Anyone is welcome to view the Fairey Atalanta Forum and Boat Blogs but you may not contribute without creating a website account. Registering for an account is simple, free and enables you take a full part in our discussions. Better still why not become a member of the AOA and help keep the boats and this website working.

Boat Blogs

Contributions associated with a particular boat
(e.g. history, photos, cruises, modifications etc.)


Browse a Boat Blog

Enter Sail Number – eg. A178, A89 or A31/4 or F36. If you don’t know the sail number search the Boat Registers to access by boat name.


or

Forum

Questions and comments not specific to a particular boat. Any subject you want…


Click on ‘AOA Forum’ to browse discussions or use the ‘Search’


or

Recent Website Activity


Showing Blog-posts and Forum conversations XX for the last 18 weeks
(28 May 2023 to 02 October 2023)

Boat Blogs and Comments

Recent posts below. Click here to see all blogs
(takes a few seconds to load)

NEW POST> The modern world catches up with Fairey Marine?
September 30th, 2023 by
Swallow Yachts Bay Cruiser 26 Launching

Swallow Yachts has produced stylish and practical water-ballasted yachts for many years. The wood-epoxy construction, rig options, performance and performance have made them popular. And this year they have re-interpreted the briefRead More…


NEW POST> A68 Curlew Atalanta For Sale
September 17th, 2023 by
A68 2023 For Sale

Currently located at Glasson Sailing Club, Glasson Dock, Lancaster. Much loved Atalanta. Selling as part of my late father-in-law’s estate. Last registered 2000. Not been sailed since the beginning of COVID-19. WillRead More…


NEW POST> 'Sailor and Cowboy' - book added to Archive
September 6th, 2023 by
Finn Zeimm takes A170 across the Atlantic and back

We came across this book recently by Finn Ziem after someone found his Youtube video about crossing the Atlantic – twice – in 1980 and 1981. Book description: This is the story ofRead More…


NEW POST> A170 Butterfly across the Atlantic 1980
September 4th, 2023 by
Finn Zeimm takes A170 across the Atlantic and back

All images on this page are the copyright of Finn Ziem, from within the Youtube video below. We have just heard about Norwegian Finn Ziem’s double crossing of the Atlantic Ocean inRead More…

NEW COMMENT: September 6th, 2023 by murray reid
Fantastic! Great to see..


NEW POST> Afloat
September 1st, 2023 by
Harrier takes up her new mooring on the River Tamar

This year we finally made it back onto the water. A berth on the Tamar became available in early August. This was followed by a rush to finish a few jobs onRead More…

NEW COMMENT: September 1st, 2023 by Gregory Manning
Brings back memories.. 1969 I used to have a 14 foot dingy at Tamerton Foliot. Sailing up to Morwe

NEW COMMENT: September 5th, 2023 by AOA
George Fantastic to see Harrier afloat, and even more so to see the crew getting stuck in! It is a


NEW POST> Helene is for sale - £4500 or best offer
August 9th, 2023 by
B2EED460-F287-4C37-B5F2-48EF5D8E4A65-1cd61ee5

A124 Helene — a British Classic with a Big Personality — is offered for sale. She is sound, well looked after and a pleasure to sail. Very comfortable cockpit. Helene has benefitedRead More…


NEW POST> Blue Jackaroo for sale.
August 1st, 2023 by

Blue Jackaroo for sale on Ebay for a pound

NEW COMMENT: August 2nd, 2023 by fraser20000
Hi Yeah I can no longer keep her at the current spot and after buying a house I will not have the

NEW COMMENT: September 5th, 2023 by Nick Phillips
Great news that Blue Jackaroo has been sold. The new owner has plans to get her afloat again for ne


NEW POST> Restoration update pt2
July 29th, 2023 by
20210325_134756

Busy weekend  actually bolting  fittings on.. such a good feeling ! Helpful  working where I do ,enables me to think through jobs and get them right first time.   On a different note Read More…

NEW COMMENT: July 30th, 2023 by JimSumberg
Simon: It looks like there will be a very strong case to have Diaphony brought into the inaugural

NEW COMMENT: September 5th, 2023 by Nick Phillips
Simon Diaphony really does look great. I am really looking forward to seeing her on the water. N


NEW POST> Restoration update
July 29th, 2023 by
20230723_151459

Final fitment of Engine bearers Brackets and nuts and bolts all in 316 s/s. Chain plates trial fitted  Today fitted only one tricky and messy job with Butyl sealer..I have found brakeRead More…

NEW COMMENT: July 31st, 2023 by Gregory Manning
Looking very clean


NEW POST> Fairey Marine - ‘Disruptors’?
July 29th, 2023 by
Disruptors

With the introduction of the Atalanta, was Fairey Marine a ‘disruptor’?  Jim Sumberg and Nick PhillipsMARCH 2023  In today’s business world being recognised as a ‘disruptor’ is a badge of honour (andRead More…


