A1 – Fairey Marine Atalanta Owners Association Website

Atalanta

CLASS/SAIL
DATE BUILT
HULL NUMBER

Atalanta A1
July 1955
1

LAST NOTIFIED INFORMATION (to 2024) /

- Other names
- Condition	Storing
- Location	Cowes
- Engine	Beta 13hp
- Rig	New Wood 3/4

Comments: The prototype Atalanta. 24' long. Built in 1955 and used by Fairey Marine as demonstrator. Original Stuart Turner replaced with Diesel in 70s/80s. Boat has been East Coast based since late 1970s. Rescued in 2016 and launched again in 2018 after an extensive rebuild by AOA Commodore Mike Dixon.
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Browse the archive for this boat below.
o Gallery - photos through the years
o Blog and Forum Topics - contributed photographs and commentary
o Register - key changes through the years
o Press Appearances - AOA Bulletin and public media articles
o AOA Trophies and Awards

Gallery

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Contributed Blog

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	Classic Boat 2024 October -Great article on Fairey plus a bit of Fame for Richard James!! Comments:
	Atalanta Prototype Acquired by Cowes Classic Boat Museum 2024 February - A1 Atalanta was delivered to the Classic Boat Museum in Cowes by Mike Dixon and Nick Phillips at the end of last week. This is great news for the Museum and for the future of the Atalanta, ensuring that the Atalanta’s place in yachting history and the unique features of the class will be ... Comments:
	A1 Generating Chatter At Southampton 2021 September - After a great deal of effort by Mike A1 is moored in the ‘Class Association’ area of the Southampton boatshow, alongside the Old Gaffers Association. She has already generated ‘chatter’ – she was seen launching in Chichester Harbour and by the OGA representatives, both generating posts on Facebook.Attendance at the Show, made possible through the ... Comments:
	Mike Dixon and A1 nominated for Classic Boat Award – Vote Now! 2021 January - Hello everyone.You may have read the Classic Boat article published in the November edition last year about A1 and her restsoration.The article aimed to bring together the historic place A1 holds in the development of yachts and yachting in the 1950s with the heroic restoration carried out by Mike Dixon. Many of you will remember ... Comments:
	Classic Boat A1 Design and Restoration Review 2020 October -With the completion of A1 Atalanta last year it seemed like a golden opportunity for the Association to have another push at publicising our excellent wards. A1 was a very special boat in her conception, design and build. And Mike Dixon’s restoration from her dilapidated state back to what she is now is ... Comments:
	A1 Atalanta – The Radical Prototype 2020 January -Below is the text of an article published in the November 2019 edition of Classic Boat. It documents the special place which A1 Atalanta has in yachting history and the amazing restoration carried out by Mike Dixon.Why is Atalanta so special in post war yachting development?A1 Atalanta was an exceptional boat for her time and ... Comments:
	A1 Restoration – The Final Push 2019 December - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 hauls out, watched by A89 2019 November - After her first few months afloat for over 25 years Mike Dixon took A1 out of the water at the Orwell Yacht Club in the middle of October. Colchide, Richard James and others were there to see her safely ashore.All went smoothly. Comments:
	A1 Atalanta floats for the first time in over 25 years 2019 November - I hope you will have read the excellent series of articles by Mike Dixon about his restoration of the Atalanta prototype – A1 Atalanta. There are more to come but in the mean-time Mike launched Atalanta this Summer. And boy has that all that blood, sweat and tears paid off.Mike will be writing ... Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Spars, Rigging, Sails 2019 February - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Topside Veneering 2019 February - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Aft cabin companionway and cockpit coaming 2019 February - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Engine Space 2019 February - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Foredeck Veneering 2019 February - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 and A105 Head to Toe 2019 January - Last year Peter Keightley bought A105 Taku Maru from John Ingleby with plans of visiting the Mediterranean via the French Canals. Peter has an excellent workshop for his preparations. There is apparently little to do – general maintenance and an engine swap to replace the Coventry Victor with a diesel (from now scrapped ... Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Aft Deck Veneering 2019 January - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Restoration – The Cockpit Area 2019 January - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Transom 2019 January - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Trailer 2019 January - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Hatches 2019 January - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Hull veneering, tools and equipment 2018 December - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Keel Support Brackets 2018 December - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Restoration – Somewhere to do it, and initial investigations 2018 November - Do you need a shed? An often asked question when carrying out work on a boat, the answer to which I would argue is – Yes. Comments:
	Restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ 2016 to 2020 2018 November - I took on the restoration of A1 ‘Atalanta’ in 2016. This post begins a series in which I will document the work done, in text and photographs. There has been an extraordinary interest in A1’s progress. Many thanks to all who have expressed interest. Comments:
	A1 Atalanta gets a new Iron Topsail 2018 July - As part of her restoration Atalanta a1 has now received a shiny red Beta diesel. You will be able to read about the details of the installation in the future but in the short term listen to that heart beat below! https://youtu.be/1iLCmTtMVUE Comments:
	A1 is measured up for some James Lawrence sails 2018 July - A1 travelled from Market Harborough to Brightlingsea for Mark Butler, of James Lawrence sails, to measure her up for new sails. This meant Mike was able to prove his tow car, his trailer, the mast raising gear AND get the sails measured. And everything went very well! The mast raising pole and braces worked very smoothly ... Comments:
	A1 Atalanta Interesting Keel Hoist 2018 July - A1’s keel plates and hoist have been completely refurbished. The lifting gear is of interesting design – the same principle was used in the production Atalantas but the original has cables in place of stirrups. (Click on a photo to expand) Comments:
	A1 Atalanta dresses in her new rigging 2018 July - Mike’s new sails are to be made by famous sailmaker Jimmy Lawrence, of Brightlingsea. The loft insist on measuring the boat themselves. So all Mike has to do is get her to them, with the rig on. The rigging was redone by Traditional Riggging of Bristol to Mike’s measurements. A1 came with no rigging and some ... Comments:
	A1 Atalanta Trailer (ex Kotora) – a different type of trailer 2018 July - Mike bought Kotora’s old trailer and heavily refurbished it. It is of an interesting design, quite different to others I have seen. It has central supports for the keel and a fore-and-aft side rail (bunk) for the bilge on each side. This rail is shaped to rise at the forward end and the four support ... Comments:
	A1 Atalanta Restoration – Sunlight for the first time in 18 months 2018 July - A1 Atalanta has been tucked up in her workshop for the last 18 months after rescue from a garden in Essex. Mike (Dixon) has achieved an amazing amount of progress in that time, transforming her from the state indicated in this post. There is still much to do but A1 is planning to be at ... Comments:
	A1 Recovery from Essex 2016 September - A1 Recovery from Essex. Photo: A1 Recovery (1). Comments:
	Atalanta A1-The Prototype-What a great project for someone 2016 June - Atalanta A1 was the very first ‘prototype’ Atalanta. She is smaller than the Mark 2 and 3 but has all of the same features – twin keels, centre cockpit, blister and so on. She is now needing someone to restore her – if you are interested please c Comments:
	2014 A1 Condition Survey 2016 June - 2014 A1 Condition Survey. Photo: 2014 A1 – 1 of 28. A1 had been stored near St Osyth for many years. The owner had died and the Association be Comments:

