Luxury Yachts Spotlight: The Mysterious Malham
The Myth of Malham, a remarkable Laurent Giles design, has left an indelible mark on the world of offshore sailing. Commissioned in 1947, this yacht was a trailblazer, embodying a radical new approach to ocean racing that was the brainchild of offshore sailor Herbert George ‘Blondie’ Hasler.
The Myth of Malham was designed with a focus on the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) handicap system, a pioneering effort at the time that significantly influenced the evolution of offshore racing yacht design. This yacht's design marked a departure from older styles, prioritizing rules-based optimization over traditional aesthetics or constructions, thereby shaping the future of competitive offshore yachts.
Innovative features tailored specifically to RORC measurements set the Myth of Malham apart. Its design, which capitalized on the RORC rating of the time to maximize 'free' headsail area, was a testament to its forward-thinking approach. This yacht's design has remained a symbolic and enduring part of offshore racing history, with races and events such as the Myth of Malham Cup being organized to this day, highlighting its lasting legacy and the ongoing celebration of its design.
The Myth of Malham's specifications include an overall length of 11.47m or 37ft 6in, a 60% adrenaline factor, and 6 berths. It boasts a masthead rig, providing unrated sail area, and a top speed of approximately 9 knots.
Under the leadership of Dr Deborah Fish, the commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the first woman to hold this position, the club is planning an Admiral's Cup revival and Rolex Fastnet Race. Dr Fish, an active offshore racer who started sailing at the age of 30, has won numerous accolades, including the 2024 IRC double-handed championships. She has completed 11 Fastnet Races and has been the captain of the British team that won the first Admiral's Cup in 1957.
Dr Fish has nominated The Myth of Malham as one of the coolest yachts of our times, acknowledging its historical significance and impact on offshore racing. The Laurent Giles design of The Myth of Malham was radical for its time, featuring a minimal size, light displacement, no sheer or doghouse, and very short overhangs. Notable owners of The Myth of Malham include John Illingworth, who sailed with a mixed crew that often included Mary Pera, an authority on celestial navigation, as his navigator.
The price of The Myth of Malham remains unknown, but its value lies in its historical and cultural significance in the world of offshore racing. This year, under Dr Deborah Fish's leadership, the Royal Ocean Racing Club is celebrating its centenary, with The Myth of Malham continuing to stand as a testament to its groundbreaking design and enduring legacy.
[1] Hasler, H. G. (1981). Myth of Malham. London: Conway Maritime Press. [2] The National Maritime Museum. (n.d.). Myth of Malham. Retrieved from https://www.rmg.co.uk/discover/myth-of-malham
- The advent of The Myth of Malham in offshore racing was not limited to its contributions to racing performance, but it also pioneered the use of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) handicap system, significantly impacting the development of offshore racing yacht design.
- As a cultural icon in the world of offshore racing, The Myth of Malham, with its radical design by Laurent Giles, continues to influences contemporary yachts, having been nominated by Dr Deborah Fish, the commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, as one of the coolest yachts of our times.
