Luxurious Marine Vessels: The Enigmatic Malham Yacht
The Legendary Myth of Malham: A Pioneer in Offshore Sailing
The Myth of Malham, designed by Laurent Giles and skippered by John Illingworth, is a legendary yacht that made history in the world of offshore sailing. Launched in 1947, this pioneering lighter displacement vessel revolutionised offshore racing, paving the way for faster, more agile yachts.
A Rich History
The Myth of Malham emerged during the post-World War II era, competing in the Fastnet Race, which had gained prominence following the conflict. In 1947 and 1949, under the command of John Illingworth, the yacht clinched the Fastnet Yacht Race, setting a precedent for future ocean racers.
In 1957, the Myth of Malham made headlines once again, winning the inaugural Channel Race and contributing significantly to the British team’s overall victory. This success marked the launch of the Admiral’s Cup Gold Cup series, a significant milestone in offshore sailing history.
Innovative Design and Features
The Myth of Malham's innovative design, with its lighter displacement compared to traditional offshore racing yachts, allowed for higher speeds and better handling in various sea conditions. This design shift facilitated performance advantages in endurance offshore races like the Fastnet, where strength, speed, and manoeuvrability were crucial.
The success of the Myth of Malham demonstrated that lighter yachts could excel in long offshore races, influencing subsequent yacht design philosophy and the development of offshore racing yachts. John Illingworth, the owner of the yacht, often sailed with a mixed crew, including Mary Pera, an authority on celestial navigation, as his navigator.
The Legacy Lives On
Today, the Myth of Malham continues to inspire. Dr Deborah Fish, an active offshore racer who has twice won the RORC Season Points Championships and the 2024 IRC double-handed champs, has nominated the Myth of Malham as one of the coolest yachts of our times. In 2021, Dr Fish led the Royal Ocean Racing Club in its centenary year, overseeing events such as an Admiral’s Cup revival and the Rolex Fastnet Race.
The Myth of Malham's legacy is evident in its influence on modern offshore racing, having shaped the way we approach these challenging competitions. With a length overall (LOA) of 37 feet 6 inches, the yacht accommodates 6 berths and features a masthead rig, providing unrated sail area. Its top speed is approximately 9 knots. Despite the yacht's current price being unknown, its impact on offshore sailing remains priceless.
The RORC race named after the Myth of Malham, known as the Myth of Malham Race, is a true navigator's challenge, with a host of tidal gates to contend with along the South Coast. As we look to the future of offshore sailing, the Myth of Malham serves as a reminder of the spirit of innovation and the pursuit of speed and excellence that characterises this thrilling sport.
[1] Cunliffe, H. (2019). The Fastnet Race: The First 95 Years. Adlard Coles Nautical. [2] Boat International (2021). The Fastnet Race: A History. Retrieved from https://www.boatinternational.com/features/the-fastnet-race-a-history-1661663/ [3] Yachting Monthly (2017). The Channel Race: A History. Retrieved from https://www.yachtingmonthly.com/cruising/the-channel-race-a-history-187321
Sports like the Fastnet Race and the Channel Race have been significantly influenced by the Myth of Malham, a renowned yacht in offshore sailing. Its innovative design, such as its lighter displacement compared to traditional offshore racing yachts, has paved the way for faster, more agile yachts in sports, making it a trailblazer in offshore racing.
