Test your skills and endurance as you set off from Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, on the thrilling 230 NM Myth of Malham Race towards the Eddystone Lighthouse and become part of yachting history!
Price: £465 per person
Prepare to join the ranks of avid sailors in one of the most esteemed races on the UK sailing calendar – the RORC Myth of Malham Race. This prestigious event, named after the iconic yacht that set its course record, invites you to become part of a thrilling contest that retraces the early stretch of the infamous Fastnet Race. From the historic Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes to the Eddystone Lighthouse and back, you'll be part of an exceptional crew on an adrenaline-fueled chase across the waves.
A demanding race that tests the skills and endurance of its participants, often requiring them to tackle a mix of coastal and offshore sailing conditions, navigate through complex tidal gates, and manage the ever-changing weather patterns of the English Channel. With the wind as your guide and the horizon as your limit, gear up for a sailing trial that will put your skills to the test and ignite your passion for the sea.
Due to the demands of the program this year, the Myth of Malham is moving back to the early May Bank Holiday slot in 2024. What a great way to spend a long weekend!
Why You’ll Love This Trip
Who The Trip Is For
Please note that this event starts and ends in Deacons Marina, Hamble near Southampton.
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)
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.
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 4-hour 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 to start, the tide will be turning against the fleet, approximately 2 hours into the race. Being Neap tides this isn’t as severe as a Spring tide.
The yacht will be based out of the river Hamble (Deacons marina) located close to Southampton which has excellent road, rail & air connections. The nearest airport is Southampton Airport. Heathrow & Gatwick airports are approx. 3hrs distance by road. We would recommend taking a taxi rather than the train from Southampton to Hamble.
The yacht will be based out of the river Hamble (Deacons marina) located close to Southampton which has excellent road, rail & air connections. The nearest airport is Southampton Airport. Heathrow & Gatwick airports are approx. 3hrs distance by road. We would recommend taking a taxi rather than the train from Hamble to Southampton.
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)
Deck Trainers/Sports trainers with non-marking soles
Trainer Socks
Sailing/Sports Shorts
Quick-drying materials are best so we recommend against wearing jeans
Tech Top/Sports Top
Fleece/Soft Shell Jacket
Fingerless Gloves
Cap/SunHat
Waterproof trousers/salopettes
Sailing Jacket
Watch
Sunglasses
Multi-tool
Electrical tape
Knee pads
Suncream
Insect repellant
Water bottle
Waterproof phone case
Remember to bring a sleeping bag for those trips that involve overnight stays on the boat