Extravagant Luxury Yachts: Spotlight on the Myth of Malham
The **Myth of Malham** is a legendary yacht that has left an indelible mark on the annals of British yachting history. Designed by the celebrated naval architect Laurent Giles, this iconic vessel was the first to be consistently tailored to the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) measurement system, revolutionizing offshore racing yacht development.
Named after a character from Arthur Ransome's 1951 novel and the trophy for the eponymous race—a key offshore event in the RORC series—the Myth of Malham was built post-WWII, though the exact date is not specified in current records. The yacht's reputation grew through its innovative design and a series of racing successes, particularly in the Myth of Malham Race itself, a 100-nautical-mile event that mirrors the first part of the Fastnet course.
The Myth of Malham's unique design features include its compliance with the RORC rating rule, a system developed to allow different yacht types to compete fairly in offshore races. This adherence influenced the development of modern handicapped ocean racers. The yacht's design also embodies Laurent Giles' philosophy of creating seaworthy, fast, and efficient yachts, optimized for offshore conditions.
The Myth of Malham's racing character is underscored by its success in demanding races like the Myth of Malham Cup, a proving ground for offshore crews. Today, the yacht's name is synonymous with classic, rule-driven racing yacht design.
As the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) celebrates its centenary year, the Myth of Malham continues to inspire. Dr Deborah Fish, the first woman commodore of the RORC, has nominated the Myth of Malham as one of the coolest yachts of our times. Dr Fish, who has sailed on the Myth of Malham, has also made history by leading the RORC in its centenary year, including an Admiral's Cup revival and the Rolex Fastnet Race.
Subscribing to the Royal Ocean Racing Club's magazine can provide inspirational adventures and practical features to help realize sailing dreams. The Myth of Malham, with its rich history and innovative design, remains a testament to the spirit of adventure and the enduring allure of the open sea.
The Myth of Malham, with its rich history and innovative design, remains a testament to the spirit of adventure and the enduring allure of the open sea, making it an inspiring subject for sailing enthusiasts. Despite its focus on offshore racing, the yacht's unique design and racing successes have left a significant impact on the world of sports.
