24th May: Myth of Malham Race

First held in 1958, the Myth of Malham Race is from Cowes to Eddystone Lighthouse and back to the North Head Buoy, approximately 235nm in all.  It is organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with the Royal Yacht Squadron.

The race is named after the yacht Myth of Malham, a 37’6” mahogany cutter-rigged sloop built in 1947 by Hugh McLean & Sons Ltd in Gourock, Scotland. Designed by Laurent Giles to the innovative specifications of Commander John Illingworth, the yacht featured a masthead rig and short overhangs—design elements that were revolutionary at the time. Illingworth became Commodore of the RORC in 1948.

Myth of Malham achieved significant success, winning the Fastnet Race in 1947 and 1949, and contributing to Britain’s victory in the inaugural Admiral’s Cup in 1957. In 1958, Commander Illingworth presented the Myth of Malham Cup to the Royal Ocean Racing Club.  ( https://www.rorc.org/ )

For the start of the weather was challenging, my photos show a few of the competitors plus others including the Training Ship “Prolific” which we often see in the western Solent.