Boat Blog Posts

Offering Elle (A169) for sale, she is  currently in commission afloat at Dell Quay – coming out in mid October, where she will move to a local barn for the winter. SheRead More…

  This year I turn 70 and my daughter signed me up for Storyworth, which sends a question a week to prompt memories. This week’s question was: What is your favorite storyRead More…

Having been frustrated at my inability to get up the Hamble against the tide in full flow, I have set my mind to finding ways to resolve the fact that the originalRead More…

We were sent these two photos by members of the OGA, Clare and Pete Thomas, who spotted Destiny as they travelled homewards after the Dutch OGA 20th Anniversary celebrations. Thank Pete andRead More…

Purpose made trailer for an Atalanta 26. A142 Sugar Plum has been transported from Aberdeen to the West Coast of Scotland every year (and back!). The trailer has suffered damage to theRead More…

This boat was built by my late father in the early 1960s. He bought the hull and the plans direct from Fairey Marine. Sadly, it never saw the water and has beenRead More…

I’m very pleased to report – we are sailing again. Me, my kids and my friends Colin and Ross have just been out this afternoon, after sailing Zambra round to Queenborough onRead More…

Sugar Plum has a new bullseye light in her forepeak.   What a difference that has made.

It’s exciting times in Kent, as Zambra is making the final stages of her long journey back to the sea. After ten long years of intermittent restoration, it was wonderful to seeRead More…

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 forRead More…

A31-4 Gellie is one of the twelve Atalanta 31s completed. She was 60 years old in 2023! Four other Atalanta 31s are still sailing or being restored. The Atalanta 31 was aRead More…

Just seen this on Facebook. A rather nice-looking Fairey Falcon available near Chichester. If you use facebook its worth having a look just to see the photographs.

I have to admit to being a bit taken with Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons stories. As a child, as an adult, and now as a Grandad. I learnt the ‘right’ wayRead More…

Saw this article in atlantic magazine. June 2001 edition. Thank you very much to Mike for taking the trouble to post the article on the website. We are always excited to receiveRead More…

Amber Ellen was spotted by a sailing enthusiast in Aberdeen. They posted a photo and there ensued a variety of comments. It appears that whilst most are appreciative of Atalantas there areRead More…

This follows on from Ian’s excellent four-page article in the 2023-2024 Bulletin: Ian had left Brough Haven in good time for the Uffa Fox 50 year event in the IOW on 20th AugustRead More…

I know I have asked similar about ‘Bilgex’ for my bilge below engine, now that engine is out. I have Bilgexed , but more needs to be done before applying bilge paint.Read More…

A104 Arosa needs a new home. Arosa is currently sitting on a roadworthy galvanised four wheel trailer, between Edinburgh & North Berwick. Good mainsail and genoa, some older jibs and genoa, spinnakerRead More…

Uffa – Yachting’s Eccentric Genius by Malcolm TurnerISBN: 978-1-9144893-5-8256 Pages100 illustrations229 x 152 x 25 mmPublisher: Sun RiseMore information “Uffa Fox was the most influential designer in yacht racing history. His ‘planing’ dinghies and keel boats wereRead More…

New sea toilet finally found for Zambra! After many hours trying to chase out holes in the rusted u-bend of the Simpson Lawrence sea toilet, I found one on eBay in aRead More…

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…

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. Will tryRead More…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Blue Jackaroo for sale on Ebay for a pound

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…

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…

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…

Trial fit of Engine Bearers and associated brackets and Chain plates..  

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…

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…

FAIREY FULMAR 20 ft Sitting in Owlesbury near Winchester. Compact, trailable, sailing cruiser with remarkable internal space, having four 6ft 6in berths Head room 5ft 9in. Ready to sail this summer. PetterRead More…

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? 

Spot the poor seamanship!

Sugar Plum doing some challenging pilotage in the North Channel of Loch Moidart.

This spring the painters and decorators had a go at updating Helene’s cabin. Interesting comparison with Nick’s 2015 photo below.

Following work this spring to address water ingress along the bottom of Helene’s keel boxes, new slot gaskets were installed using Hawk 150mm mylar gasket material obtained from RS Sailing. The badlyRead More…

A48 Feli has been broken up. She sank at her moring in 2015 during a storm. I got her re floated and took her out of the water. Unfortunately the stern wasRead More…

A casual get together in the Zoom bar of the ‘Two Keels Inn’. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Open to anyone who wants to come along. This year we are planningRead More…

  Over the last several years water has leaked into Helene’s forward cabin. The amount was relatively small – more annoying than anything else – but something was not right. Everything pointedRead More…

Photo of A77 Blue Goose sailing.

Thanks for the resources over the years. Word to the wise: It would have been easier to buy one in better condition! Should you undertake a similar restoration be prepared for ChristsRead More…

I did learn before I bought  A90  that the enemy of an Atalanta  was not sea water  but rain. So off to Sturminster Newton and Hansons’ massive material warehouse. Then bumping backRead More…

The Uffa fox event was the perfect excuse for me to finally address the top-sides.  Mary was in good condition when I took over her care.  But the paint had definitely goneRead More…

Hi. Does anyone own Baby Seal? I would love to hear that she is still around. My Uncle, John Berry of HM Coastguard in Margate, Spurn Point and Liverpool, bought this boatRead More…

This photo was found in my late Uncles records. He owned Baby Seal and look like this might be a rare photo of A3…!

My father Dr Francis George Elvins was the first owner, from 1960 until 1971 when he died. He kept her moored on Wareham Quay, Dorset where he lived. He crossed the channelRead More…

This is a late, but nevertheless. Helene was lifted on 18 October 2021 at Mistley Marine on the River Stour in Essex. It proved to be a somewhat quirky but very pleasantRead More…

We are delighted to hear that A115 ‘Mara’ has been sold. Her new owner has moved her to the South Coast to complete her restoration. This is great news. In 1975 EricRead More…

If you use the AOA Website regularly you will have noticed a big change to the Home Page. Below are some thoughts which might help you understand the changes. Why has itRead More…

A small team visited Rye last week to rescue parts from A179 Emma Duck before she is destroyed. The Secretary and Committee have worked hard in recent years to support the ownersRead More…

The first ever Duckling World Championships were held at Bosham Hoe after the Uffa Fox 50 event. The weather was kind and the Currey did a great job of organising the eventRead More…

All over a month ago now. Here are a selection of the photographs from the events in August based around the Uffa Fox 50 event. The highlight was undoubtedly seeing five Atalantas,Read More…

The boats travelling to the UF50 event in August stopped off at Brighton. They were spotted by Mark Whittle who sailed A19 Valare in the 1970’s as a young boy. Mark veryRead More…

It’s been a busy few years so Zambra has had to take a bit of a backward step but this year, finally, I’ve managed to get her going forwards again. Thought IRead More…

