailing suited to both holiday cruising and club racing.
The tiller runs in good bearings, providing positive control without much effort. YACHT’s used-boat test reported a quick, responsive feel and agile, crisp performance under sail, supporting the boat’s billing as an all-round family cruiser that can also win a regatta.
Accommodation
Inside, the Winner is attractive, spacious and bright, with neatly finished woodwork and good seating throughout the saloon. Its defining feature is the open aft chamber. Without a bulkhead and door, the arrangement creates more usable space, allows for a larger galley and provides access to the aft sleeping area through the navi-corner.
The aft berth measures 1.34 metres wide, which isn’t enough for two people to sleep comfortably. Sea berths in the saloon and plenty of storage partly compensate. Forward, a small wet room separates the saloon from the foredeck.
Together, the large cockpit and open-plan aft volume make the boat feel bigger than its 9.50-metre hull length might suggest.
Known Issues
Early boats had a right-angled opening to the foredeck, where cracks sometimes developed under rigging loads. Later hulls received a rounded passage into the forecastle, which directs the forces more effectively.
The concealed galvanised steel frame should be inspected carefully for cracks. If rust appears anywhere, the keel seam must also be checked from outside. On older boats, deck hardware—including lever clamps, winches and blocks at the mast foot—may be reaching the end of its service life. Dark gelcoats exposed to the sun also tend to chalk over time.
On YACHT’s test boat, the forestay broke during the first outing, bringing the sailing evaluation to an early end.
Model Changes and Ownership
Changes during production were limited. The only revisions were a switch from single-circuit to dual-circuit cooling for the Yanmar engine, rated at 15 kW / 21 hp, and the later adoption of the rounded passage into the forecastle.
For owners and buyers, the main concern is a conscientious survey of the steel frame and keel seam rather than a broader programme of structural refitting.
Verdict
The Winner 9.50 is a thoughtfully laid-out Dutch cruiser-racer. Its open aft chamber provides more usable living space than its length might suggest, while the foam-sandwich construction contributes rigidity. The trade-offs are a narrow aft berth and a few ageing components to watch.
Pros
- Agile, crisp and sporty sailing, with regatta potential
- Bright, spacious and well-finished interior
- Enlarged galley and open aft chamber
- Solid foam-sandwich construction with a concealed steel frame and aluminium-reinforced deck
Cons
- 1.34-metre-wide aft berth is too narrow for two people to sleep comfortably
- Early hulls are prone to cracks around the foredeck opening
- Steel frame and keel seam require careful inspection
- Deck hardware and the forestay on ageing examples may be near the end of their service life