References in Forum Topics

(Based on contributors tagging their posts with the sail number e.g. A71, 31/3)

'; None

Register

Ownership history is available only to members of the AOA
or by exception in response to an enquiry through the Contact Us link at the foot of this page.

Sail_No	Year	BoatName	Owner	HomePort	Condition	Rig	Engine	Notable EVENT	Comments
A1	2024		Classic Boat Museum	Cowes	Storing			Classic Boat Museum acquire A1 to form part of a display they are working on for the development of post-war yachting.
A1	2023							A1 advertised for sale for £6k plus trailer and dinghies.	Advertsied at 10k but no interest. Dropped to 6k.
A1	2022							Takes part in the Uffa Fox 50 celebrations in Cowes, sailing down from Ipswich
A1	2021							Exhibited on the AOA Stand (!) at the Southampton Boatshow.
A1	2020							Launches July and takes part in East Coast cruise
A1	2019			Orwell YC, Ipswich	Sailing			A1 launched in August at Brightlingsea, just a few hundred metres from where Mike picked her up three years earlier.
A1	2017						Beta 13hp	A1 in a shed being ably rebuilt by Mike.
A1	2016		Dixon, Mike	Market Harborough				Owner dies. Mike buys boat for restoration. Boat in poor condition
A1	2004				Restoring			Ashore, collapsed trailer
A1	1988		Slaughter, Bob	St Osyth		New Wood 3/4		New wooden mast
A1	1980		Hammond, VJ	Maldon
A1	1973		Davies, RA	Upnor, R.Medway		Sole Rona single diesel		Exact timing of re-engine unknown
A1	1967		Reed, N	London
A1	1963		Stainer, TW	Tonbridge
A1	1957		Urry, Captain	Dorset
A1	1955	Atalanta	Fairey Marine	Hamble	Sailing	3/4 Wood	Stuart Turner Single P5M 19131	Mentioned YM April 1955. Stuart Turner Single. Used by FM as a demonstration boat.