The excitement is growing! Just 2 days to go. Check out the Uf50.org website for the latest including details of some of the interesting boats attending, including the Atalantas. The event isRead More…

Atalantas draw attention wherever they go.  To add to the publicity the AOA is hoping that all attendees at the UF50 event will sport an AOA Polo shirt and that all theRead More…

Atalantas attract attention wherever they go. To help publicise the boats and the AOA the Association have suggested a template to display boat details for use in Marinas and alongside. These areRead More…

Thirteen of us met up in Dundee: George, Estelle and Morag from A147 Chamois; Bernard from A66 Sassi; Jonathan from A183 Bluster; Mike and Sheila from A1 Atalanta; Greg from A142 SugarRead More…

I popped by to help ready Helene for final fitting out tasks – putting her ‘in the air’ for work inside the keelboxes on the new posts at the rear. It isRead More…

Have decided to fit the keel  mechanism from Jack of London T4  as it was all made from stainless steel ,Problem is getting this lot to fit in the keel box   asRead More…

The organisers for this four day festival in August have issued and update (27th February). The event is growing with detailed plans for the sailing and a host of activities around theRead More…

The following paper was conceived in the cabin of an Atalanta during the East Coast Cruise in 2021. New owner Jim Sumberg was reviewing the innovations within the Atalanta and its partRead More…

I have always like the “Tiger design” NATO jets, so yesterday, I gave Colchide a “Tiger design” to her hull.

The Uffa Fox 50 celebrations are calling for old sails from Uffa boats, to be used in creating regalia for the event. If you have any hiding at the back of yourRead More…

20 Members and friends attend the 2022 AGM meeting and lunch. It was great to be holding another ‘In Person’ meeting after last year’s was ‘virtual’ due to Covid-19.  Of course, Covid-19Read More…

The organisers for this four day festival in August have issued and update (27th February). The event is growing with detailed plans for the sailing and a host of activities around theRead More…

Mentioned in the book “The War That Never Was” by Duff Hart-Davis page 29 one page only. The boat, A21 ‘Chuff’,  was flown to Aden in the early sixties or earlier byRead More…

We came across this book recently  by Danny O’Neill. Danny owned A78 Marianda in the 1980s and 1990s. The book is about Danny’s life at sea on eighty different boats as aRead More…

Elle is being stored in a barn this winter.  Located in Dell Quay, Chichester Harbour – Apuldram Manor Farm.  The storage allows the luxury of working on the boat throughout the winterRead More…

It is time for me to pass on the ‘bateau’ on to a new owner.  Work commitments, blah..de..blah..  But she deserves to be used and should never be neglected. She is aRead More…

Just saw this on Boat Scrapyards site. The boat is in Cheshire

Presently afloat and in commission in Chichester harbour. Artemis II is in good  condition with a Sabb marine single diesel engine and a new under boom cockpit cover.  All fresh painted thisRead More…

Atalantas at a Boatshow? First there was one – the twenty four feet long Atalanta prototype, in 1955. Then, over the next decade, Fairey Marine built one hundred and eighty six AtalantaRead More…

The AOA caught up with the son of an ex-owner at the Southampton Boastshow in 2021. This was great – it filled in an ownership gap in our records and provided theRead More…

Having  decided that the cockpit seats need replacing . I set about ripping the old ones out  the reason for this was cracking either side  of frame work . Good thing  IRead More…

  On taking over a boat it is common to inherit a certain number of “special” items. Dredged from the depths of locker or lazarette, damp and probably rusty, their identity andRead More…

  The plan was for an overnight to Pin Mill or the Walton Backwaters. We left Manningtree under sail around 1130 anticipating the ebb, without even a cat’s paw of breeze. TheRead More…

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’ – sheRead More…

I am really glad that I managed to find ‘hibernation’ for Mary over the lock-down.  But it is time to get her back in the water enjoy a sail and make sureRead More…

Free for restoration. Turtle is currently sitting on a four wheel trailer in Truro. If someone out there will take her please do, just send a lorry we can pull her onRead More…

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 aroundRead More…

There is a new ”Group’ on Facebook – Fairey Atalantas. Whilst not an AOA ‘official’ group we will be posting on it about the Association and the boats. We would really loveRead More…

Since the mid-1990 I have owned a number of small boats including a Devon Yawl, Cornish Shrimper, Cornish Crabber (Mk 1), Kingfisher 22+ (jink rig), Anderson 26 (lifting keeI), Golden Hind andRead More…

To escape the worst of the expected heatwave I thought I would visit what has quickly become my favourite anchorage, and do some relaxed mud listening. After a beat down the StourRead More…

Triggered by some recent (unsuccessful) attacks on the site we have updated the way people can request an account. It is now more manual than before. This does not affect existing usersRead More…

Very rare Fairey Marine Pixie Tender for sale. Open to reasonable offers. The tender has a deck over one half and has been stored in a garage for forty years. It willRead More…

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 theRead More…

A89 Colchide attended the 2021 Suffolk Yacht Harbour Classic Regatta over the weekend 25-27 June. This Regatta encourages both motor and sail boats and this year was graced by half a dozenRead More…

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. WaterRead More…

Aquilo II is in a barn on her trailer near Bridport in Dorset. She is possibly the last ever 26ft Atalanta to be launched, which she was in 1969. She has beenRead More…

The AOA ‘Beer & Natter’ at ‘The Two Keels’ on Saturday 22 May 2021 at 6 PM was a great success and 12 members attended: Mike Dixon (Commodore A1), Jane Stearn (Vice-Commodore), Read More…

While most of our thorough Spring Clean was about keeping the site working smoothly there have been some functional improvements too. The ‘Images’ page now includes the Boat sail number in theRead More…

My father Dr.Peter Ewart Burden re-named this boat. We nearly lost her and our lives once-sailing from Ramsgate on a halcyon day ,force 3 forecast to be caught in squall. My husbandRead More…

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 withoutRead More…

This will be my last post on Helene’s Boat Blog as owner. In fact although started before the sale it is being published after handover to Jim, the new owner. Due toRead More…

I was spring cleaning A89 Colchide yesterday, when I was approached by a gentleman. “Is that an Atalanta” “Oh, I had a passenger ride in an Atalanta, aged 9, in the earlyRead More…

A177 Quinteffence has been laid up on her trailer for the last 8 years as life has not allowed time to spend sailing (and maintaining her). She has been stored under aRead More…

I was delighted to welcome an ex-owner of Kicky Wicky as a website user last month. Having ‘conversations’ with ex-owners and their families is one of the delights of my job asRead More…

Made a mtg for the python drive from 19mm Ply /Mahogany and 2.5 mm A4 stainless.. A new propshaft from Clements  engineering made from Duplex with couplings for conversion from 3/4″to PythonRead More…

A chance contact with the original owners of T10 Calista led to a photo of Calista with A155 Miranda in the background which, with thanks to the AOA bloodhound which is ourRead More…

Occasionally walk past this poor old boat at Newham on the Truro River. I imagine she has been abandoned.

