Bluster
| CLASS/SAIL DATE BUILT HULL NUMBER | Atalanta A183 November 1966 196 |
| - Other names | Thursday's Child |
| - Condition | Restoring |
| - Location | Aberdeenshire |
| - Engine | Yanmar 1GM |
| - Rig | Masthead, metal |
1063 views
Why not contribute to A183's blog?
Ex Owner? Register incorrect? Story to tell?
If you have information about or photos of this boat we would love to add them to the boat history. - please use this form
Ex Owner? Register incorrect? Story to tell?
If you have information about or photos of this boat we would love to add them to the boat history. - please use this form
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
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
(Scroll in the box or Click Here for larger window)
-
A183 The decision was taken to cut out and replace much of this section of deck rather than fill up all the holes.
-
A183 After removing the false stem, the soft wood in the stem around the bolt holes was cut out ready for scarfing in new wood.
-
A183 Section of soft wood cut out of the starboard bow with replacement scarfed in.
-
A183 The stringers sections in the port bow replaced ready for the deck to be put back.
-
A183 soft wood cut out of the port bow where the deck to hull joining stringer meets the thicker section at the bow.
-
A183 More holes than a swiss cheese, but no rot.
-
A183 There was also some rot under the stem head fitting and around all screw and bolt holes.
-
A183 There was a lot of very soft wood in the false stem around the stem fitting and bolt holes.
-
A183 Starting placing an additional lamination on the coachroof.
-
A183 The foredeck laminations are now complete.
-
A183 Water had been getting into the deck and causing the whole side to delaminate. Port side is OK.
-
A183 These were in poor shape, so I have inserted a solid bit of wood under the deck edges.
-
A183 A replacement outer lamination for the forehatch opening, cut and ready to glue in place
-
A183 Making a template for the lowest lamination on the starboard side deck.
-
A183 Replacement of the frame end on the main bulkhead and the addition of an additional deck stringer forward of this.
-
A183 Port side deck now repaired apart from top laminate. Starboard side deck reinforcement in place and laminations beginning to go back.
-
A183 Main bulkhead.
-
A183 New frame.
-
A183 Two additional stringers under the side deck.
-
A183 The foredeck without paint or fittings
-
A183 Rot and delamination at the base of the coachroof
-
A183 The new flush decked Atalanta Bluster
-
A183 Almost a dinghy with windows.
-
A183 Bluster’s tent
-
A183 Some bolts from the stem head fitting were badly waisted.
-
A183 Stem head fitting removed: some rot underneath.
-
A183 Chain plate bolts: mostly OK, the thin one was for the strut onto the deck and not load bearing while sailing.
-
A183 Stripping off the rubbing strake and chain plates.
-
A183 2005 Bluster on The Hamble
-
A183 2005 Bluster sailing on the Solent
Contributed Blog
(Scroll in the box or Click Here for larger window)
 | Cockpit Corner Reinforcement and Repairs to Aft Bulkhead2021 August - Bluster has guard rail stanchions at the aft end of the cockpit. These were bolted through the stringer and the deck with a block beneath and above. Unfortunately, after being pushed around a bit, the water had got in and rotted the deck, so the plan was to insert a more substantial block to take ...Comments: |
 | Repairing the Split in the Topsides2021 July - As reported in Bluster’s last blog post, there was a worrying split in the topsides at the starboard aft end of the cockpit where the aft deck moulding is joined to the one at the side of the cockpit. To repair it, the laminates were stripped back to good wood, leaving approximately one inch overlaps ...Comments: |
 | Repairs around the rubbing strake2021 June - The hot sunny weather we are having in Scotland at the moment is ideal for wood repairs as the exposed laminates are nice and dry before being sealed in with epoxy. Water collecting behind the rubbing strake where it was not well glued to the hull had got into the hull and deck laminates and caused ...Comments: |
 | Bluster Progress – Removing Rusty Iron and Making Good2021 May - Work on Bluster has continued in April and early May. Much of April was spent removing rusty bolts from the engine bay area and rudder skeg. The keel stops were removed without difficulty, the bolt heads and nuts just fell off when hit with a spanner. Only one of the eight bolts securing them had ...Comments: |
 | Bluster’s Keels and Steelwork Removed2021 March - After much prevaricating, Bluster’s trailer was removed and the keels lowered to the ground. The supporting steelwork was then also removed for inspection. Before removing the trailer, I cut off most of the keel band. This was rusty, but still had quire a bit of steel left. However, some of the securing screws were broken and ...Comments: |
 | Steering Gear Wear and Corrosion2021 February - With the snow melting and the weather warmed up (relatively), work on Bluster has resumed with the stripping out of the steering mechanism. The whipstaff bearing had a bit of play, but I wanted to take it out to inspect it. This was easier said than done because the square bushing on the cockpit side had ...Comments: |
