RORC Myth of Malham | Diverse Armada
Myth of Malham Race & Race 2: IRC 2H National Championship
Start : 10:30 BST Saturday May 24th, 2025
Course : Cowes – Eddystone Lighthouse-North Head Buoy (approx. 235nm)
Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with the Royal Yacht Squadron
The 2025 RORC Myth of Malham Race is set to be a thrilling chapter in offshore sailing, marking the sixth event in the RORC Season’s Points Championship—the world’s largest offshore racing series. This race also serves as the decisive finale for the IRC Two-Handed National Championship and the third instalment in the new RORC Cowes Offshore Racing Series.
Spanning approximately 235 nautical miles, the course mirrors the initial leg of the Rolex Fastnet Race, challenging sailors with complex tidal gates and headlands such as Anvil Point, St. Alban’s Head, Portland Bill, and Start Point.
Sun Fast 3600 Tigris © Paul Wyeth/RORC
Anticipation is high, with a huge variety of boats aiming to win the Myth of Malham Cup for the best corrected time under IRC. 150 boats are expected to compete—making it the largest RORC fleet since the record-breaking 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race. Notably, about 30 teams will contest the IRC Two-Handed division, vying for the national title.
TP52 Jolt 3 © Paul Wyeth/RORC
Adding to the excitement, the race will feature the first major confrontation among 12 boats preparing for the 2025 Admiral’s Cup, offering a glimpse into the strategies and performances of these elite teams.
With its blend of tactical complexity, competitive spirit, and historical significance, the 2025 Myth of Malham Race promises to be a standout event in the offshore racing calendar.
Squadron Line Start Cowes © Paul Wyeth/RORC
How to Follow the Race
• First Start: 10:30 BST, Saturday 24th May
• Best Viewing: The Parade, Cowes — a spectacular sight with canon fire for multiple starts.
• Race Tracking: All boats are fitted with satellite trackers, with live updates available throughout the race. YB Tracking Link – here Also available on Android or iOS devices free from your App. store (YB Races).
• Follow Online: Near real-time results via www.SailRaceHQ.com.
• Social Media: #RORCRacing on many platforms including Facebook, Instagram and X.
About the Myth of Malham
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.
A Historic Year for the RORC
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club—a century of dedication to offshore racing and international yachting excellence. The 2025 racing season is packed with exciting events. In June we'll have the conclusion of the West-East Transatlantic Race, followed in July with the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race where RORC celebrate 100 years since this famous race was first staged. The much-anticipated return of The Admiral's Cup will also be run in July and has attracted a world class fleet from around the globe.
For more information about the Royal Ocean Racing Club Centenary: Visit the RORC Centenary Page
