A few weeks ago, in December 2024, traditional boat builder Ben Harris announced his most daring project yet – building a John Alden-designed schooner.
Watch Ben present to Classic Yacht TV his lifelong aspiration to complete 'MALABAR IV' and have the yacht race-ready for the 2027 Fastnet Race when he hopes to race neck and neck against TALLY HO!
This video illustrates the first part of the boat-building process, 'lofting,' undertaken just before Christmas 2024. Watch Ben working alongside Rémi Guillet, who joined him for work experience from Les Ateliers de l'Enfer, a traditional maritime and boatbuilding training school in Brittany, France. Rémi provides insight into working with Ben, and together, they bring form to the numbers from John Alden's 'offset table' by drawing them out on the loft floor ready for patterning frames.
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Ben explains why MALABAR IV is his favourite out of the legendary 'Malabar series' penned by American yacht designer John G Alden between 1921 and 1945. Dissecting the schooner rig and a potential sail wardrobe, Ben talks about the ability to reduce sail in the interest of seamanship. He discusses his approach to financing this exciting project and issues 'a call to arms' for people interested in traditional boatbuilding to join him in Gweek, Cornwall (UK).
Apply to volunteer on the build of MALABAR IV via Ben Harris' website: https://bit.ly/MalabarIV-schooner-new-build
Shot and edited by Emily Harris / Classic Yacht TV
Book references:
John G. Alden and His Yacht Designs, Robert W. Carrick & Richard Henderson
The Schooner, David R MacGregor
Offshore: A Complete Introduction to Ocean Racing, [Fast Cruising...], JH Illingworth
British Ocean Racing, Douglas Phillips Birt
Credits:
Hart Nautical Collection, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Bartlett Library, National Maritime Museum Cornwall
History and Art Collection / Alamy Stock Photo
Music credits:
Ready For Any Challenge by Nick Kelly
Cold Mornings Slow Motion by Sand Diver
Aerials Secco by Yehezkel Raz
Murmuring by Yehezkel Raz
Happy Trails by Geva Alon
Stillness Solace by Fable Forte
A Journey's Epilogue by Yehezkel Raz
High Ace by Nick Poss