NEW POST> AOA 2023 Ore and Alde Cruise: The Unbelievable Truth
July 16th, 2023 by
2023 Ore and Alde Rally

The cruising log is a unique literary genre, and can take many forms. Part fact and part fiction, a log can be as tedious as a week in the Horse Latitudes and/orRead More…


NEW POST> Alde & Ore Rally - Diversion
July 7th, 2023 by
2023 Ore and Alde Rally

We left Wrabness at 4 on Thursday and spent the night in Hamford Water. Weather fantastic and the Backwaters magic. This morning we sailed out and up the coast choosing to divertRead More…

NEW COMMENT: July 9th, 2023 by Bernard Marshall
Hello sailors, Great photos and pleased that two boats made the rendezvous. Hope that you made it

NEW COMMENT: July 11th, 2023 by Jonathan Stearn
Good diversion! I hope you enjoyed Ramsholt. Sad that young George Collins is no longer around. Jane


NEW POST> FULMAR Trailer sailer For Sale £3950
July 5th, 2023 by
2023 Dodo for sale - on her trailer

**** WITHDRAWN **** FAIREY FULMAR 20 ft Sitting in Owlesbury near Winchester. A true trailer sailor. Ready to sail this summer. Petter 6HP marine diesel engine, with electric start. (Recent service) RollerRead More…


NEW POST> Two Atalantas on the River Stour together on Midsummer's day
June 23rd, 2023 by
21 June 2023 (6)-b263e0ff

A89 Colchide and A124 Helene arranged to meet on the River Stour on Midsummer’s day. Is this the first time two Atalantas have sailed together  this year?  Title: 21 June 2023 (16)-9bb4654cCaption:Read More…

NEW COMMENT: June 24th, 2023 by Gregory Manning
Very smart.


NEW POST> Poor Seamanship
June 5th, 2023 by
Sugar Plum June 23-6839edeb

Spot the poor seamanship! Title: Sugar Plum June 23-684c89f2

NEW COMMENT: June 8th, 2023 by Mike Dixon
Hi Greg, I'm stumped! There's a boat following Sugar Plum You've left the boarding ladder beh

NEW COMMENT: June 9th, 2023 by Gregory Manning
Eleven out of ten for Mike. I can not stop the yellow boat following me. I do not have a board

NEW COMMENT: July 14th, 2023 by Aaron Todd
No motoring cone?

NEW COMMENT: July 16th, 2023 by Gregory Manning
No sails up so no cone required!


NEW POST> Challenging
June 3rd, 2023 by

Sugar Plum doing some challenging pilotage in the North Channel of Loch Moidart. Title: North Channel Moidart-3a98cb90

Forum Topics (shaded) and Replies


NEW TOPIC>Bulls Eye Deck Light (New Topic)
September 26th, 2023 Gregory Manning

Does anyone have a bulls eye deck light fitted to their forehatch to give some light in the forepeak?   If Yes are there any drawbacks i.e. does it make the hatch tooRead More…

NEW REPLY:September 28th, 2023 by JimSumberg

And the inside view

NEW REPLY:September 28th, 2023 by JimSumberg

Greg, Here is the set-up on Helene, Jim  

NEW REPLY:September 26th, 2023 by JimSumberg

Greg, There is one on Helene. It is a small one I picked up at the boatyard. No disadvantages, and adds little if anything to the weight. I will send a photo,Read More…


NEW TOPIC>Boarding Ladder to Swimming Ladder (New Topic)
September 19th, 2023 Doug Odgers

Having been ignominiously dragged onboard from what was to be a pleasant swim in Studland Bay and avoid a repeat of the incident –  ideas please as to the best way to temporarilyRead More…

NEW REPLY:September 26th, 2023 by Doug Odgers

Jim, That’s excellent.  Off now to start on swimming ladder extention.  Sea water temperature off Dorset  coast at the moment is worth hanging around in. Many thanks for the photos.   DougRead More…

NEW REPLY:September 24th, 2023 by AOA

Jim managed to find a brief moment to demonstrate the ladder whilst using it for its other purpose on Helene – tucking in the 4th reef which which is a long wayRead More…

NEW REPLY:September 23rd, 2023 by Gregory Manning

I should have thought of that as I have plenty of space there too.  My problem is first getting into the cockpit from the inflatable alongside not helped by lifejacket crouch straps Read More…

NEW REPLY:September 22nd, 2023 by JimSumberg

Greg, Helene’s lives under the aft end of the port-side cockpit bench, accessed via the aft cabin. Jim

NEW REPLY:September 21st, 2023 by Gregory Manning

I do not have a ladder but I have seen them on other Atalantas.  Where do you stow such a bulky item?

