The original GRP sailing boats were first built in 1980. They were designed to be an affordable cruiser that had good stable sailing capability, good interior head room and would sleep four people in relative comfort for 'weekend' cruising.
Newbridge Navigator owners soon got to love their new boats and formed the first owners association. This can be found at the Newbridge and Venturer Owners Association (NAVA) website.
Many Navigators were built, soon to be followed by a similar, but larger model - the Venturer.
Between 1986 and 1990 the 26 foot Pioneer and Pioneer Pilot (with wheelhouse) 6 berth family cruisers were built. Eighty Pioneers were completed most with bilge keels but also fin and centreboard.
Unfortunately Newbridge Boats Ltd were liquidated in 1987. The company was later brought back to life as N.B. Yachts and the company moved its production facility from New Zealand Works Church Street Bridport in Dorset UK to Chard in the county of Somerset UK.
Production of the boats carried on for three more years before the company finally ceased trading in January 1990.
Further information
NEWBRIDGE OWNERS' ASSOCIATION