 | Engine Bearers and Thrust Bearing2021 February - The weather continues to be very cold this winter in Aberdeenshire, and now we also have 20 cm of snow. Consequently, not so much work has been done on Bluster. After much work with angle grinder, lump hammer, punches, spanners and pipe wrench , the engine bearers, and the bolts supporting them, have all been removed. ...Comments: |
 | Bluster’s 1GM10 Serviced and painted2021 January - Bluster’s engine was winterised, but otherwise in reasonable working order. It was badly rusted in places, the fuel and oil pipes were beginning to rust, and the paint was peeling off much of the lower half, so it needed a partial strip-down, clean up and repaint. Most of the bits that could be removed without ...Comments: |
 | Getting Bluster’s Engine Out2020 December - Bluster currently has a Yanmar 1GM10 diesel engine, a replacement for the Volvo Penta that she previously had. It has been fairly reliable, but the paint was peeling off the lower half due to excessive amounts of bilge water at times, one of the rubber mounts needed replacing, and the water pump needed rebuilding. The ...Comments: |
 | Repairs to Bluster’s Bow2020 November - Work has continued on repairing the bow area of Bluster. The deck area had some rot wherever it had been penetrated by a screw or bolt, allowing water to get into the end grain of the laminates. The king plank was full of holes from alterations to the stem fitting, but was not rotten, so ...Comments: |
 | Bluster’s Foredeck Repairs2020 September - The foredeck from the cockpit to the forehatch has now been repaired and just needs fairing and some longitudinal slats replacing. The top laminate repairs on the bubble have now been faired and a start made to placing an additional lamination on top of it to replace thickness lost due to sanding in the past sometime. ...Comments: |
 | Cockpit Restoration2020 July - I am now restoring Bluster’s cockpit at deck level. Getting the jib sheet tracks off (all four of them) was a struggle as many of the brass bolts were corroded into the wood, sheared off, and had to be drilled out. The curved pieces of deck at the aft end of the cockpit are also in ...Comments: |
 | Bluster Refit Progress2020 July - Making the most of the warm weather and Covid19 lockdown to work on repairing the deck laminations and replace the rotten frame tops. Progress is slow, but steady.Comments: |
 | Side Deck Strengthening2020 June - On Bluster, between the companionway bulkhead and the main bulkhead the side deck and blister were joined without any reinforcement other than the quarter round on the outside. This led to separation, water ingress, rot, and my son putting his foot through the deck, It was patched up and reinforced with a steel bar under ...Comments: |
 | Diesel Bug in Fuel Tank2019 July - Why you should always add a biocide to your diesel fuel (see photographs)! The algal gloop formed a mat lying on the bottom of the tank. As there was a 3 cm gap below the fuel pickup to the flat bottom of the tank, the fuel siphoned out of the tank was clean. Removing the tank ...Comments: |
 | Bluster in two big bits (and many small bits)2019 June - Bluster is now under an all-weather cover so it is possible to work on her even when the weather is not as fine as it should be. Many of the fittings have been stripped off, and today the coachroof was separated from the deck. This was quite a job, but needed doing as she had developed ...Comments: |
 | Refit of Bluster Started2019 April - Work has started on Bluster’s major refit, now that the weather is warmer and dryer. I am starting to strip off the bits that have not been off for a long time, if ever, to expose what lies beneath and repair it if necessary, starting with the deck as many of the known soft and ...Comments: |
 | Bluster arrives in Scotland, from Suffolk2018 August - After many years of being based at Ramsholt on the Deben and sailing the Thames Estuary with forays to Holland, France and Scotland (by trailer), Bluster has now moved to Scotland where she will undergo a refit before hopefully cruising the east, north and west coasts. [EDITOR Note: See also the post from the AOA Forum ...Comments: |
 | The Best Laid Plans-A183 Bluster’s log-July/August 20122013 February - The best laid plans …… Or an enjoyable alternative“Where are you going for your summer cruise Jane?” ”Hopefully West, but if thatComments: |
References in Forum Topics
(Based on contributors tagging their posts with the sail number e.g. A71, 31/3)';
None
Register
Register incorrect? Missing some information? Use this form to let us know (form opens in new tab)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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A183 | 2020 | Stearn, Jonathan | Thorough restoration being documented on the website. Blister-off repairs to deck. | ||||||
| A183 | 2018 | Aberdeenshire | Restoring | Jonathan Stearn takes over care of boat. After a prolific series of race wins, extensive cruising and many years of DIY maintenance, Jane swallows the Atalanta Anchor. | |||||
| A183 | 1996 | Stearn, Jane | Ted Stearn dies | ||||||
| A183 | 1992 | Yanmar 1GM | |||||||
| A183 | 1975 | Bluster | Stearn, Ted & Jane | Ramsholt, Suffolk | New owner runs Brooksby Hall agricultural college. | ||||
