Shoal draft Uffa Fox Design

[Venchka]

The boat has found a home. I'm, leaving this here for future research.



From: "Lincoln J. Smith" <lincolnsmith1@cox.net>
To: <kgmurphy@comcast.net>
Subject: Unique shallow water "gunkholing" sailboat looking for new owner
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2004 22:26:04 -0500

Ken,
I'm not a member of your group but I own a very special wooden shallow draft sailboat that I want to find a new home port for. I'm appealing to you to see if any of your members or others you know from your community would want to have this boat for free. It is a British double centerboard 26 foot sloop built 40 years ago. It is completely solid with a hull and deck structure completely made from hot molded mahogany strips without any dry rot. The center boards are cast aluminum weighing 475 lbs each. The boat will sail and motor in just 18 inches of water! This was my father's boat and it has not been in the water for over 25 years yet is remarkably in good shape. The trailer needs work; the inboard gas engine needs to be replaced; and the Sitka spruce mast has delaminated (though with no rot so it could be reglued). It has seven sails including spinnaker. I simply want to see it put back into the water again by an appreciative new owner. My father and mother sailed extensively throughout the Chesapeake Bay and up the Atlantic Coast to watch the America's Cup races for many years off Rhode Island.

I can't use it due to my health condition and would love to give it away to a gunkhole sailor who want to have fun messing around in a tight wooden boat. I've include just a couple of photos to let you visualize what I have tried to describe. If you thinks there might be any interest among your community, I could prepare a complete package description for further distribution. The boat is located in Virginia Beach.

Linc Smith
********************************************
Lincoln J. Smith
905 Penguin Place
P.O. Box 846
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
(757) 422-6073
Don't ask me questions, I'm only the messenger.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[ 12-06-2004, 01:08 PM: Message edited by: Venchka ]

[Paul Scheuer]

Sounds like this one.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p86104dcb887be621a26aba246f41f380/f6156e92.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p44258575895d82e1f67f12a302280c8f/f6156e93.jpg

[Hwyl]

I've never seen an Atalanta with a "T' on the sail. That's what she is

http://www.uffafox.com/atalanta.htm

[Venchka]

Where's Joe (C.S.O.H.)? Sounds like he could do a lot worse. Not a catboat. So? The price is right! :D

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[Jack Heinlen]

It reminds me of the smaller molded-ply-air-dropped rescue boats designed by Fox. They were spoken of in an earlier thread. I've only seen one pic of them, years back, but the similarity is strong.

Not terribly attractive in a conventional sense, but interesting nonetheless. And attractive is as attractive does, in many cases.

Golly, the price is right, and the boat would do a lot of interesting things. Look at those molded plexiglass portlights! Positively 1950 futuristic. smile.gif

When did Uffa Fox die?

This would be a fun boat. I bet she'd move right along if well handled, especially off the wind, and be quite able. You could explain the unconventional looks, to anyone who asked with turned up nose, by spinning a very interesting history.

A close look at the deck shear joint(another look, maybe there isn't one), and the molded wood around any fittings, would be in order. Fussy somewhat specialized repairs at the hard bends, even if you are a glue-head.

I wonder how much work the trailer needs? smile.gif

[ 11-30-2004, 07:37 PM: Message edited by: Jack Heinlen ]

[Paul Scheuer]

A couple more pics for you Jack.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p6c585817533eaff910ed15d0f418887f/f61172ab.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p46d860d71fce8e27206c8974abdf8bef/f61172af.jpg

[Jack Heinlen]

Just talked to Lincoln.

The trailer's tandem axles need to be reworked. Not just bearing and tire but new axles, because of a lack of compatibility to modern with the British standard of the time.

The boat is not ready for the water, but not a huge amount of work to at least sail her to somewhere on the east coast.

Nice chap, who would really like the boat to go to a proper home. He's going to e-mail me particulars.

It is an interesting boat. I'll keep you posted, if anyone else has continued interest.