AOA Bulletin and Press Appearances

ArchID	Type	AClass	Category	Ref	Page No	Title	ABoat	ABoat_Name	Author	APages	AComments	APrice	Link
1,291	Press	26,	b. Class Reviews and Appreciations	1955-04-YY		A Modern All-Rounder - Review of A1	A1	Atalanta		2	Yachts & Yachting. Review of Atalanta in a 'brochure' format for use by FM	0	Link
1,292	Press	26,	b. Class Reviews and Appreciations	1955-11-YW	485	For Creeks and Deep Sea - A1 Review	A1	Atalanta	S C Reilly	1	Yachting World. Sailing A1, Atalanta prototype. Follow up to the announcement in the April 1955 YW.	0	Link
1,294	Press	26,	b. Class Reviews and Appreciations	1956-09-YM		Impressions of the New Atalanta	A1, A3		Ted & Wyn Thatcher	0	Yachting Monthly. The Mk II Atalanta. Photos of A1 and A3 Andana. AOA has copy	0	Link
1,297	Press	26,	b. Class Reviews and Appreciations	1956-Ann-YW	129	Yacht Designs Atalanta - Review of the new Atalanta at the end of the year. YW Annual 1956	A1	Atalanta		1	Yachting World. Review of the 24ft Atalanta protoype. AOA has photocpy	0	Link
94	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	n. AOA Events	1958-59	3	Round the Island Race 1958	A1	Atalanta	Urry S.R.	1		2	Link
110	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	k. Exterior - Mods, Equipment & Gadgetry	1959-60	6	Pelorus - A1	A1	Atalanta		1		2	Link
107	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	n. AOA Events	1959-60	1	Round the Island Race 1959	A1	Atalanta	Urry S.R.B.	1		2	Link
124	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	n. AOA Events	1961-62	9	Cherbourg Rally	A1	Atalanta	Urry W.	1		1	Link
134	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	c. Boat Commentaries	1962-63	8	New Home for A1	A1	Atalanta	Stainer T W	0		2	Link
148	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	c. Boat Commentaries	1964-65	3	A1 Going Strong	A1	Atalanta	Stanier T.W.	1		2	Link
175	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	m. Cruises & Cruising	1966-67	15	Quiet Weekend	A1	Atalanta	Stanie T.W.	1		2	Link
248	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	o. General	1973-74	0	Cover - A1 Prototype Atalanta knockdown test	A1	Atalanta	Vines, Alan	1		1	Link
294	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	c. Boat Commentaries	1977-78	10	Learning to Sail with A1	A1	Atalanta	Davies R.	1		2	Link
299	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	o. General	1978-79	0	Cover - 21 years On - the first Atalantas	A1	Atalanta		1		1	Link
345	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	o. General	1981-82	0	Cover - A1 Atalanta in a blow	A1	Atalanta		1		1	Link
436	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	o. General	1990-91	0	Cover - A1 Atalanta downwind	A1	Atalanta		1		1	Link
735	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	c. Boat Commentaries	2016-17	12	The Recovery of A1 by Richard James	A1	Atalanta	James R	4		2	Link
738	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	c. Boat Commentaries	2016-17	25	A1 'Atalanta' restoration update by Mike Dixon	A1	Atalanta	Dixon M	4		2	Link
756	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	d. Engines	2018-19	3	Some Observations on Stern Gear	A1	Atalanta	Mike Dixon	3		2	Link
758	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	n. AOA Events	2018-19	13	AOA 60 - the 60th anniversary of the Association	A1	Atalanta	Mike Dixon	4		2	Link
776	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	c. Boat Commentaries	2019-20	26	A1 ATALANTA on the water again	A1	Atalanta	Mike Dixon	7		1	Link
