THE iconic Myth of Malham Race sets sail this weekend from Cowes — placing the Isle of Wight firmly at the centre of one of offshore racing’s most respected early-season tests.
A fleet of 45 IRC yachts and six multihulls will line up on the historic Royal Yacht Squadron start line at 10am on Saturday, with spectators expected to gather along Cowes Parade as crews make final preparations from 9am.
From this iconic Solent start, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) race sends competitors west towards the English Channel — rounding the famous Eddystone Lighthouse, before negotiating a demanding return to The Solent over a 235-nautical mile course.
Short enough to demand relentless intensity, but long enough to expose weaknesses, the Myth of Malham is renowned for punishing tidal strategy, boat speed and crew stamina.
READ MORE:
-
Channel race from Cowes to France ends with extraordinary 13‑second win margin
-
New Cowes Offshore Racing Series has become 'must-sail circuit' in The Solent
-
'Intense' Solent Super Series begins with 11 teams vying for coveted title
-
Cowes to host epic 50th anniversary 2026 Round Britain and Ireland Race
The opening stretch mirrors the early challenges of the Rolex Fastnet Race, often producing a tough beat west before fast, tactical running on the return.
This year’s fleet blends experienced offshore campaigns, double-handed specialists and Corinthian teams, with several close rivalries renewed following a dramatic 2025 edition.
Multihulls are expected to provide early pace, while the corrected time battle under IRC is likely to remain wide open, deep into the race.
As the second event in the 2026 Cowes Offshore Series, the race also reinforces the town’s status as a cornerstone of the RORC calendar, with all seven races in the series starting from the Isle of Wight.
Share