This race is a real sailing race that has plenty of history behind it and is also a qualifier for the Rolex Fastnet which First Class Sailing always has at least one 16 strong crew participating in.
The Race Is All About Tides
The first leg of the Myth of Malham follows the same path as the Fastnet so is an ideal eye-opener for sailors new to this route.
Expert hands will already know that the Royal Ocean Racing Club have got it right when they say this race takes in “the most challenging and perplexing tidal gates”.
The turning point is the Eddystone Lighthouse on the Eddystone Rocks, 130 nm from the starting gun at Cowes. The return leg see the crews rounding the Isle of Wight to arrive back at Cowes from the west.
Held on the last weekend in May it is a great sailing event that mixes adventure, bonding and honing the crew’s skills.
What Is The Myth of Malham?
She’s a yacht. A famous yacht in sailing circles, especially those who race.
The ‘Myth’ won the Fastnet Race in 1947 and 1949, and was part of the winning team for the first Admiral’s Cup in 1957.
Built in 1947 for Commander. J. H. Illingworth by Hugh McLean & Sons, Gourock, Scotland from a design by Laurent Giles to Illingworth’s specifications.
As you can read on Wikipedia this yacht was ahead of the racing curve…
“In a radical departure from the norms of the time, Myth of Malham was of light displacement, with short overhangs in contrast to the elongated overhangs of other yachts. Other innovations included a masthead rig, in which the forestay is carried all the way to the head of the mast, rather than terminating lower down the mast as on the fractional rigs which were the norm at the time. The rating rules at the time attached less significance to the area of headsails than of the mainsail, so the masthead rig effectively gave the boat “free” sail area.”
When you race in the Fastnet with First Class Sailing you’ll be on a Challenger Yacht, 72ft long and weighs (displaces) 48 tonnes. She has raced around the world twice and done many Rolex Fastnet races. The hull is made of steel making it extremely strong and capable of withstanding ferocious conditions if needed.
She is equipped to standard beyond that required by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the race organisers – the Royal Ocean Racing Club ( RORC ). She provides an extremely safe environment within which to participate in an event such as the Fastnet Race.
To Part of The Fastnet Adventure
As a sailor you will need some experience. you will need the ability to be versatile, dedicated, committed and a team player. You will also be enthusiastic about sailing and racing a yacht.
You won’t necessarily have racing experience but you’ll also need to have a reasonable level of fitness as racing can be physically demanding.
In return, completing this challenge will give you with a huge sense of achievement – and hopefully a great result!
As part of your preparations the FCS Fastnet Package includes an ISAF Offshore Safety Course and Sea Survival Course. You also might like to do Day Skipper Practical Course, along with a Day Skipper Theory Course or Coastal Skipper practical. Speak to the team in the office if you are not sure.
Follow the latest news about 2019’s Rolex Fastnet race on the FCS Fastnet Blog
Further reading
https://laurentgilesarchive.com/product/myth-of-malham/