| A183 | 1966 | Thursday's Child | Cox | Cox, JW | Sailing | Masthead, metal | Volvo MB 10A |
AOA Bulletin and Press Appearances
| ArchID | Type | AClass | Category | Ref | Page No | Title | ABoat | ABoat_Name | Author | APages | AComments | APrice | ASort | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 280 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | j. Interior - Mods, Equipment & Gadgetry | 1976-77 | 7 | Modifications to Bluster. 1 Modification, Back Rests, Lee Boards, Fender Board, Gang Plank. | A183 | Bluster | Stearn, EFR & MH | 0 | 2 | 0 | Link | |
| 279 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | k. Exterior - Mods, Equipment & Gadgetry | 1976-77 | 7 | Modifications to Bluster. 1 Modification, 4 Uses: Bow-Roller Pawl, Fender Board, Gang Plank. | A183 | Bluster | Stearn, EFR & MH | 0 | 2 | 0 | Link | |
| 282 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | m. Cruises & Cruising | 1976-77 | 12 | An Eastcoaster Goes West | A183 | Bluster | Stearn J.S. | 1 | 2 | 0 | Link | |
| 297 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | n. AOA Events | 1977-78 | 17 | Atalanta Race 1977 at West Mersea | A183 | Bluster | Stearn M.H. | 1 | 2 | 0 | Link | |
| 310 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | n. AOA Events | 1979-80 | 3 | Annual Atalanta Race | A183 | Bluster | Stearn E. | 1 | 1 | 0 | Link | |
| 354 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | l. History | 1981-82 | 24 | Atalanta | A183 | Bluster | Stearn S. | 1 | 1 | 0 | Link | |
| 378 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | f. Keel Gear | 1983-84 | 22 | Routine Care of Atalanta Keel Mechanism. | A183 | Bluster | Stearn, JS & E | 0 | 1 | 0 | Link | |
| 388 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | m. Cruises & Cruising | 1984-85 | 21 | La Liaison Manche - Ocean, A Breton Canal | A183 | Bluster | Stearn J.S. | 3 | 1 | 0 | Link | |
| 438 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | n. AOA Events | 1990-91 | 2 | West Mersea Rally. | A183 | Bluster | Stearn E | 2 | 2 | 0 | Link | |
| 448 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | n. AOA Events | 1991-92 | 2 | West Mersea Rally. | A183 | Bluster | Stearn E | 2 | 3 | 0 | Link | |
| 493 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | o. General | 1995-96 | 0 | Cover - A183 Bluster at Aldeburgh | A183 | Bluster | 1 | 1 | 0 | Link | ||
| 561 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | n. AOA Events | 2002-03 | 8 | West Mersea Rally | A183 | Bluster | Stearn J | 1 | 1 | 0 | Link | |
| 590 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | m. Cruises & Cruising | 2005-06 | 15 | The AOA Rally | A183 | Bluster | Stearn J | 2 | 1 | 0 | Link | |
| 617 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | n. AOA Events | 2008-09 | 8 | East Coast Rally | A183 | Bluster | Stearn J | 2 | 0 | 0 | Link | |
| 669 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | o. General | 2011-12 | 0 | Cover - A183 Bluster at anchor in the sunset | A183 | Bluster | 1 | 1 | 0 | Link | ||
| 693 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | m. Cruises & Cruising | 2012-13 | 42 | Woodbridge to Conyer | A183 | Bluster | Stearn J | 5 | 1 | 0 | Link | |
| 689 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | n. AOA Events | 2012-13 | 38 | East Coast Rally | A183 | Bluster | Stearn J | 1 | 1 | 0 | Link | |
| 695 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | n. AOA Events | 2013-14 | 23 | East Coast Rally | A183 | Bluster | Stearn J | 1 | 1 | 0 | Link | |
| 708 | Bulletin | 26, T,F,31 | m. Cruises & Cruising | 2014-15 | 48 | Channel crossings and cruising up the Thames | A183 | Bluster | Stearn J | 4 | 2 | 0 | Link |
Trophies
| wdt_ID | trophy | year | awardedto | sailno | boatname | award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| wdt_ID | trophy | year | awardedto | sailno | boatname | award |
| 11 | Coupe Bernard | 1989 | T & J Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Race from Rye to Boulogne - abandoned |
| 53 | Atalanta | 1977 | E. F. R. Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Winner East Coast Race (West Mersea) |
| 55 | Atalanta | 1979 | E. F. R. Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Winner East Coast Race (West Mersea) |
| 61 | Atalanta | 1985 | T. & J. Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Winner East Coast Race (West Mersea) |
| 63 | Atalanta | 1987 | T. & J. Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Winner East Coast Race (West Mersea) |
| 66 | Atalanta | 1990 | T. & J. Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Winner East Coast Race (West Mersea) |
| 67 | Atalanta | 1991 | T. & J. Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Winner East Coast Race (West Mersea) |
| 82 | Atalanta | 2006 | J. Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Winner East Coast Race (West Mersea) |
| 84 | Atalanta | 2008 | J. Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Winner East Coast Race (West Mersea) |
| 87 | Atalanta | 2011 | J. Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Winner East Coast Race (West Mersea) |
| 88 | Atalanta | 2012 | J. Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Winner East Coast Race (West Mersea) |
| 89 | Atalanta | 2013 | J. Stearn | A183 | Bluster | Winner East Coast Race (West Mersea) |