February was a great month for connecting to ex-owners of Fairey yachts. Rodney, son of Titania T10 Calista’s first owner, joined the website and we entered into a conversation by email. RodneyRead More…

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 ofRead More…

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, butRead More…

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 muchRead More…

Having  purchased the engine from the late Jack of London T4 having  stripped down all ancillary items  had the alt and starter refurbishment done  by  Wasp. Started up and runs like aRead More…

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 muchRead More…

After changing A90’s  livery, time to go for the keels. But removal of the trailer had to come first. Travis Perkins first had to deliver some railway sleepers up from Newport ,Read More…

Very rare Fairey Marine Pixie Tender for sale. Open to reasonable offers. Built circa 1950 as a tender to the Fairey Marine Atalanta class yachts using the vacuum hot moulded plywood techniquesRead More…

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 A1Read More…

Risking the opprobrium of AOA members I changed A90 ‘s  traditional Atalanta livery of  Blue &  White  to that of my very first yacht, a Red  &  White   Silhouette  Mark  II. TheRead More…

On the 8th February 2019  Dominic Dobson brings A90 all the way from Ilkley Moor to North Dorset and a bag full of ‘The Patience of a Saint’ ! Arriving after darkRead More…

A182 Skimmer has been in storage in Virginia Beach, USA, since 1985 in a tent, and been kept dry. She is now looking for someone to complete her restoration. She is lyingRead More…

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 halfRead More…

Image above of Uffa Fox and Charles Currey with a Firefly dinghy copyright Fairey Marine / Currey Family. 26th October 2022 is the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Uffa Fox. ItRead More…

‘..an incredible sailor, who at the same time was also a clever and insightful innovator‘ Dougal Henshaw, Sail-World 18 December 2020 Dougal Henshaw has just published a fascinating profile of Charles CurreyRead More…

A few pictures of Deck and a illustration on forming precise curves which are then laminated. This was done a few years ago Picture of mast spreader bracket to Fairey item incorporatingRead More…

The AOA Annual Bulletin and Yearbook should be hitting Member doormats this week. Thanks to all the contributors and to Bernard and his team for its production. And a very Happy ChristmasRead More…

We were delighted to hear from the son of Taku Maru’s original owner, Philip Booth, about his recollections of her and how she got her name. I am really delighted to seeRead More…

Hi fellow sailors and boat maintainers.  I think we should get together and discuss the Vendee Globe out of a sense of shared interest.  I have created a zoom meeting below forRead More…

Through a series of unfortunate experiences A166 is in need of a new home. She is in Clark’s Boatyard on Portland. Contact Tim or Denise at 01305 860265. Although originally covered theseRead More…

Amber Ellen could be an excellent example of the Atalanta 26 but requires extensive finishing and some woodwork repairs, mainly to the decks and cockpit. She benefits from many unique modifications includingRead More…

The Annual Bulletin for 1994-95 included an article (page 34) by R.Backhaus detailing his purchase of A140 Kate Thomas, the work he carried out and his views on sailing and trailing. TheRead More…

Thanks to Bernard Marshall for bringing to my attention the excellent article on the Yachts and Yachting website about Fairey Marine hotmoulded boats. It majors on the dinghies but the Atalanta doesRead More…

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 theRead More…

Titania T1 was owned by the Dixon’s in the early 1980s, in Ireland. Jim Dixon kindly posted this photo of her.

The details of the virtual laying up get together have now been published under the Event entry. It would be great to see as many of you as can make it comingRead More…

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 boatRead More…

The decision to scrap A154 was taken in October 2020. To all intents and purposes A154 is no more although she lives on through parts salvaged by the AOA to be usedRead More…

Following the scrapping of T4 Brother Jack, A154 Deeanie and A179 Emma Duck, the AOA now have a large number of second-hand parts available for owners. You can access the list throughRead More…

It is planned for Deannie to be scrapped over the weekend of 9-11 October. This week is the last chance if anyone wishes to save her. I you are seriously interested andRead More…

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 fairedRead More…

I have taken the decision to let A115 go to a new owner. Sadly I don’t have the time to work on her where she is as there is no power andRead More…

I hope there is a competent person out there who would take on the restoration of F3 Dunsheen and sail this lovely boat. She is a good example of this classic classRead More…

It will not go down in the AOA Annals for its mileage or good weather but we all had a great time. We explored the Stour, Deben and Walton Backwaters before StormRead More…

Just wondering do the Chainplate wedges  go at the top of plate  There is a hole for a Chainplate bolt…30 yrs since I took it apart.

Lying in Ipswich. Please contact Nick for details by email or by phone on 07711 088762. A124 is for sale to allow to pursue my Atalanta and sailing aspirations in different directions.Read More…

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 theRead More…

A124 Helene was launched at last on Monday (with much thanks to Mike Dixon for driving miles to assist). It felt good to have water under the keel again and looking forwardRead More…

Titania T4 will be chopped up tomorrow, 22 July 2020 at boatscrapyard.com in Gosport. If you want any bits from her, please phone Steve on 023 9298 4666 ASAP or contact LukeRead More…

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.

Not sure I every shared any photos of the new aft pushpit. This push pit works by providing storage for a modern life ring, Seago lift raft complete with easy release (justRead More…

A 31/11 has 316 L stainless steel keel bolts and controling plates (Posted by F O’Riordain using the AOA Website ‘Guest’ posting facility)

Replacement engine arrived today now the fun begins fitting it Nanni 14hp with heat exchanger..Sorting out bearers tomorrow. My New Mast which I picked up on holiday in Cornwall a few yrsRead More…

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,Read More…

Despite the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions in the UK (and specifically in England), planned events for the Association have taken a significant hit.  We got away with holding the AGM inRead More…

A55 is for sale on eBay (finishes 14th June at 14.23) as a restoration project. She has been stored in a barn for a few years. Condition hard to tell exactly fromRead More…

Hello fellow owners I am looking for  drg no 24833 Mast head rig metal mast are they available still and how much.. regards Simon

3 months Furlough Had to do something   Full speed ahead on Diaphony  working on the keel boxes  Mtg brackets blasted and  Galvernised  and painted with Epoxy Primer  as are the Keels justRead More…

The 26′ Atalanta was a great success and Fairey Marine were considering a 31′ variation. There is a very early set of sketches and drawings, many signed by Uffa Fox, in theRead More…

Mk1 Rudder  in very good condition  has finally found its way on to Diaphony A5 .  And have lowered the top pintle down about 2 inches, also replaced lower pintle with aRead More…

