David Hillyard’s most popular boat was the 9 ton Hillyard – canoe stern, centre cockpit Bermudan rig. Trooper was launched in 1959 as Lady Marilyn, and later renamed Trooper. She was almost lost on her maiden voyage after a fire broke out under the cockpit.
In 2005 Trooper was re-rigged using a sail plan designed by the late, great Ed Burnett and as a result her sailing performance is much improved compared with an original 9 tonner. However, other than the rig, Trooper is good example of a classic 9 tonner.
