By the year 1836 two companies, the South of England Steam Navigation Company and the British and Foreign Steam Navigation Company, were operating regular services to the Channel Islands with such vessels as the Atalanta, shown on the 8d. Sark stamp. Both companies sailed from Southampton. The Atalanta was built in 1836 by T. White, at Cowes, Isle of Wight, and was a 2-masted clipper paddle steamer of 315 tons with engines developing 120 i.h.p. Owned by the South of England Steam Navigation Company, she boasted over 100 sleeping berths.