Our East Coast representative has sent us this scoop from secret waters somewhere near Harwich. Getting the Atalanta to go faster has pre-occupied many in recent years (check out this thread). Well,Read More…

There’s a video of this boat A160 ‘Moyra’ from an 8mm film I made in 1968. David Clover. Read about the history of the London Sailing Project, now Rona Trust, on theirRead More…

Is there anyone running a Yanmar GM20 in an Atalanta 26 I already have a RCA Dolphin 12 hp two stroke twin fitted in the boat. I would like to know ifRead More…

In 2001 the owners of A7 bought A109 Beltine for spares. A109 was subsequently broken up as can be seen in the photos. Coincidentally A7 was bought by an owner who usedRead More…

We went Wild on Windermere! See what went on. How to take part Read the conversation below. Contribute using the form at the bottom of the page. Click on the ‘Subscribe’ linkRead More…

Hello guys, been a while but using the warm weather I have been at work doing what I can.  she started as loose tape on the deck and a little hole inRead More…

We have recently placed five Fairey Marine promotional films on the ‘Videos’ page. These are entertaining and provide an interesting insight into sailing in the late fifties / early sixties as wellRead More…

Further to the investigations in what happened to A35 Scherzo after the Conservatoire International de la Plaisance  closed down in the 1990s we have continued to search periodically. I came across thisRead More…

We were saddened to hear at the beginning of last year that the long term owner of A76 Inshallah and A98 Beki had died. The owner had been restoring both boats inRead More…

It is with a heavy heart that I offer A148, Johara for sale. I moved to the Isle of Harris with the intention of finally sorting her out but a combination ofRead More…

Happy memories of A126 Apple The AOA were very glad to be contacted in April 2020 by an ex-owner of A126 Apple with a little bit of history and some photographs. HavingRead More…

The Atalanta was designed with built in lifting brackets which enabled the boat to be lifted with the weight taken largely by the strong central bulkhead and keel structure. Two were boltedRead More…

In 1958 the prize for Daily Express National Boat Show was an Atalanta! Specifically A70 Catalina! John Dixon kindly provided the cutting tin the photograph (much appreciated!) which triggered this post. TheRead More…

It is always a great pleasure to me as the Webmaster when members, ex-members, ex-owners or families of ex-owners send in material to add to the archive. This has included copies ofRead More…

A65 Joann is for sale. A special Atalanta, Joann has a Titania coachroof ‘blister’ over the main cabin providing increased headroom there. She also has a standard Atalanta blister fitted to theRead More…

Given the unprecedented concern and coverage of the Covid 29 virus spread and the actions that are being considered by governments across the world, it only seems appropriate to outline the Association’sRead More…

Storm Jorge didn’t manage to keep 22 of us from The Tamesis Sailing club, even passing through quickly so that we could bask in the sunshine during the AGM and lunch. TheRead More…

Noggin has had a great deal of work done in recent years by professional boatbuilder Alan Staley and the previous owner. She is wonderful condition, looking very smart and awaiting a freshRead More…

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 restorationRead More…

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

I would like to apologise to all of our readers for the non-availability of the website in the past few days. A small change triggered some unexpected impacts on the site. IRead More…

I have today received a reply from Norbert Fradin of the Musée Mer Marine at Bordeaux. He briefly states that he is, unfortunately not capable of giving us any information  concerning theRead More…

Colchide came out the water last week and I noticed that the rudder had some delamination cracks on the trailing edge. It has a 12mm central oak core and a further 12mmRead More…

Alan contacted us to enquire about the fate of A175 Inyoniamanzi (African for ‘Water Bird’). We were unable to provide much more information but Alan added some information to A175’s history. InyoniamanziRead More…

UPDATED 28/11 after input from Hanneke Boon of Wharram Designs, including updates to Aku’s boat page Further to the article in November the December issue of Classic Boat includes an endorsement ofRead More…

A number of you highlighted difficulties in adding photos to your blog entries. With apologies for it having been a bit messy I have now made it more reliable. Or should IRead More…

Bernard Blavier contacted the AOA in October 2019 to enquire of her whereabouts. (Connecting with ex-owners is one of the pleasures of the website). Bernard was the owner responsible for A35 beingRead More…

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 andRead More…

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 theRead More…

Subscriptions for 2020 are due by 1st January. At the 2019 AGM in March it was agreed to simplify our subscription rates. There is now a flat rate of £20 for allRead More…

I can’t seem to get my photos to load, but I am under my second restoration of the awesome T6 Kittiwake.  No major problems but some major projects.  Mystery leaks discovered andRead More…

Pilgrim is now ashore at Ullswater and owned by; John Hamilton Jr. , > Barrow in Furness Cumbria

It started with a conversation at the Suffolk Yacht Harbour Classic Regatta in June this year. In the bar. Peter Smith, art editor for Classic boat was taking part with his 8-tonRead More…

For those interested, A38 has found its way across Canada from North Bay Ontario to Saltspring island, British Columbia . A five day 4000km journey.  Saltspring island will be it’s new home.

The Bulletin Editor is busy preparing to collate and format all of your articles for this year’s Bulletin. Tell us about your cruises, your modifications or anything you think other Atalanta OwnersRead More…

Vic Carr, ex owner, had this letter published in the September edition of Classic Boat. The Secretary is getting touch with Classic Boat to connect with Vic. He is looking for photosRead More…

The final programme for the East Coast get together and race as part of the Regatta is now available. Check it out here It would be great to see as many ofRead More…

We were contacted by someone who was looking to help a friend dispose of an Atalanta. They did not know many details but provided the photos below. From this we were ableRead More…

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 cmRead More…

I used to own a fairey fulmar,   I think it is this one, mast replaced   with an alloy one, a distinct modification  was carried out to the  center plate,    it was Read More…

New Styling, Pages and Navigation (menu) Options Yes, the website looks different. Responding to feedback we have tried to make it easier to find things on the website. In particular you willRead More…

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 haveRead More…

base camp established we are missing the magneto from the Coventry and need a model number  we are also wanting all the sponge replicating

The cold weather took a welcome break and the sun shone in Bristol on 11th May for our meet-up at the Underfall Yard in the Bristol Floating Harbour.  There was a prettyRead More…

I saw A49 on ebay and I am bringing her home to restore. 

