This classic, light displacement, drop keel sailing cruiser was conceived in 1955 by Alan Vines, a senior executive at Fairey, with the expertise of Uffa Fox who was their Design Consultant. The prototype, length 24ft, was named Atalanta. and she is still sailing the East Coast with the sail number A1. When the Atalanta went into full production the length was increased to 26ft to improve onboard accommodation.

The hull is formed of hot moulded agba veneers using technology originally developed during WWII for building wooden aircraft. Fairey Marine went on to produce other drop keel sailing cruisers using the same methods, the Titania, the larger Atalanta 31 and the smaller Fulmar, which are now incorporated into the Atalanta Owners Association.

Although the technique was less labour-intensive than traditional wooden boat building, the design eventually became uncompetitive against the growing number of GRP hulls, and deliveries ended in the early 1970s. Nevertheless, hot moulded, resin impregnated agba veneer has proved to be stronger, lighter and in many ways more durable and repairable than GRP, qualities which continue to appeal to wooden boat enthusiasts who enjoy owning and sailing these delightful family cruisers.

Altogether 291 hulls of all 4 types were built, of which over 100 continue to be owned by members of the Association. As one owner put it: "Remember, she's not just a boat, she is a piece of marine history".