[Leon Steyns]

Originally posted by Hwyl:
I've never seen an Atalanta with a "T' on the sail. That's what she is

http://www.uffafox.com/atalanta.htmActually, it's a Titania (based on the Atalanta, but longer cuddy and more headroom [6'2"]). Only 12 boats were ever produced and Lincoln Smith's boat is the only Titania in North American waters, according to the Atalanta Owners Association. It would be a real shame if she was to perish... :(

I live on the wrong side of the pond, otherwise I'd be more than happy to rescue her.

Greets, Leon Steyns.

[Edited to add link to the Atalanta Owners Association: http://www.atalantaowners.org.uk ]

[ 12-02-2004, 06:50 AM: Message edited by: Leon Steyns ]

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Originally posted by Venchka:
Where's Joe (C.S.O.H.)? Sounds like he could do a lot worse. Not a catboat. So? The price is right! :D

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D Sorry it's ...a.....um.....a....well... it'ts just....a....ummmmmmm............fookin ugly thats all ;)

[Hwyl]

Originally posted by Leon Steyns:
[QB]Actually, it's a Titania (based on the Atalanta, but longer cuddy and more headroom [6'2"]). Only 12 boats were ever produced and Lincoln Smith's boat is the only Titania in North American waters, according to the Atalanta Owners Association. It would be a real shame if she was to perish... :(

Greets, Leon Steyns.

Thanks Leon, you've expanded my knowledge

[John Bell]

I like this boat.

There are some small pictures of another Titania with the flush deck and coachroof finshed bright which gives it very interesting art-deco-retro look. And to top it all off, I bet she's a good sailer (sailor?). Uffa could draw good boats you know. I keep coming back to this thread just becuase. I'd love a boat like this. I don't dare try for spousal approval, tho. If she said yes I'd be in big trouble.

It also reminds a little of the first sailboat I was ever on. The boat belonged to my uncle, it was about a 21-24 fiberglass sloop. It had a reverse sheer and heavy bilge boards, a spare but comfortable cuddy, and a funky, smoky, wonderfull British Seagull. I've no idea what kind of boat it was, but a dimly recall it was something like 'Nomad'. Taking the helm of that boat for the first was the best thing that had ever happened to me up to that point. That was at the age of 5 and it imprinted me indelibly.

Jack, if you learn any more about her, I'd love it if you'd share.

[Leon Steyns]

Originally posted by Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson ):
Sorry it's ...a.....um.....a....well... it'ts just....a....ummmmmmm............fookin ugly thats all ;) Right on! Honesty is the best policy... :D :D :D

Greets, Leon Steyns.

[Edited:]
These are the pictures John refers to:

http://basic1.easily.co.uk/03C052/048027/titaniab.jpg
http://basic1.easily.co.uk/03C052/048027/titaniac.jpg

[ 12-03-2004, 04:29 AM: Message edited by: Leon Steyns ]

[Hwyl]

Originally posted by John Bell:


It also reminds a little of the first sailboat I was ever on. The boat belonged to my uncle, it was about a 21-24 fiberglass sloop. It had a reverse sheer and heavy bilge boards, a spare but comfortable cuddy, and a funky, smoky, wonderfull British Seagull. I've no idea what kind of boat it was, but a dimly recall it was something like 'Nomad'. Taking the helm of that boat for the first was the best thing that had ever happened to me up to that point. That was at the age of 5 and it imprinted me indelibly.

Could be a Westerly Nomad (I remember thinking they were "HUGE") http://www.anesi.com/nomad/nomadb25.jpg

One of my teachers (Peter Martin, known as "Gomez")had an Atalanta. He successfully trailer sailed her. I think his motivation was getting to different cruising grounds, rather than money saving. I don't think he had a large car. Something that would be consided "mid size" by American standards.

[John Bell]

Thanks Hwyl, but that's not it. The boat I'm thinking of had slight reverse sheer.