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,Read More…

Colchide went back into the water on a very cold 3 April 2019. Winter work included: Changing the impeller on the Farymann diesel Moving and greasing all 6 stainless steel keel pinsRead More…

The 2019 AGM was a great success with 27 Members and friends attending the meeting and lunch. The Minutes, Secretary and Treasurer Reports will be published for Members in the Spring Newsletter.Read More…

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

I have had an update from Dennis Clarke on the progress of Julietta’s restoration. As often happens timescales for the work planned extended significantly but Julietta was finally prety much ready forRead More…

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

A169 “Elle” (formerly Kerry Piper) Wooden Boom and mast rebuild 2018 Boom Boom rebuild was completed over the last week in August – see photos for work stages etc. Still a fewRead More…

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

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 apparentlyRead More…

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

Although the wind, snow, rain and frost are still with us I am sure most of us are planning our Summer activities. Why not make room in your diaries to get togetherRead More…

Clearing up the photos on my camera, I came across these. Alistair, I hope you don’t mind me posting them. Atalanta Mary was moved in November to a home out of theRead More…

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

This is a post in the continuing story documenting the restoration of A1 Atalanta. See the overview and other posts by clicking on the staple-gun

This page details all archive and website updates by the date they were made – scroll down to review. Feedback on the site and ideas for improvements are always welcome – pleaseRead More…

The photos below were loaded in November 2018. These photographs were collected as part of the pjysical AOA Archive and are now being made available online.

Winter Cover: Removed the waxed canvas cockpit tent for valeting; so have made up a new winter deck cover for A 169. NB:  Article on making the cover will be in AOARead More…

Peanut is based in Beaumaris, North Wales. Andrew Willat posted photos of her in 2017-18 on the Facebook group ‘Uffa Fox Designs‘. Peanut is far from standard with an extra mast andRead More…

Nick contacted us to say that he had come across A48 Theodora in a barn in Dorset. It was not clear what the owner planned for her.

In another demonstration of the benefits of the website we were contacted by someone who had come across Theodora in a barn in Dorset.She looks to be in reasonable condition.Unfortunately we hadRead More…

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 whereRead More…

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 inRead More…

Reluctant sale, due to purchase of larger boat. A90 Mourne Goblin had a full rebuild 2000/2005 – see A90 Boat Page (detail requires site registration). Ashore on trailer West Yorkshire, offers aroundRead More…

Photos covering the refit in 1990 and subsequent sailing across to Cherbourg on her first cruise. She was still powered by her Coventry Victor engine at this point. Subsequent photos cover herRead More…

Weather is too hot for scheduled epoxy work on A169 (renamed Elle). July had been set aside for epoxy cloth sheathing below WL and rebuilding the wood mast. The problem is thatRead More…

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, hisRead More…

Major Robin Shinkwin was apparently the second owner of F8 “Iona”. The photo shows Him on A5 ” Diaphony” on a cruise down to St Malo, with my Father, myself and NigelRead More…

Spotted in Marans near La Rochelle by no less than two local Fulmar fans ! Looking good, very good!

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 inRead More…

A48 was launched as “ATALA” and was originally owned by John A. Strubbe FRIBA, his wife and children . Interestingly it was John who was responsible for the Black Night Rocket EngineRead More…

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 toRead More…

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-aftRead More…

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 thatRead More…

This is not really a News item but is recommending use of the Site Activity Feed to make sure you never miss a post, blog entry or comment on the site. ThisRead More…

          Back in the depth of winter my wife Lara announces that she is taking part with my eldest daughter in the annual diving club trip in ¨Rosas¨Read More…

I found these images of A104 Arosa whilst looking for something entirely different and thought they might be of interest.

As part of the continuing transfer of the AOA archives online I came across this note from the RONA Trust about Moyra’s first owner Lord Amroy, and Moyra’s role in the Trust.Read More…

A138 Sweet Sue picture in Guernsey 5th May 218

Our Secretary Richard has been on his travels, sailing tupperware yachts and popping in on unsuspecting Atalanta Owners. Richard visited Chris Berry in Truro. Chris has taken on A117 Turtle – TurtleRead More…

Since the inception of the Association the annual AGM has been accompanied by a social gathering and meal. Between 1962 and 2010 this was held in the excellent St Ermins Hotel inRead More…

The AOA60 quiz is now live – try your hand here

Above: 100W “Fuji Wave” panel – delivers a high voltage with exceptional low light energy capture. Mid afternoon March last w/e measured input was 300V+.These are designed for commercial solar installations, butRead More…

Today, the 5th March 2018, A86 was moved on her trailer and repositioned in the barn so that all round access was possible. Many thanks to Mike Dixon for coming to theRead More…

Fairey Marine Yachts Collaborative Round the World Journey FMAOA Around the World Log

This is a test of a Front End Post.

The AOA is 60 Years Old in 2018 – join in our celebrations. The boats and the owners have lasted well! The Association will be marking the auspicious Anniversary with a seriesRead More…

These photographs relating to A110 Turnstone (now Trientje P, being restored in Germany) were kindly provided by Richard Salter.  [One of the pleasures I get from the website is connecting previous AtalantaRead More…

So I have finally got round to writing the final instalment of our journey from Isle of Man to Portsmouth. We had a fairly uneventful journey from Lizard to Portland Bill acrossRead More…

The 2018 AGM was held at the Tamesis Sailing Club on the River Thames in Hampton Wick. It was an excellent day with a suitable mix of ‘business’ and pleasure, and theRead More…

See the Forum post for obituary of Barbara Calder, corinthian ex-owner of Terrapina. Quite a sailor and quite a character.

A memorable time for the family which we did not regret.The tide was running out fast in the Zandreek. so we went aground not exactly where we would have wished!. No problemRead More…

Pictures of A128 Echo iin 1989 and 1990 kindly provided by Piers Beckett.

Below is a story of a long distance affair between Peter Nicholls and A125 Polaris II in Mexico. 1960 Polaris moves to Mexico Fairey Atalanta hull no 128 left the Hamble worksRead More…

A photo record of Bernard Upton building Colchide in 1958

COLCHIDE   Bernard Upton bought an Atalanta kit, hull number 104, directly from Fairey Aviation, Hamble on 25 November 1958 for £2800 and had it delivered to Cambs. The hull was builtRead More…

A16 Dervorguilla gets a makeover at Pin Mill. A Mark 1 Atalanta Devorguilla is still in remarkable condition despite her age. There are quite a few interesting differences: The aft-cabin is longer,Read More…

Missed the bulletin deadline this year, so thought I would add this blog of the ongoing work on Kerry Piper A169. Working on the basis of KP launch in 2018, need toRead More…

So today was the day that all the prep has paid off. I hope the colour gets the nod. When I stripped off the old black paint, I found some of thisRead More…

I thought I’d better drop in the latest news on the Zambra project, as it’s been a while. I’ve made some good progress over the last few weeks, including: Finishing all theRead More…

Welcome to the new 2018 AOA Website

Christopher Perkins has put Noggin up for sale. She has had a great deal of work done by professional boatbuilder Alan Staley. Lying in Faversham, with an excellent trailer. Contact details christopher.perkinsRead More…

So after a very long time sitting in Padstow and due to work commitments we made the final push get Brother Jack underway again and back to Portsmouth. We set out ourRead More…

