THE RADICAL PROTOTYPE

Now back on the water, the original, aviation-engineered Atalanta was a pioneer of mass production

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In 1952, Fairey Marine built a 22ft (6.7m) cruising boat, by splitting an Uffa Fox-designed Swordfish dinghy longitudinally, then widening and lengthening it. Simple accommodation was provided in two cabins, one for’d of the cockpit and one aft. Additional space was created using a tent over the cockpit. The boat was designed by Alan Vines, a Fairey Aviation employee and keen sailor, and was called Sujanwiz after his three daughters – Susan, Jane and Elizabeth. Sujanwiz sailed very well, cruised extensively and crossed the Channel. Susan recently commented that “She was a fast and exciting boat, but extremely wet!”

The Vines family often visited Uffa Fox in Cowes. Between them, they hatched a plan to persuade Fairey to develop the design into a 24ft (7.3m) cruiser. Fairey agreed and they built a prototype with twin retractable keels in 1954, named Atalanta after the last flying boat built by Fairey Aviation.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN

The design was radical, combining as it had the precision aviation engineering and manufacturing experience of Fairey Aviation, the inspiration of Alan Vines and the design expertise of Uffa Fox. The design of Atalanta remains unique. A lightweight semi-planing hull form, with full bows to lift the bow in waves, and flat run aft.