772	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	o. General	2019-20	0	Cover:Recovering A1 at Ipswich	A1	Atalanta	Sadler, Brian	1		1	Link
778	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	o. General	2020-21	0	Cover: A1, A89 and A124 at Ramsholt	A1, A89, A124	Atalanta	Sadler, Brian	1		1	Link
783	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	o. General	2020-21	25	Lockdown restoration of a Dinky By Mike Dixon	A1	Attagirl	Mike Dixon	4		2	Link
797	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	i. Trailers and Trailing	2021-22	25	A Cautionary Tale	A1	Atalanta	Mike Dixon	3	A1 damaged by a trailing accident.	2	Link
788	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	o. General	2021-22	0	Cover: A89 and A124 off Harwich	A1, A89, A124	Atalanta	Sadler, Brian	1		1	Link
792	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	o. General	2021-22	6	2021 Southampton Boat Show	A1, A89	Atalanta, Colchide	Mike Dixon & Richard James	0	Decscription of the AOA's involvement in the 2022 Southampton show	2	Link
807	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	m. Cruises & Cruising	2022-23	18	Atalanta's Summer cruise 2023 - East Coast rivers	A1	Atalanta	Mike Dixon	4	A cruise on the East Coast. The wind didn't serve the original plan, but A1 visits the Heybridge Basin and Burnham on Crouch. In the process she, and the crew, get well dosed with salty North Sea spray.	0	Link
809	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	m. Cruises & Cruising	2022-23	24	Atalanta to ths South Coast for the AOA's events 2022	A1	Atalanta	Mike Dixon	9	A description of Atalanta's journey from the East Coast down to Cowes for the Uffa Fox 50th anniversary celebrations, in company with A102 and A124. The article includes coverage of the first Duckling World championships at Bosham Hoe.	0	Link
802	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	o. General	2022-23	0	Cover: A1 off Cowes, Uffa Fox 50	A1	Atalanta		1		1	Link
822	Bulletin	26, T,F,31	g. Hull and Decks	2023-24	22	Atalanta sand-keel refurbishment	A1	Atalanta	Mike Dixon	1	Sand-keel replacement to address a persistent leak	0	Link
1,288	Newsletter	26, T,F,31	n. AOA Events	NL-2021-10		Newsletter 2021 Spring	A89, A1, A102, A148, A49			0	Events:Summary of the East Coast Race won by A89 Colchide, with A1 and A102. Details for the virtual laying up Zoom at 'The Two Keels'. Also a heads-up for the 2022 AGM and the other events plannned - Uffa Fox 2022, Solent cruise, Duckling Worlds and more.General: Introducing the new Fairey Atalanta Facebook page.AOA Admin: Jim Sumberg is co-opted onto the Committee with lots of new ideas.Boats: A148 Johara making progress under new owner Ted Baker. Sad news received about A49 Terrapina under threat of being scrapped in Cheshire.	0	Link
1,369	Video	26, T,F,31	c. Boat Commentaries	VA001-1		A1 Atalanta gets a new Beta emgine	A1	Atalanta	Mike Dixon	0	Running up A1's new Beta engine during her 2017-19 restoration	0
1,370	Video	26, T,F,31	c. Boat Commentaries	VA001-2		A1 Leaves Chichester Harbour after Southampton Boatshow	A1	Atalanta	AOA	0	A1 Atalanta launched and recovered at the wonderful Payne's Boatyard in Chichester Harbour. This video documents the beautifully executed lifting out.	0

Trophies

wdt_ID	trophy	year	awardedto	sailno	boatname	award
wdt_ID	trophy	year	awardedto	sailno	boatname	award
231	John Searle	2019	Mike Dixon	A1	Atalanta	Magnificent rescue of A1 after 25 years of neglect
273	Odling	2024	Mike Dixon	A1	Atalanta	For his technical article 'Re-purposing a blister'
274	Sinclair	2024	Mike Dixon	A1	Atalanta	For his work on the revised Constitution