A22m Added to the Register

A22m is a beautiful 1/8 scale model of A22

A22, Mary Jane of Morton, was bought new in 1958 by John Burgess and Doctor Green who both lived in Moreton Oxfordshire, sailing her from Chichester Harbour. A22 was named after their wives Mary and Jane.

John Burgess worked at the Hydraulics Research Station in Wallingforfd. In the 1950s the modelling of river flows and tides was done with scale models and tanks. John put this model making expertise to good use and had a 1/8th scale model of A22 made. 39.5″ long plus 5.5″ for the rudder, blade raised. Not just a model, but a sailing model: the keels are raised and lowered by screw jack, fittings are highly detailed including a tiny brass builders plate and sails with bolt ropes running in mast and boom slots.

Oh, and the bottlescrews really are bottlescrews – 1/16″ threaded rod, reverse threaded at one end, and 1 1/2″ long.

After John Burgess died the family sought a new owner who would look after and enjoy her. In return for donations to the RNLI in John’s memory I am the current custodian of A22m, as she now appears on the AOA Registers.

And the plan is to share the pleasure of seeing and hopefully sailing her with as many as possible. See below.

I am researching more of her history which will be published on this Boat Page. And I would love to hear from any owners who remember either the full size A22 or the model with their memories.

The model is in beautiful condition, a testament to her original build and subsequent care. There are some minor issues to be addressed which, strangely, reflect common issues on the full size version: a small amount of deck reinforcement and attention to the keel hoists.  Watch this space for news on these.

And if you have memories of her being sailed please comment on this post or email me at webmaster@atalantaowners.org.

Come and see A22m Mary Jane of Moreton

A22m will be on show over the Chatham Historic Dockyard Social Weekend at the end of April. If conditions allow we hope to have her sailing there.