The culmination of work since acquisition from Derek Buckton in 2006… everything should work! Taka Maru stayed moored up for a week, during which it transpired the exhaust system needed repair, andRead More…

Last week (of August), after several postponements due to inclement weather, KP’s scaffold shed was dismantled. The scaffolding has been reconfigured to provide a higher lift on the winched slings ready forRead More…

Made a cheeky visit to Brother Jack as it was my wifes birthday last week and she wanted dinner at Rick Steins’…. (Its a Malay thing)… We gave the engine a runRead More…

So progress so far we have been running on motor since 11pm the previous night with a short 2 hour interlude the follwing day. We are making good headway at 6-7 knotsRead More…

So after the false start first time round, myself and another 2 others set sail from Aberystwyth in the dead of night (11pm to be precise). First waypoint was Porth Mawr onRead More…

Its a pretty well worn path for Titania / Atalanta owners but its certainly a big adventure for us, family crew of five, including George 6, below, Jemima 10 and Freddie 9.Read More…

Hi All Sorry its been a while since I updated but suffice to say we have made progress to N Devon but since then progressed has stalled due to work commitments. AnywayRead More…

Deannie is available, free of charge, in the Lake District area, near the M6. The owners have entrusted the AOA to find a good home for her. Deannie has been under aRead More…

Firstly I would like to introduce myself to the members of AOA.  My name is Simon and I am the proud new owner of yacht Solone. Back in May I began negotiationsRead More…

Photo: Ready for launching.     Photo: Showing off Harrier’s curves!.   Photo: Mooring at Salcombe.   Photo: 6 knots to Salcombe. The new sails and clean bottom resulted in an easyRead More…

Photo: A86 in storage.  

Helene had been professionally rewired before I bought her. There were one or two aspects I didn’t like, mainly that some of the cable routing was very visible, the sockets provided wereRead More…

Helene’s previous owner had invested in the hope of a return in silverware. Helene (3/4 rig, wooden mast) had been set up with new sails and gear for racing. This included leadingRead More…

Sadly we watched the A99 Toco demise in 2017. She had been lying outside the owner’s house for many years. He had intended to restore her but never quite got started. TheRead More…

Reluctantly the owner of Hullabaloo has decided to sell as he is no longer able to use and maintain Hullabaloo. Basically in very sound condition Hullabaloo is offered for sale on eBay.

The keels, keel brackets and clamping plates all looked in excellent condition but I wanted to get them out to check. I got the boat in the air and prepared to removeRead More…

The windows on Helene were very cloudy and needed replacing. There is a lot of excellent information in bulletins about how to replace them so I got stuck in. The only variationRead More…

So during our trip around Anglesey was quite uneventful although we did witness an amazing sunset in the Irish Sea. The progress was slow going around Bardsey as we hit the tides wrongRead More…

So we arrived on a blowy Saturday morning to set off from Castletown with a view to reaching at least the North Coast of Somerset/Devon. This was slightly ambitious in hindsight nowRead More…

A99 Toco has been scrapped and broken up. Seller badgersden10 has a number of parts including windows, sails, prop shaft, and fuel tank listed on eBay at present. At somewhat inflated prices.Read More…

Photographs of the cockpit tent installed on Hiran, which may be of interest to others.

I adapted a methodology for lifting the boat off the trailer that I have used for other boats. It involves a cross-beam with a jack at each end. In the past IRead More…

The Association have contributed to an article in Classic Sailor about Atalantas this month. Dan Houston’s Classic Sailor magazine is an excellent publication – thoroughly recommended. Check it out at http://classicsailor.com.

Photo: T4 Brother Jack Lift in. Brother Jack about to get her backside wet after 6 months in the dry.       Photo: T4 Brother Jack Lift in. Brother Jack aboutRead More…

Emma Duck was excellently looked after for many years by AOA members, and she retains many original Atalanta features, with some later additions attributed to an extended stay in the Med. SheRead More…

Keith Viewing’s wonderful Solone is now for sale. Set up for serious cruising Solone is looking for new adventures. Invoices available for all works carried out. Solone has been laid up ashoreRead More…

Hiran is up for sale after over 30 years of ownership. Sale Details

There are three Fairey Marine tenders to complement the Atalanta series of yachts. The Dinky This is an 8 ft long dinghy. Constructed in the same way as the Atalanta, hot mouldedRead More…

Great news for Fred and the Association – Toco Axxx has a new home. We wish the new owner good fortune in the restoration and hope to follow progress over the comingRead More…

Photo: A33 under trees.   Photo: Michel straddling A33.   Photo: A33 motoring with 5 crew.   Photo: Michel and A33 in a lock.   Photo: Michel and A33 under garden parasol.Read More…

I have just finished updating the Salizanda blog following her successful re-launching and I have posted the link here. http://salizanda.blogspot.co.at/2017/01/salizanda-relaunched-3-august-2016.html I would be very pleased if members would look at it andRead More…

Photo: Electric motor installation 1. Electric motor components set up in situ to check all OK before final installation.

The 2017 AOA AGM was well attended with 26 people representing xxx boats. We discussed…. We had a great lunch with much talk of adventures new, old and future. And so on

In 2013 Alistair Rodger sailed A102 Atalanta Mary across The Channel to St Valery Sur Somme as the first part of a Mediterranean adventure. Alistair, Mojo the greyhound and Atalanta Mary spentRead More…

Photo: IMG_1785. Photo: IMG_1787. Photo: IMG_1788. Photo: IMG_1789. Photo: IMG_1790. Photo: IMG_1791. Photo: IMG_1817. presure wash, looking better already. Photo: IMG_1818. Photo: IMG_1819. Photo: IMG_1820. Photo: IMG_1821. Photo: IMG_1822. Photo: IMG_1823. Photo:Read More…

Photo: IMG_1814. Photo: IMG_1813. Photo: IMG_1812. Photo: IMG_1783. Photo: IMG_1782. Photo: IMG_1781. Photo: IMG_1780. Photo: IMG_1779. Photo: IMG_1778. Photo: IMG_1777. First movement in ten years. 🙂

Photo: IMG_1804. Photo: IMG_1803. William checking her out Photo: IMG_1799. Photo: IMG_1798. Photo: IMG_1797. Photo: IMG_1796. Photo: IMG_1795. Photo: IMG_1784. Into the workshop for a clean out Photo: IMG_1776. Photo: IMG_1759. Photo:Read More…

Brochures Adverts and Publicity Shots

Brochures Adverts and Publicity Shots

Brochures Adverts and Publicity Shots

Brochures Adverts and Publicity Shots

Photo: Saloon – shelving and seat mod’s. Full length shelves added to each side of saloon. Fitted cushion back below shelves NB: These will be modified with a back panel to bringRead More…

Photo: Kerry Piper- Nav station mod’s. Slide out chart table allows access to storage/quarter berth below cockpit seat. Formica top makes a usable extra work area for galley.  

