THE EVENT

The race around Eddystone Lighthouse is one of the most popular as it provides crews with a great opportunity to try out the first part of the Rolex Fastnet Race course. This race takes in some of the most challenging and complex tidal gates around notable headlands that include Portland Bill and Start Point providing a real challenge for navigators and tacticians, and usually a great downwind ride back to the finish.

The race is open to yachts and multihulls over 30 feet in length and attracts a range of competitors from amateur sailors to professional racing teams. It is traditionally held over the late May Bank Holiday weekend and is part of the RORC's offshore racing calendar.

The RORC Myth of Malham Race is named after a 37’6″ mahogany cutter-rigged sloop, built by Hugh McLean & Sons Ltd, Gourock, Scotland in 1947.

Myth of Malham was designed by Laurent-Giles to John Illingworth's highly radical specifications, which included a masthead rig and short overhangs. Many consider Illingworth to be the founder of post-war yacht racing, he became the RORC Commodore in 1948. Myth of Malham won the Fastnet Race in 1947 and 1949, and in 1957 was part of the winning team for the first Admiral's Cup. Myth of Malham went on to compete in five Admiral’s Cups, a record that has been achieved by no other yacht.

THE PLAN

May 2024 | Deacons Marina | River Hamble

The Myth of Malham is a non-stop race from Cowes to the Eddystone Lighthouse (just off Plymouth) and back over the bank holiday weekend and approx 235 nm.

• JOIN THE BOAT: Friday 3rd May - time: TBC

• OFF THE DOCK: Friday 3rd May - PM

• RACE START: Friday 3rd May - time: TBC

• BACK ON THE DOCK: Monday 6th May - AM (PM latest)

Good to know

• In case there are boat chores required ahead of the race, you might be asked for a little support by your skipper. It would be great if you could help out if necessary.

• As a long-distance race, be aware that you will be operating a watch system. This normally means that a crew is split up and alternates being on / off watch. Often it's 4hr shifts with shorter shifts from 16.00-18.00 and 18.00-20.00 to ensure that you are not always on watch at the same time of day/night.

• For the race start, the tide will be turning against the fleet, approximately 2hrs into the race. Being Neap tides this isn’t as severe as a Spring tide.