The term iconic is commonly associated with products or designs regarded as particularly influential, or representative of a culture, movement or moment in time. Thus, in their own ways, both the Morris Minor and the Reliant Robin are iconic in the context of Britain’s post-war boom in private vehicle ownership. The unitary shell construction of the Minor was certainly innovative, and its ride quality and reliability were unrivalled. Even today,
Have you ever wondered how many small cruising yachts were built in the UK over the last 100 years? I have no idea what the total might be, but it is surely a very large number. What we can be certain about is that these boats were constructed using a wide variety of materials — including timber, plywood, veneers, GRP, steel, aluminium and carbon fibre. They also reflect a beguiling
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 (and sometimes a ticket to riches). Disruptors see opportunities in mature markets, opportunities they seek to exploit by introducing new technology, new business models and/or new partnerships. Disruptors are not interested in incremental change, they are game-changers: if successful,
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 part in commercial and social development after the war. As part of celebrating the life and works of Uffa Fox this year the ideas have been developed. Seventy years ago Fairey Marine built an experimental 20’ sailing cruiser by
A few English aristocrats had pleasure yachts from as early as the mid 17th century and the hobby grew considerably in the following centuries, despite remaining the preserve of the wealthy. This history charts the evolution of yachting through the golden age before the First World War and into the era of affordable dinghies, plastic moulded hulls, and the record-breaking voyages of single-handed ocean sailors in recent decades. Review: Likely