NEW REPLY:September 21st, 2023 by Doug Odgers

Jim, that will be very helpful. Many thanks, Doug

NEW REPLY:September 19th, 2023 by JimSumberg

Doug, Helene’s ladder has an extension that gives an extra two steps. Very easy to board (and store). I will send a picture later in the week, Jim


NEW TOPIC>FAIREY MARQUE NEW OWNER (New Topic)
August 20th, 2023 Doug Odgers

The latest Classic Boat mag. has a couple of centrfolds announcing the launch and sea trials of the Fairey Sable 19 ft  speedboat. The builder and owner can use the Fairey marqueRead More…


NEW TOPIC>WHIPSTAFF DIGGING INTO WOOD (New Topic)
August 20th, 2023 Doug Odgers

Two whipstaff issues : 1.  Steel yoke connection at bottom of whipstaff digging into “threshold” of after cabin companion way – no matter how much I try to remember to lean itRead More…

NEW REPLY:August 23rd, 2023 by Doug Odgers

Thanks Mike that is helpful. Now considering making a version  of that athwart ship ‘protector’ out of stainless steel. I’ll let you know how I get on. Many thanks.

NEW REPLY:August 23rd, 2023 by JimSumberg

Does this help? Jim

NEW REPLY:August 22nd, 2023 by Doug Odgers

Thanks Mike, where could I find pictures of the sleeve and metal flange ?

NEW REPLY:August 22nd, 2023 by Mike Dixon

Doug, 1.  Not sure I understand the problem.  Am I correct in thinking that the ‘yoke’ is gouging the woodwrk on the for’d side of the aft cabin bulkhead?  In which caseRead More…


NEW TOPIC>Free (New Topic)
August 10th, 2023 Gregory Manning

I have a copy of the book “Rescue From the Skies” the story of the Airborne Lifeboat. If anyone wants it for free contact me on snipefield394@btinternet.com


NEW TOPIC>Electrolysis? Keel box srews (New Topic)
July 23rd, 2023 A148 Johara

Could someone tell me what,s happening and how to fix it?

NEW REPLY:July 23rd, 2023 by Chris Green

Oxidisation of the  original bronze screws around the keel boxes seems to be the issue in the photo. Over time the whole screw can degrade and allow moisture ingress.  If it isRead More…


NEW TOPIC>Fairey Duckling parts (New Topic)
June 26th, 2023 John Ogle

I have picked up two very poorly Ducklings to rescue One item I really need is a gunmetal sheet horse i could buy some 3/8 bronze rod and have someone bend andRead More…

NEW REPLY:July 31st, 2023 by Richard James

Hello John, Sadly we don’t have a Duckling sheet horse in the AOA spare parts barn. Have you tried groups like this: https://www.facebook.com/groups/859726647407445 https://www.facebook.com/groups/boatscrapyarduk https://www.facebook.com/groups/sittingthererottinginaboatyard https://www.facebook.com/groups/uffafox Richard    

NEW REPLY:June 26th, 2023 by John Ogle

This is what the horse looks like 


Rudder control cables
May 5th 2023 by Gregory Manning
NEW REPLY:June 8th, 2023 by Gregory Manning

Trevor, As I mentioned, my first failure was of cable of the original spec, that is galvanized wire spun over  a naturel fibre core. Having stainless steel cables is therefore not originalRead More…

NEW REPLY:June 8th, 2023 by Trevor Thompson

Greg “Alas I dare not leave it down” – I didn’t suggest you should – leaving it up isn’t the issue. “likely increase the movement” – why do you think this isRead More…

NEW REPLY:June 8th, 2023 by Gregory Manning

Thanks Trevor,   I am sure that the fact that I have the rudder up and on a swinging mooring is the cause of the problem.  Alas I dare not leave itRead More…

NEW REPLY:June 8th, 2023 by Trevor Thompson

My last post contained errors. The errors don’t change the outcome but for anyone with a vaguely scientific background there are glaring. So to correct it (I tried editing the post butRead More…

NEW REPLY:June 7th, 2023 by Trevor Thompson

I have just carried out a few rough calculations.   If the tiller is 1 metre long. If you can exert a pull about the same as your weight on the tillerRead More…

NEW REPLY:June 7th, 2023 by Trevor Thompson

Oh – I forgot to mention that Calista is kept on a mooring where there is 1M at low water springs, so she is always left with the blade raised, and theRead More…

NEW REPLY:June 7th, 2023 by Trevor Thompson

Greg, I have never had any problems with my steering control cables. I suspect that they are original. I have used them for 25 years without any problems. They are still inRead More…

NEW REPLY:June 7th, 2023 by Gregory Manning

Jim, Thanks for the feedback and I do see the sense in what you say.  Alas I do have a potential problem with the depth of water at LWS so I doRead More…

NEW REPLY:June 7th, 2023 by JimSumberg

Greg, Last week I moved Helene to a swing mooring off Wrabness, about half way between Manningtree and Harwich. There is plenty of water and it moves quite fast. Over a coupleRead More…