While I'm not particularly fond of the logistics of trailer sailing, the subject boat does look to be of a size and layout to be a nice transportable weekender for a family the size of mine. Trailer axles aren't all that expensive... The question is how much would it take to get her back in top shape, I figure probably less than $4,000-$5,000 (including a new sail or two). The big questions are if she needs any structural repair and costs to repair/replace the engine.

[Jack Heinlen]

John,

If you are interested, give Lincoln a call. He sent me a few photographs which I'll try to post later, but he said he'd had quite a bit of interest in the boat and was going to winnow it down to a few likely prospects in the next few days(that was two days ago).

Other than that he basically repeated what the above letter states. The hull and deck structures are very sound, the mast needs regluing, the motor is shot. To that I'm sure you could add new running and standing rigging, and, likely, sails.

The boat came over on a naval vessel that his father was an officer on. The trailer looks sound except for the running gear and the wiring. The boat has been stored, covered with tarps, for many years, so I think a survey would be in order, or at least a very close look.

It could be a great little gunkholer, and unique. I wish I lived closer, I'd go have a look. But if you are interested, I'd call him today.

Jack

[Leon Steyns]

The Atalanta and Titania hulls are 1/2" of hot moulded Agba veneers. Unless severely neglected, kept uncovered outdoors, etc. it is most unlikely that there are any serious structural problems. That's the reason almost 80% of the original fleet is still afloat! If the mast is original, it will consist of two halves glued together. If no rot is there, repair shouldn't be too complicated.

Don't write off the engine too quickly: if that's original too, it is most likely a Coventry Victor engine (though some were fitted with a Ford). For the Coventry Victor, spare parts are still available (try: this site (http://www.coventryvictor.free-online.co.uk/index.html)), since the manufacturers still support their oldies... :D

Do have a word with Colin Twyford, he's the AOA's Hon. Secretary: a marvellous source of knowledge about Atalantas and Titanias and a very friendly and helpful guy.

I don't know about mid-sized US cars, but an empty Atalanta will weigh over 4400 lbs (2000 kg), not including the trailer. The original sales brochures feature a Landrover 88 as towing vehicle. I'll try and find a picture of that...

Greets, Leon Steyns.

[ 12-03-2004, 04:59 PM: Message edited by: Leon Steyns ]

[Paul Scheuer]

The boat came over on a naval vessel This pic must have been near the time of that crossing. Her rounded top looks right at home moored on the mother ship's boat boom alonside what looks like the Captain's gig. Interesting boarding arrangement. (Nobody steps across the gig.)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p46d860d71fce8e27206c8974abdf8bef/f61172af.jpg

[Jack Heinlen]

I've got a few others Lincoln sent me, but they're not in my Shutterfly accnt. and I'm lazy. smile.gif

I suspect the boat, if it's in the condition Lincoln says it is, is gone. If it had been in Rockport instead of Virginia Beach, I'd have taken her. Ce la vie.

I was a bit put off at first by the appearance, but I've come to like it. Finish the turn of the deck and the cabin bright and it's actually rather attractive. Nemo would be a good new name for her after re-launch. Never to a traditionalist, however. ;)

Cool boat. I hope someone good got her!

[Venchka]

She's found a home. I hope the proud new owner shares photos with us.


Dear Folk,

Just to say thanks. Here is the last paragraph of a note sent to me by Mr. Smith:

Ken, I really want to thank you for passing this opportunity along. In exactly seven days I was contacted by 12 people by phone and e-mail. They were split between SWS and "Hensnest". Someone posted your message on the "WoodenBoat" forum and I'm now starting to get calls from those members too. As a final favor for me, could you post another message in SWS and Hensnest stating that the boat has been adopted already? This should keep future people from becoming excited over something no longer possible. As a final farewell, I've attached two photos of the old boat that were taken today. After taking off the covers for the first time in 12 years, it cleaned up very well considering the length of time. The interior was always dry and doesn't even need painting. There was only one small deck area that picked up some dry rot from a water leak in the tarp over the years.

Linc Smith
Cheers to Linc and the new owner! smile.gif

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D