Photo: Aft cabin refurb 1. The secondary bulkheads were made in two sections (top and base)   Photo: Aft cabin refurb 2. Getting the cut-outs in the right place took all myRead More…

Photo: s-l1600. As seen on Ebay.

Photo: 7 – Julie & Steve in Emma Duck’s Tender 1972. My children in the Duckling Dinghy. They spent many happy hours rowing this around the Marina and Canal at Sharpness inRead More…

Hullabaloo spotted on ebay. Extract of ad here: Fairey Atalanta 26′ Yacht, possible unusual garden guest accommodation Air BnB, Up for grabs is my Fairey Atalanta A166 Hullabaloo, lying at Portland, Dorset.Read More…

In my previous blog I spoke of bringing Mary home because the maintenance backlog was exceeding holiday expectations.  Well that kind of thing.  So now Mary is in Suffolk Yacht Harbour underRead More…

FINALLY  🙂 Salizanda was finally re-launched on the 3rd August. There is still lots to do but after 14 years it was a wonderful moment. She sails like a dream even thoughRead More…

So it with great pleasure that I have taken on an Atalanta Titania (T4). I am still looking into the history of her and previous owners and names (Gellie,Katya and currently BrotherRead More…

A1 was moved to Market Harborough, via Martin Bennet’s field, using Colchide’s trailer. A masterclass in lifting an Atalanta.

I have driven past Genoa and La Spezia a number of times and although the west of Genoa has some beautiful driving roads.  Well they were before they filled them with carsRead More…

We , and I say we, because our Nick joined me, had a delay before we could get into the water.  So we spent the day in Florence drinking stupidly expensive beerRead More…

–>

Photo: Amsara 2016 02.   Photo: Amsara 2016 03.   Photo: Amsara 2016 04.   Photo: Amsara 2016 05.   Photo: Amsara 2016 06.  

The wonderful A17, Gambol, is for sale. Gambol has had much work done by Simon Garrett and is in great condition. Asking Price £9,350 Currently Lying Under Cover a Few Mins FromRead More…

I am going to need your help here.  It has become evident that I should bring Mary home. When I visited on the 20th June (2016) you could see this view fromRead More…

As you will know from Nicks posts I have had a cover made for Mary.  As described by the Pisa Marina owner ‘she is beautiful’. It fits remarkably well considering it wasRead More…

Photo: F53 Pilgrim 001.   Photo: F53 Pilgrim 002.   Photo: F53 Pilgrim 003.   Photo: F53 Pilgrim 004.   Photo: F53 Pilgrim 005.   Photo: F53 Pilgrim 006.   Photo: F53Read More…

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 soRead More…

Photo: 2014 A1 – 1 of 28. A1 had been stored near St Osyth for many years. The owner had died and the Association began to look for a new owner toRead More…

Photo: Atalanta Mary’s new cover – fitting review on Helene.

Colin has been in touch with the current owner Eles Ellis who is very anxious to get rid of her and has offered the boat for no payment! The original fully illustrated post by JohnRead More…

There has been progress – the decks are repaired, filled and primed.

Photo: KP Galley refurb.

Photo: Kerry Piper – Table project. Further detail to the bulletin article. Provides a functional foldaway table note the slide stop and support peg for full deployment. NB: Also – short midRead More…

Mick Doyle kindly contacted us about A136 Amsara, which is in a boatyard in Portchester. The current owner had started work on her. There is more to do, and apparently she willRead More…

Photo: A5 lower pintle.   Photo: Diaphonys new lower rudder pintle.   Photo: Diaphonys new mast step A4 stainless steel.   Photo: Diaphony A5 Cherbourg.   Photo: Diaphony A5 1956.  

Beef this up – more recent history, plus maybe subscription over the years…. The AGM/Dinner held at St Ermin’s Hotel, Caxton Street, London, on a Saturday in January, is held in aRead More…

Photo: Photo of T4 Brother Jack. Sir, We struggle with computers.T4 Brother Jack is a serviceable boat, there are allways jobs to do when the weather bucks up,but can be put inRead More…

Photo: Theodora 2. Theodora was towed in by the lifeboat during the race at the 50th anniversary. She had repeated problems with engine overheating during that trip form and to Hull.  Read More…

After leaving Bosa I decided the next overwintering would be Pisa.  I would go up the eastern side of Corsica and head to the mainland.  I think the distances around Sardinia wereRead More…

We have had an enquiry through the website about the whereabouts of Theodora. John Black who used to own her would like to hear how she is fairing.  The last owner weRead More…

Photo: A89 winter lift-out.   Photo: A89 winter lift-out.   Photo: A89 winter lift-out.   Photo: A89 winter lift-out.   Photo: A89 winter lift-out.  

I took A89 Colchide out of the water for winter a few days ago, accompanied by East Coast Rep- Nick Phillips and Martin Bennett. They were surprised how small A89’s prop is.Read More…

Ahamkara is a custom built Atalanta – see details here and also here – lying at Benfleet, Essex. Maree Ellis is keen for her to go to a new home. Please contactRead More…

Hello fellow members, After 2 seasons sailing A89 COLCHIDE back in the UK, it is obvious that she is over-canvassed for UK conditions. Uncle Bernard specified and fitted an oversize genoa, asRead More…

Photo: Bastia. We just do it for the photos Photo: Fornelli Straight. Coming up from Alghero you can pass through this straight between Sardinia main land and the Isola Piana, below IsolaRead More…

Well I have finally managed to put Mary back in the water and I think the plan is basically to find my way home. The distances here are too great and theRead More…

Evening All. I have successfully had A115 lowered on to her new trailer and moved from Warrington down to her new home in Stone in Staffordshire, where I can really get going withRead More…

Photo: A89 off Harwich. Photo: A89 in the north sea.   Photo: A89 in the River Orwell.   Photo: Orwell.   Photo: North Sea.   Photo: Formation with Sadler 29.   Photo:Read More…

Took some pix of Colchide yesterday when you sailed past Sandack on a mooring near Clamp House, Ipswich. Will send them if you let me have an email address. We had alreadyRead More…

The engine was not in bad condition but needed a tidy and paint up. Some of the ancilliaries and pipework were a bit untidy. I removed the cockpit floor and the engineRead More…

The join between the deck and blister was distressed at the forward end. Upon investigation it was clear that the laminated ‘quadrant’ in this corner was delaminating and there was evidence ofRead More…

The foredeck didn’t seem too bad away from the Blister (coachroof). However on investigation it transpired that the top veneer was breaking up in a few areas, particularly in the corners onRead More…

The decks appeared to need some paint. Sadly on investigation it turned out that areas were delaminating and that the stern deck on the starboard side had been badly repaired in theRead More…

So, after much knuckle scraping, seized bolts and antiquated parts, she’s running again. Here’s a video: http://youtu.be/V6PNkCOqNio And a pic above. Decks are now all repaired, sanded and new woodwork is goingRead More…

I bought Helene in 2007 expecting to do some light renovation of the decks and then get sailing. I got her home and started the work. And then I made my firstRead More…

Photo: new keel box seals. I managed to get new blocking plates made by a local carpenter. By all accounts a good man. These are made of azobe which reminds me ofRead More…

We’ve finally got the engine stripped down, and I’ve ordered some various parts. Amazingly, Perkins still sell most of what I needed! But, it turned out the heat exchanger was too corroded,Read More…

Today we’ve stripped out the thrust bearing and drive – it looks like an old Aquadrive sort of affair, with two universal joints, a thrust bearing and a 4″ hub connecting toRead More…

We’ve nearly stripped the whole boat now, and found a few ‘nasty’ bits of rot, but some other bits are really looking much better! And it won’t be long till we startRead More…

So, having a forklift definitely helps this process, especially with the weight of a Perkins 4-107 with hydraulic gearbox. And, the excellent design of the Atalanta meaning the engine lifts out vertically!Read More…

Photo: Aft deck repairs collage 1. Aft deck rebuild – top section repairs. Weather very cold for epoxy gluing, but Tilly paraffin pressure heater and a pressure lamp gave the deck enoughRead More…

When I first took ownership of Zambra, she looked fantastic (above).   But, as many of you might well be aware, with an Atalanta, beauty can be skin deep!   So, inRead More…

Seven days to go at 9th January 2015 Judging by the stub extension below the keelboxes, I believe this to be A137 Baby Seal, based near York. Too bad about the foredeck.Read More…

Tim previously wrote from USA to say that he had reluctantly decided to break up A31/8 “Trio of Playford”, after trying unsuccessfully to sell her as a potential restoration project to othersRead More…

Asking Price £9,350 Currently Lying Under Cover a Few Mins From J17 M6 Part 1 registered, Gambol is on the National Small Boat Register Database No 2155 3/4 Rig Yanamr 2GM20FC with BrandRead More…

A104 For Sale ‘Click’ on a photo for a slideshow.

Complete boat and trailer.   Been standing for 3 years at Kings Lynn   6 x excellent sails.   4 clocks on hatch for speed, depth, wind, lean.   The mast wasRead More…

Lying Michigan, USA Contact George Wietor email: wietorg at yahoo.com Tel: 616 452-1021

Peter and Ian Brook have an unfinished A31 hill (number 13) and a donor boat in A31-7 Moby Dick. Peter Brook 020 8950 1313 See details of Moby Dick on her boatRead More…

Tim Arnold is selling Trio of Playford. tw.arnold at gmail dot com 07960148158 See further details on this post

Fulmar F53 Pilgrim is for sale at Stonehaven, Gairlochhead. She’s in good order, fitted with new Beta 10hp diesel, which has been run in for 180 hrs. New keel bolts with greaseRead More…

Photo above: Exterior hull repair collage. Starboard quarter repair – veneer replacement, work in progress.   Photo: Aft cabin stb’d new frame section 2. Lower part of new stb’d frame butt joinedRead More…

This blog covers a 2 1/2 week holiday I spent in Sardinia working on Mary. Before reading this look back at the condition of Mary when I sailed out of Portland inRead More…

Trying to complete as much of the epoxy /veneer repair work before the colder weather arrives. Added below some pic’s of the  the aft cabin repairs to the extensive dry rot. TheRead More…

Photo: P1010092. Another image in Chichester,A15 again.     Photo: P1010086 (5).   Photo: P1010093. A15 in Birdham pool July 2014   Photo: P1010093. A15 in Chichester harbour returning from the classicRead More…

A72 rondar was once sailed by RAF personnel in Singapore and Cyprus, sadly now neglected and for sale. Details and photos here: http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/uffa-fox-fairey-atalanta-26ft-sailing-boat-yacht-for-full-restoration/1078643546 Contact Hal Gillilan on 07527531744

Photo: Collage – transom and cockpit drains.

Photo: Fwd bulkhead and galley repairs.

Photo: Collage – keelboxes and aft bulkhed.  

  A few photo’s of restoration work (so far) for A169 Kerry Piper. Apologies for the pick and mix  collages, I will be posting a more complete record of the ongoing restorationRead More…

Ballindean to Kilmelford

A148 has been beautifully restored by her owners, Terry and Jackie Wetherilt who very sadly decided to put her up for sale following their move up to Scotland: Contact Terry & JackieRead More…

  Having replaced the CV Midget on A49 with the larger engine, I followed the original Midget exhaust line through the aft cabin using fabricated S/S injection exhaust stubs feeding into highRead More…

Photo: imagejohara.   Photo: Johara A148.   Photo: Johara A148. Afloat at Sandwich Marina   Photo: Johara A148. Going in   Photo: Johara A148. On new mooring Oare Creek near Faversham KentRead More…

Unfortunately health issues are preventing Bill getting Gellie sorted out after her disaster last year in the gales. She needs a new mast, some rigging and some repairs to the coach workRead More…

A71 was bought by Lisa and Terry Greatrix. Terry’s brother had owned Blue Jackaroo earlier in her life and he helped Lisa and Terry restoration A71 to he former glory. Lisa andRead More…

Just received this message from Bill Johnston, owner of A31/4 Gellie: URGENT APPEAL You may remember me as the owner of A31/4 “Gellie” Unfortunately health issues are preventing me getting Gellie sortedRead More…

Just heard from Tim that he’s sold T12 Tily-Ho to what sounds like a very good home, so hopefully we’ll see her afloat again before very long.

As you may remember I managed to damage the bubble just forward of the hatch.  After damaging and repairing the hatch itself.  This repair scared me far more as a hash jobRead More…

Calista will be spending May and June sailing in the Adriatic.   The plan is: Leaving Pembrokeshire on Easter Monday, driving through the channel tunnel, Germany and Austria to launch on 25/03/14Read More…

Photo: 2014-04-13_off_to_sea. A89 Colchide decked out ready for towing to Ipswich for her first sniff of sea since 1979.               Photo: Colchide launch. Anti-foul was appliedRead More…

Photo: A17 Gambol Plans For Winter Home – Real Men only Reference In Case of extreme Emergency after The Event! Winter 2013.   Photo: A17 Gambol Frames Being Made on Garage FloorRead More…

Photo: A17 Gambol On The Ferry June 2013 – Who Says Cossing The Channel Is Difficult (Question Mark).   Photo: A17 Gambol Approaching Arromanches in Mulberry Harbour B June 2013.   Photo:Read More…

Photo: Check on Mary. I went back to check on Mary as I wasn’t there when she was hauled out.  Although I was warned about the possibility of poor storage the peopleRead More…